Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Strawberry Shortcake Brownies and cream have always been a classic combination, but have you ever thought about turning that irresistible flavor duo into a decadent, rich, and delightfully sweet brownie? If not, then get ready to fall head over heels for Strawberry Shortcake Brownies. This recipe takes everything you love about strawberry shortcake and turns it into a luscious brownie that’s soft, fruity, and topped with the creamiest cream cheese frosting you could imagine. But we don’t stop there. To take things to the next level, we finish these brownies off with a crunchy strawberry shortcake crumble topping that gives you that perfect bite every single time.

These brownies are the perfect treat for strawberry lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. They’re sweet, rich, and bursting with strawberry flavor in every layer. Plus, they’re gorgeous to look at, with their pretty pink color and vibrant crumble topping. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, a fun weekend baking project, or simply because you’re craving something sweet and fruity, Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Strawberry Shortcake Brownies recipe. It’s one of those treats that looks like it took hours of effort but comes together in no time at all. Here’s why you’re going to adore this recipe:

Easy to Make: Despite the luxurious taste and beautiful presentation, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you can create a dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery. Plus, it’s mostly a matter of mixing, baking, and assembling—no complicated techniques required.

Bursting with Strawberry Flavor: From the strawberry brownie base to the crunchy crumble topping, this recipe packs a serious punch of strawberry goodness. Using strawberry cake mix and strawberry gelatin ensures that the fruity flavor is rich and bold in every bite.

Creamy and Dreamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is a game-changer. It’s rich, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet to balance the fruity flavor of the brownie base. It also adds that wonderful creamy texture that pairs so beautifully with the dense brownie.

The Perfect Contrast: One of the best parts of this recipe is the combination of textures. You have the soft and chewy brownie, the creamy and fluffy frosting, and the crunchy, buttery crumble topping. Every bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Health Benefits Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Let’s be real—these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are a decadent treat. They’re meant to be enjoyed and savored without too much worry about calories or fat content. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make some tweaks to enhance the healthfulness of this dessert. While this recipe is certainly more of a dessert than a health food, there are some potential benefits and ways to make it a bit lighter if you prefer.

Strawberries’ Nutritional Benefits: While this recipe uses strawberry-flavored products rather than fresh strawberries, you can still add real strawberries to the mix if you want to boost the nutritional profile. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, and potassium. They are also low in calories and high in fiber, which can support heart health and improve digestion.

Portion Control: Since these brownies are cut into individual squares, portion control is made easy. You can enjoy one or two pieces without overindulging. This also makes it easier to share with friends or save some for later.

Calcium and Protein: The cream cheese used in the frosting provides a modest amount of calcium and protein. While it’s not a significant source, every little bit counts, especially when you’re trying to justify enjoying a delicious dessert.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy strawberry shortcake brownies:

 Brownies:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix (Any brand will do, but I love Duncan Hines for its vibrant strawberry flavor.)
• ½ cup salted butter, melted (Salted butter adds a subtle richness that balances the sweetness.)
• 2 large eggs (At room temperature for easier mixing.)
• 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (For that extra burst of strawberry flavor and gorgeous pink color.)

 Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before starting.)
• ¼ cup salted butter, softened (Adding butter to the frosting makes it creamy and smooth.)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (Pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (Just enough sweetness without overpowering the creamy texture.)
• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (To make your frosting perfectly fluffy and spreadable.)

 Strawberry Shortcake Crumble:

• 20 Golden Oreos (About half of a standard package; you want them coarsely crushed.)
• 4 tbsp strawberry gelatin (Adds vibrant color and flavor to the crumble.)
• 4 tbsp salted butter, melted (Helps bind the crumble together and adds a rich, buttery finish.)

Instructions

Ready to make the most irresistible strawberry dessert ever? Here’s how:

 1: Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
• Spray the parchment paper with non-stick spray for extra insurance.

 2: Prepare the Strawberry Brownie Base

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and strawberry gelatin.
• Stir everything together until well combined. The batter will be thick, almost like cookie dough, so don’t worry if it feels heavier than traditional brownie batter.
• Pro Tip: Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to mix—this batter is too thick for a whisk.

 3: Bake the Brownies

• Spread the thick strawberry batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.
• Smooth the top with your spatula to make sure it bakes evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
• You’ll know it’s ready when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
• Let the brownies cool completely before frosting. (This is important! Frosting warm brownies will turn into a melty mess.)

 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

• While your brownies are cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until creamy and smooth.
• Add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
• Add heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. You want it to be creamy but thick enough to hold up the crumble.

 5: Frost the Brownies

• Once your brownies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
• Use a spatula or butter knife to create smooth swirls—nothing fancy needed.

 6: Make the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble

• Place the Golden Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they’re coarsely crushed. You want some small pieces and crumbs, not powder.
• Add the strawberry gelatin and melted butter to the food processor.
• Pulse again until everything is well-combined. The mixture should look crumbly but slightly moist.

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Step 7: Add the Crumble & Serve

• Sprinkle the strawberry crumble evenly over the frosted brownies.
• Gently press the crumble down with your hands so it sticks to the frosting.
• Cut into squares and serve. They’re best enjoyed chilled but are absolutely delicious at room temperature, too.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are a showstopper all on their own, but here are some fun serving ideas to take them to the next level:

Chilled Perfection:

• Store them in the fridge for a chilled, refreshing treat. The coolness makes the frosting and crumble even more satisfying.

Berry Garnish:

• Top each piece with a fresh strawberry or a dollop of whipped cream to add even more strawberry goodness.

Dessert Platter:

• Serve them on a platter with fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a stunning, colorful presentation.

Ice Cream Dream:

• Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for the ultimate dessert combo.

Pairing Suggestions

You can’t go wrong with these brownies, but here’s how to make the experience even better:

Drinks:

• Serve with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
• Try them with a refreshing iced latte or strawberry milkshake.
• A simple cup of tea or coffee also balances the sweetness beautifully.

Other Desserts:

• Layer the brownies with vanilla pudding and fresh strawberries for a fun trifle.
• Serve with lemon sorbet to add a tart, refreshing contrast.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storing:

• Store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• They’re best enjoyed chilled for that perfect creamy, crunchy texture.

Freezing:

• Place individual brownie squares on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing & Reheating:

• Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• While these are best enjoyed cold, you can reheat a piece in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer a warm, gooey treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are heavenly, but a few common mistakes can make them fall short of their luscious potential. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Overmixing the Batter:
   The strawberry brownie batter is supposed to be thick and slightly sticky. Mixing it too vigorously or too long can lead to dense, tough brownies instead of the soft, cakey texture you want. As soon as the ingredients are well-combined, stop mixing.

2. Skipping the Parchment Paper:
   You might think spraying your baking dish with non-stick spray is enough, but these brownies are sticky! Parchment paper not only helps prevent sticking but also makes it way easier to lift the brownies out for cleaner cuts.

3. Overbaking the Brownies:
   Strawberry brownies are best when they’re soft and slightly underbaked in the middle. If you bake them until a toothpick comes out completely clean, you’ve gone too far. Pull them out when the edges are set, and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

4. Using Cold Cream Cheese for Frosting:
   Cold cream cheese is hard to beat into a smooth frosting and can leave you with unpleasant lumps. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing for that silky, creamy finish.

5. Not Letting Brownies Cool Completely Before Frosting:
   If you spread frosting over warm brownies, it will melt and become a mess. Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting to keep things neat and tasty.

6. Improperly Making the Crumble:
   If you over-process the Golden Oreos, you’ll end up with a powder instead of a crumble. Just pulse a few times until you get coarse crumbs for that perfect crunchy topping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

These pro tips will help you create the ultimate strawberry dessert that everyone will be raving about:

1. Chill the Brownies Before Cutting:
   For clean, picture-perfect squares, place your frosted brownies in the fridge for 30–60 minutes before cutting. This helps the frosting set and makes slicing super easy.

2. Use High-Quality Strawberry Gelatin:
   Using good-quality strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O) adds not only vibrant color but also enhances the strawberry flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that gives these brownies their delightful fruity kick.

3. Adjust Sweetness in the Frosting:
   If you prefer a less sweet frosting, start with ½ cup of powdered sugar and taste before adding more. For an extra-rich and creamy texture, add an extra tablespoon of heavy cream.

4. Add Fresh Strawberries (Optional):
   If you’re a strawberry lover, fold in some chopped fresh strawberries into the batter for bursts of real fruit flavor. Just be sure to pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.

5. Make It Ahead:
   This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. The brownies can be baked and frosted a day in advance and kept in the fridge. Just add the crumble topping before serving for maximum crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use homemade strawberry cake mix instead of boxed mix?
Yes, you can! However, you’ll need to make sure your mix has the right consistency and sweetness. A homemade mix might have a different texture, but it can still work beautifully.

2. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Definitely. If using unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to the brownie batter and frosting to enhance the flavors.

3. Can I use a different kind of cookie for the crumble topping?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Golden Oreos or want a twist, try vanilla wafers or even shortbread cookies. For an extra strawberry punch, you can even mix in crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

4. How do I store these brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

5. Can I make this recipe without the gelatin?
Yes, but keep in mind the strawberry flavor won’t be as pronounced. If you prefer to skip the gelatin, consider adding a little strawberry extract for extra flavor.

6. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. The bake time may increase by a few minutes, so keep an eye on them.

7. What if I don’t have a food processor for the crumble?
No problem! Place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have coarse crumbs.

8. Can I add other toppings to these brownies?
Sure! Drizzle white chocolate or add some sliced fresh strawberries on top for a pretty finish.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are like a strawberry lover’s dream come true—sweet, fruity, creamy, and loaded with crunch. With their vibrant pink color and luscious cream cheese frosting topped with that Golden Oreo crumble, they’re not only delicious but also absolutely gorgeous!

The best part? They’re so easy to make. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family picnic, a summer BBQ, or just because you’re craving something special, these brownies are sure to impress. Plus, they’re super versatile—swap the Golden Oreos for another favorite cookie, add fresh strawberries, or drizzle with white chocolate for a fun twist.

Now it’s your turn! Give these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies a try and let me know how they turn out. Did you keep it classic or put your own spin on them? I’d love to hear about your delicious creations.

And if you’re feeling extra generous, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see how amazing your brownies look! Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet, strawberry-filled bite!

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