Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe
If you love the nostalgia of strawberry shortcake and the irresistible decadence of a brownie, then Strawberry Shortcake Brownies were made just for you! Imagine a chewy, rosy-pink strawberry blondie layer, topped with a cloud of rich cream cheese frosting and mountain of buttery golden cookie crumbles—each bite is a swoon-worthy celebration of classic flavors and playful textures. These bars are a cheerful twist on two favorite desserts, and whether you’re sharing with friends, baking for a party, or simply looking for a sweet pick-me-up, Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are about to become your new signature treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are blissfully easy to throw together, thanks to a handful of shortcut ingredients that deliver big flavor and color. Each element brings something important, from the bold strawberry flavor to the creamy frosting and nostalgic cookie crumble topping.
- Strawberry cake mix: This is the magic shortcut, packing both flavor and stunning pink color right into the base of your brownies.
- Salted butter (melted): Ensures supremely rich, moist bars with just the right salty balance for the sweet fruitiness.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and keep the brownies tender and chewy.
- Strawberry gelatin: Brightens the flavor and deepens the pink hue—plus, it goes in both the bars and the crumble for double the strawberry punch.
- Cream cheese (softened): The hero ingredient for a tangy-sweet frosting that’s irresistible.
- Salted butter (softened): Adds creaminess and structure to the frosting for silky results.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warm, bakery-style aroma and balances the tang of the cream cheese.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreading consistency.
- Heavy cream: Fluffs up the frosting, making it gloriously spreadable and light.
- Golden Oreos: These cookies add delightful crunch and that signature “shortcake” character on top.
- Salted butter (melted, for crumble): Brings the cookie crumble together and amps up that buttery goodness on top.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. For easy removal and nice, neat squares, line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper and give it a quick mist of non-stick spray. This simple step makes a world of difference when it’s time to slice and serve.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together ½ cup melted butter, the eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. Don’t worry if the batter is a little on the thick side; that’s exactly what you want for dense, chewy brownies that hold up under layers of goodness.
Step 3: Bake the Base
Scrape the vibrant pink batter into your prepared pan and use a rubber spatula to coax it into the corners. Bake for about 25 minutes—the top will look set, but the interior should remain soft. Allow the strawberry brownies to cool completely in the pan before moving on.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until totally smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream, then beat again until you have a fluffy, glossy frosting that’s perfect for spreading.
Step 5: Frost the Brownies
Dollop all the frosting onto your cooled strawberry brownie base. Spread it out to the edges in a thick, even layer. Nobody’s ever complained about too much cream cheese frosting, so don’t be shy!
Step 6: Crush the Golden Oreos
Add the Golden Oreos to the bowl of your food processor and pulse just until you have chunky crumbs. A few bigger cookie pieces are a good thing—they’ll provide that classic “shortcake” bite.
Step 7: Make the Strawberry Cookie Crumble
Sprinkle the remaining 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin over your cookie crumbs, then drizzle with 4 tablespoons melted butter. Pulse again, just a few quick times, until everything’s lightly coated and combines into a strawberry-studded crumble.
Step 8: Top the Brownies With Crumble
Shower the cookie crumble generously over the frosted brownies, then gently press it into the frosting. The goal is for each bite to catch a bit of buttery crunch along with creaminess and chewy berry sweetness.
Step 9: Cut and Serve
Use the parchment to lift everything out onto a cutting board. Slice into squares—aim for at least nine big or sixteen smaller bars—and get ready for a wave of oohs and ahhs when you present your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies!
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Garnishes
A few fresh strawberry slices or a tiny sprig of mint take these brownies from bake sale treat to beautiful dessert tray centerpiece. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can add a delicate touch—especially if you’re presenting these at a bridal shower or birthday brunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies with something creamy, like a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side. If you’re after a contrast, a glass of cold milk or a mug of coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack squares on a pretty cake stand for a whimsical look, or serve each brownie in a cupcake liner for grab-and-go elegance. For a more playful twist, cut your brownies into hearts, stars, or rounds using cookie cutters—kids will love them, and adults can’t resist either!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting means these are best kept chilled, and they’ll stay dreamy and moist for up to five days.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some away for a rainy day, simply wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a zipper bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months; just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
These bars are made to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you’d like to take the chill off straight from the fridge, 10–15 seconds in the microwave does the trick. Don’t overheat or the frosting may melt!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor instead of strawberry?
Strawberry cake mix is what gives these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies their signature flavor and vibrant color, but you could certainly experiment with white or vanilla cake mix for a milder taste. Just keep in mind you’ll lose some of that iconic strawberry punch.
What’s the best way to crush the Golden Oreos if I don’t have a food processor?
If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a sturdy zip-top bag and take a rolling pin or heavy can to them. Aim for chunky crumbs rather than fine powder for the best shortcake texture on top.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free strawberry cake mix and swap the Golden Oreos for a gluten-free vanilla sandwich cookie. Confirm all other ingredients are gluten-free to be safe.
Do the Strawberry Shortcake Brownies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, these brownies should be stored in the refrigerator. Take them out a little ahead of serving if you prefer them softer.
Can I make this recipe in a larger pan for a crowd?
You can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may take a few minutes longer, so test with a toothpick for doneness. Everyone will be glad you made extra!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch of these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies and experience just how effortlessly they steal the show. From picnics to parties to sweet solo treats, they’re pure happiness in a bar—go on and treat yourself, you deserve it!
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Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, combining the flavors of strawberry cake mix, cream cheese frosting, and Golden Oreos for a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 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
For the Topping:
- 20 Golden Oreos
- 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: 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.
- Mix the Brownie Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin until well mixed. Spread the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla. Add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beat until smooth.
- Assemble the Brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Make the Topping: In a food processor, pulse Golden Oreos until broken into pieces. Sprinkle with strawberry gelatin and melted butter, pulse until combined.
- Finish the Brownies: Sprinkle the cookie crumbles over the brownies and press down into the frosting.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Brownies, Strawberry Brownies Recipe, Dessert Recipe, Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
