Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe

Let me tell you why this Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites to make for dessert nights. It’s that nostalgic strawberry shortcake vibe you love but with the fudgy, rich chewiness of a brownie base — yup, you get the best of both worlds! The combination of strawberry cake mix, creamy frosting, and a crunchy Oreo crumble top just hits all the right notes for a sweet treat that’s way more exciting than your usual brownie.

Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or just craving a fun twist on a classic, this recipe is a winner. I always find it’s a fantastic conversation starter because it’s a little unexpected — like, who knew you could pair strawberry gelatin so perfectly with a brownie? Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull together, so you don’t have to be a baking pro to impress your friends or family with this delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients come together in a dreamy way, balancing fruity sweetness, creamy texture, and a touch of buttery crunch. I always recommend using fresh eggs and good quality cream cheese for that silky frosting that makes this Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe so irresistible.

• Strawberry cake mix: This is your flavor base; I use the regular boxed kind — it keeps things simple and tasty.
• Salted butter: Melted for the brownies and softened for the frosting, butter adds richness and moisture.
• Large eggs: They help bind everything and make the brownies nice and chewy.
• Strawberry gelatin: Adds extra strawberry punch and a slightly tangy note; split the amount between the brownie base and the crumble topping.
• Cream cheese: The star of the frosting—softened cream cheese creates that luscious, slightly tangy frosting perfect for cutting the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: A splash enhances all the flavors in the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without any grit — it melts in beautifully.
• Heavy cream: Just a little to loosen the frosting, making it spreadable but still thick.
• Golden Oreos: Crumbled for that irresistible shortcake-inspired crunch; make sure you crush them finely but keep some texture.

Variations

One of the best things about the Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love tweaking recipes, and you will too once you find what suits your style and dietary needs.

• Gluten-free version: I swapped the strawberry cake mix for a gluten-free option and used gluten-free Oreos. It’s just as delicious and perfect for friends avoiding gluten.
• More berries: Adding fresh sliced strawberries on top before frosting gives it an extra juicy pop that I love when strawberries are in season.
• Chocolate twist: For a richer taste, add mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter — it makes it feel extra indulgent in my book.
• Vegan adaptation: I’ve experimented using vegan butter and flax eggs before, plus dairy-free cream cheese. It works, though you might notice a slight texture difference.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Brownie Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or a light buttering—this helps you lift the brownies out easily later. In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and half of the strawberry gelatin. Stir everything until smooth; you want a nice, even batter with no clumps. Pour it into the pan and spread it out evenly — here’s a tip I swear by: use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get the surface as smooth as possible.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble

While the base bakes for about 20 minutes, crush those Golden Oreos into coarse crumbs — you want a mix of fine crumbs and slightly chunkier pieces for that perfect texture. Then, mix the crushed Oreos with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter and strawberry gelatin until everything is evenly coated. After the brownie layer comes out of the oven, sprinkle this crumble evenly on top and then pop the pan back in for another 5-7 minutes to let the crumble set and lightly toast.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your brownies cool, it’s frosting time. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy — I like to use a hand mixer for this as it makes the process swift and gives such a lovely texture. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, then beat again until creamy. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream little by little until you get the perfect spreadable consistency. Be careful not to add too much or you’ll end up with a runny frosting.

Step 4: Frost and Chill

Once the crumble topping is completely cool, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting over the top in an even layer. This cooling step is crucial because if the crumble is still warm, the frosting will melt and get messy — trust me, I’ve learned the hard way! After frosting, refrigerate the brownies for at least an hour so everything sets perfectly before slicing.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a few thin slices of fresh strawberries on top of the frosting right before serving — it brightens up the look and adds a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy and crunchy layers. A light dusting of powdered sugar also makes these brownies look irresistible, especially for photos or special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also go surprisingly well with a cup of hot coffee or a simple glass of cold milk — great combos that highlight the strawberry flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at birthday parties, I’ve layered these brownies in clear glass jars alternating with whipped cream to create a dessert parfait inspired by the recipe. Another time, I cut the brownies into mini squares and served them on a platter decorated with fresh strawberry halves and mint leaves — it looked stunning and disappeared fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge because that cream cheese frosting needs cool temps or it’ll spoil quickly. They stay moist and delicious for about 4-5 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my kitchen!

Freezing

If you want to freeze these, slice them first, then place parchment paper between each brownie square and store in an airtight freezer bag. I’ve frozen them successfully for up to two months — just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

I usually enjoy these brownies cold from the fridge, but if you prefer warm treats, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens them nicely without melting the frosting. Just be cautious not to overheat or the cream cheese can start to separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe is truly one of those fun, unexpected treats that never fails to impress everyone I share it with. I love how the layers come together — the fudgy brownie, tangy frosting, and crunchy crumble. If you want to delight your friends or just treat yourself with something a little different yet comforting, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a go. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to desserts for any occasion.

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