Indulging in a decadent treat on Valentine’s Day is a delightful tradition that many of us hold dear. This year, why not elevate your dessert game with something that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious? Enter the indulgent strawberry shortcake brownies! At first glance, you might think these are just another standard brownie, but they boast layers of rich flavor, creamy frosting, and a hint of nostalgia that speaks to the heart.

Table of Contents

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

Picture this: a luscious brownie base infused with strawberry flavor, topped with rich cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, but they take on a special charm when shared with loved ones. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a fun gathering with friends, these Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies will surely impress. Let’s get ready to create something delightful together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Easy to whip up in under 30 minutes, plus cooling time!
Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the delightful combination of rich brownie, creamy frosting, and fruity strawberry notes.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant pinks and whites make them a stunning centerpiece for any celebration.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, cozy nights in, or as a sweet surprise for someone special.
Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is not gluten-free, you can always experiment with gluten-free cake mix.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 strawberry cake mix: This is the base of your brownies, bringing that delicious strawberry flavor right from the start. A fun alternative could be a vanilla cake mix for a classic twist!
½ cup salted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness to your brownies. Unsalted butter works too; just add a pinch of salt.
2 large eggs: Essential for binding the mixture together. Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: This enhances both the color and flavor of the brownies. You can replace it with raspberry gelatin if desired.
8-ounce block cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient in your frosting, providing creaminess and a slight tang.
¼ cup salted butter, softened: This creates a smooth and fluffy frosting. Again, unsalted butter can be used if preferred.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor that complements the strawberry perfectly.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the right consistency.
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting’s texture for that perfect spreadability.
20 golden Oreos (about ½ standard package): Adds a delightful crunch and a contrasting flavor. Feel free to swap in a different cookie, like chocolate or vanilla wafers!
4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin, the remaining amount: To create a delightful sprinkle for the Oreos.
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Helps bind the Oreo crumbles together.

How to Make Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper and give it a light spray with non-stick cooking spray to ensure that your brownies come out easily.

Mix the Brownie Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of melted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. Stir until everything is well mixed; the batter will be thick.

Spread and Bake: Using a rubber spatula, carefully spread the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, set aside to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined. Add in ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream, continuing to beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Look at that decadent layer of frosting—it’s hard to resist already!

Make the Oreo Crumbles: In a food processor, pulse 20 golden Oreos until they become coarse crumbs, making sure to leave some larger chunks for added texture. Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin over these crumbs, then drizzle with 4 tablespoons of melted butter, pulsing a few more times until combined.

Finish Up: Generously sprinkle the Oreo crumbles over the frosted brownies. Press them gently into the frosting to ensure they’re well adhered.

Cut and Serve: Finally, cut your masterpiece into squares and serve. These treats are as beautiful as they are delicious!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week. For extended storage, consider freezing them in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but a quick reheat works wonders!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be cautious not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added to the brownie batter; this keeps them tender.
For perfectly creamy frosting, ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
You can make the brownie base a day in advance—just store it covered in the refrigerator to save time on the day of serving.
For a fun twist, consider adding fresh strawberries on top along with the crumbles for extra flair.
Adjust the consistency of the frosting by changing the amount of heavy cream to your liking.

Sharing delicious treats like these brownies is what brings us all together. Remember, the joy of baking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating something special that you and your loved ones can savor. So grab your mixing bowl and let your creativity shine!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While the strawberry flavor is a key highlight in the Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies, feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla, lemon, or chocolate cake mix for a different twist.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make these brownies gluten-free, simply swap the regular strawberry cake mix for a gluten-free version. Most brands provide a 1:1 replacement that works beautifully in recipes.

Can I add fresh fruit to the brownies?

Certainly! Adding sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese frosting before sprinkling the Oreo crumbles would give you that fresh, fruity twist. Just be mindful that adding fresh fruit may affect the shelf life.

What’s the best way to cut brownies?

For clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp, non-serrated knife and cleaning it in between each cut. This ensures that your brownies don’t get squished and look beautiful when served!

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Valentine 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 Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are a delightful blend of strawberry cake and cream cheese frosting, topped with Golden Oreos. Perfect for celebrations!

Ingredients

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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. Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, spray with non-stick cooking spray, and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together ½ cup melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin until well combined. The batter will be thick.
Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish using a rubber spatula. Bake for 25 minutes and then cool completely.
In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until mixed well. Add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies.
In a food processor, pulse Golden Oreos until broken into pieces, leaving some larger chunks for texture.
Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the cookie crumbs, drizzle with melted butter, and pulse a few more times until mixed together.
Sprinkle the cookie crumbles over the strawberry brownies and press them down into the frosting.
Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For a more intense strawberry flavor, you could add fresh strawberries on top of the brownies before slicing.
Make sure to let the brownies cool completely before adding the frosting for best results.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.