Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Valentine’s Day is a delightful occasion filled with love, affection, and of course, indulgent treats. I remember the first time I stumbled upon a recipe that transformed classic strawberry shortcake into something even more decadent—brownies! These Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are a unique twist on the traditional dessert, merging rich, fudgy brownie goodness with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting and crunchy Golden Oreo crumble. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, where the sweetness of strawberries meets the buttery richness of brownies, creating a delightful confection that’s perfect for sharing with someone special.
Table of Contents
What makes these brownies even more appealing is their simple preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and the promise of only 30 minutes of hands-on time, you can whip up a batch that will impress anyone. Whether you’re celebrating with your partner, hosting a Galentine’s gathering, or treating yourself to something sweet, these brownies are sure to hit the spot. Trust me; once you take your first bite, you’ll be ready to make these Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies a staple in your dessert rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With only 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious brownies ready to wow your guests in a flash.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of strawberry and brownie is heavenly, with the cream cheese frosting adding an extra layer of creamy goodness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and textures make these brownies a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free cake mix or dairy-free ingredients!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 strawberry cake mix: This is the foundation of our brownies, providing that sweet strawberry flavor. You can use any brand you prefer.
- ½ cup salted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies. Unsalted butter works too but adjust the salt accordingly.
- 2 large eggs: They help bind the mixture and give the brownies a fudgy texture; room temperature eggs are best.
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: This enhances the strawberry flavor, providing a lovely fruitiness throughout the brownies.
- 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened: It makes for a luxuriously creamy frosting. Use full-fat for the best results!
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened: Used in the frosting for added flavor and creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-add to enhance the overall flavor profile of the frosting.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without making it grainy.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Adds a velvety texture to the frosting. Substitute with milk for a lighter option.
- 20 Golden Oreos, about ½ standard package: These add a delightful crunch and a second layer of flavor; you can substitute with any favorite cookie if you prefer.
- 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin, remaining: To sprinkle over the cookie crumble, intensifying the strawberry experience.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Binds the cookie crumbs together, adding moisture and flavor.
How to Make Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This allows for even baking, ensuring your brownies come out perfectly set.
Mix Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin. Stir until everything is well combined; the batter will be thick but smooth.
Spread and Bake: Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly into a lined 8×8-inch glass baking dish. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the dish on a wire rack.
Make Frosting: While your brownies cool, beat together 8 ounces cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add in ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream, beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This frosting is where the magic happens!
Process Oreos: In the bowl of a food processor, pulse 20 Golden Oreos until they are crushed, leaving some larger chunks for texture.
Combine Crumbs: Sprinkle the remaining 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin over the cookie crumbs, and drizzle with 4 tablespoons melted butter. Pulse a few more times until combined—it should be a damp mixture.
Assemble: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Then, sprinkle the Oreo mixture on top, pressing it gently into the frosting. This adds a delightful crunch and looks absolutely stunning.
Cut and Serve: Finally, cut the brownies into squares. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later, if you can resist!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last about a week. You can also freeze them—just wrap each square tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just remember, the texture may change slightly, so enjoy them fresh for the best experience!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always let your cream cheese come to room temperature for a smoother frosting; cold cream cheese can cause lumps.
- If the brownie batter feels too thick, you can add a splash of water or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; cooling fully ensures clean cuts and helps the flavors meld together.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the brownies—they’ll slice through the soft frosting without squishing it.
- Feeling adventurous? Try adding fresh strawberries on top of the frosting for extra pizzazz!
These Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are a match made in dessert heaven. The mix of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors not only makes them appetizing but also a perfect treat for any occasion. They promise to bring smiles and sweet moments to any gathering, whether big or small.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While strawberry is wonderful, you can use any flavor of cake mix that you love. Chocolate or vanilla might be delicious options as well!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
You can prepare these brownies a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator once they’re frosted and let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
How do I ensure my brownies are fudgy?
For ultra-fudgy brownies, avoid overbaking them. Keep an eye on them, and remember that they will continue to set as they cool.
Are there gluten-free options?
Yes, you can substitute the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free version. Just make sure your other ingredients, like the cookies and cream cheese, are also gluten-free-friendly!
These brownies are not only fun to make but also incredible to eat, so gather your ingredients and get baking! Enjoy each indulgent bite, and don’t forget to share—with love, of course.
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
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- Rich Chocolate Mousse
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📖 Recipe Card
Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies feature a delicious strawberry flavor, an easy-to-follow preparation process, and key ingredients like cream cheese and Golden Oreos, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 20 golden oreos, about ½ standard package
- 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin, the remaining amount
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. Mix until well combined; the batter will be thick.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, and vanilla extract until mixed well. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, continuing to beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled brownies.
- In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos until they are in crumbs, leaving some larger chunks for texture.
- Mix the remaining 4 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin with the cookie crumbs and melted butter in the processor, pulsing until well combined.
- Sprinkle the cookie mixture over the cream cheese frosting on the brownies and gently press down.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Make sure to let the brownies cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent melting.
This dessert is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Feel free to substitute with low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
