With the sweet taste of summer shining through, these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. Combining the soft, chewy texture of brownies with luscious strawberry flavors, they’re a treat that charms every palate. Imagine the vibrant pink hues of the rich strawberry cake mix melding with the creamy frosting, creating a visual feast that’s just as tempting as it is delicious. These brownies are sure to become a favorite in your home, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in an afternoon treat.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and the nostalgic flavors that remind us of warm summer days. Perfectly balanced between sweetness and the ever-refreshing taste of strawberries, these brownies are portable, making them ideal for picnics, barbecues, or even a quiet night in with a good book. The best part? They cater to varying tastes and preferences, ensuring everyone can find a reason to love them. I can’t wait for you to try these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies and add them to your own recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a batch of delightful brownies ready to serve.
Irresistible Flavor: Who can resist the combination of creamy frosting and tasty strawberry cake?
Eye-Catching Appeal: These brownies are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their vibrant color and creamy topping.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy family gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily substitute gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 strawberry cake mix: This forms the base of our brownies and brings that signature strawberry flavor. You can substitute it with a gluten-free cake mix if needed.
½ cup salted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies. If you prefer, unsalted butter works too, just add a pinch of salt.
2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and creating a soft, chewy texture.
2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: Enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a fun, fruity note. Feel free to use any berry gelatin for a twist!
8 ounce block cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, creamy frosting that complements the brownie base beautifully.
¼ cup salted butter, softened: For the frosting, this adds a silky texture and richness. Again, you can use unsalted butter here.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Essential for rounding out the flavors in both the brownies and frosting.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese frosting and gives it that desirable fluffy texture.
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Used in the frosting to achieve the right spreadable consistency.
20 golden oreos, about ½ standard package: Adds a delicious crunchy layer on top of the brownies. Any similar cookie can work in a pinch.
4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin, the remaining amount: To sprinkle on the cookie layer for extra strawberry flavor.
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Mixed with the cookie crumbles to help them adhere nicely atop the frosting.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 8×8-inch glass baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures easy removal of the brownies after baking.

Mix the batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin. Mix everything together until well combined; it can get a bit thick, but that’s just what we want for chewy, gooey brownies.

Spread and bake: Carefully transfer the thick batter into your prepared baking dish using a rubber spatula, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, set aside and allow to cool completely.

Make the frosting: While the brownies are cooling, take a mixing bowl and beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add in ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, mixing until fluffy and well combined. The frosting should be light and creamy, perfect for spreading.

Frost the brownies: Once your brownies have cooled completely, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, ensuring a nice blanket of sweetness.

Prepare the cookie crumbles: Take your food processor and pulse 20 Golden Oreos until they are broken down into crumbs, leaving some larger chunks for that delightful crunch. This adds a fun texture contrast!

Mix in the strawberry gelatin: Sprinkle the remaining 4 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin over the crushed Oreos. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons of melted butter and pulse a few more times until everything is just combined.

Top the brownies: Sprinkle the Oreo crumble mixture over the frosted brownies, gently pressing it into the frosting to ensure it sticks well.

Cut and serve: Finally, cut your brownies into squares and serve! These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are delightful both as a dessert or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Storing & Reheating

Store the Strawberry Shortcake Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them chilled, they will keep well in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until just warm. Note that while freezing can slightly alter the texture, a quick microwave refresh can bring back some of the original softness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a velvety smooth frosting.
Don’t overmix your batter; overworking it can lead to dense brownies.
For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting.
Keep an eye on baking times; ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
Use fresh strawberries as a garnish before serving for a fresh touch—just remember to wait to add them until right before serving to avoid sogginess.

These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are the perfect combination of flavors and textures—each bite is a delightful experience that will have your friends and family asking for seconds. Don’t hesitate to get a bit creative; swap in different flavors of gelatin or mix up the frosting. You might just stumble upon your new go-to dessert! Enjoy the satisfying blend of strawberry and creamy goodness, and don’t forget to share your baking adventures with those you love.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix, and you’ll have delicious Strawberry Shortcake Brownies that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you’re looking to cut down on sweetness, consider adding a little extra cream cheese or even a touch of sour cream. The tanginess will balance the sweetness of the powdered sugar nicely.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Certainly! These brownies hold up well in the fridge and can be made a day or two ahead of your gathering. Just frost them right before serving for the freshest taste.

What can I substitute for Golden Oreos?

If you don’t have Golden Oreos on hand, any similar crunchy cookie will work—think vanilla wafers or even graham crackers for a different flavor profile!

These tips should help enhance your baking experience, making this delightful dessert even more enjoyable!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

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Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 120 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies bring together the delightful flavor of strawberry cake mix and creamy frosting, creating an irresistible treat that’s easy to prepare! Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8×8-inch glass baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin until well blended; the batter will be thick.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla until blended. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies evenly.
Crush the Golden Oreos in a food processor until you have a mix of crumbles and some larger pieces.
Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the crushed cookies, drizzle with melted butter, and pulse a few more times until combined.
Distribute the cookie crumbles on top of the strawberry brownies and press gently into the frosting.
Cut the brownies into squares and serve.

Notes

Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before adding the frosting for best texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Feel free to substitute with regular Oreos if golden Oreos are not available.