Have you ever craved a classic dessert but wanted to try something a little different? That’s exactly how this fun recipe came to be. It has all the lovely flavors of a traditional Strawberry Shortcake but in a totally new and exciting form. Think chewy strawberry brownies topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and a sweet, crunchy crumble. It’s pure happiness in a square.
This recipe brings back all the good feelings, sort of like that classic Strawberry Shortcake 90S cartoon vibe. It’s colorful, sweet, and just so much fun to make and eat. The beautiful pink color and crumbly topping give it a wonderful Strawberry Shortcake Aesthetic that’s great for sharing online or just enjoying at home. Let’s get baking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, it’s incredibly easy. We use a strawberry cake mix as the base, which saves a ton of time and effort. You get that delicious strawberry flavor baked right in without any fuss. It’s a great recipe for beginners or when you need a dessert in a pinch.
The combination of textures is just fantastic. You have the dense, chewy brownie layer, followed by a smooth and creamy frosting. Then, the whole thing is finished with a crunchy, buttery cookie crumble. Every single bite is a wonderful experience.
Plus, this dessert looks amazing. The pretty pink brownie base and the golden crumble topping create a beautiful contrast. It has that lovely Strawberry Shortcake Aesthetic that is sure to impress your friends and family at any gathering. It’s a treat for the eyes and the taste buds.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather to create this delightful treat. We have broken it down into three simple parts: the brownies, the frosting, and that amazing crumble topping. Don’t worry, the list is full of simple ingredients.
For The Brownies
- 1 strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons strawberry flavored plant based gelling powder
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 Strawberry Shortcake Crumble
- 20 Golden Oreos (about ½ of a standard package)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 4 tablespoons strawberry flavored plant based gelling powder (the remaining amount)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make some magic? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a beautiful pan of Strawberry Shortcake brownies ready in no time. We will walk through it together.
Step 1: Preheat And Prep Your Pan
First things first, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F. Getting the oven to the right temperature from the start ensures your brownies bake evenly. While it’s heating up, prepare your 8×8 inch glass baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a little extra hanging over the sides. This creates little handles that make lifting the brownies out a breeze later on. Give it a quick spray with non stick cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix The Brownie Batter
Now for the brownie base. In a medium mixing bowl, combine your strawberry cake mix, a half cup of melted butter, two large eggs, and two tablespoons of the strawberry flavored gelling powder. Mix everything together until it is just combined. The batter will be very thick, almost like a dough. Don’t be alarmed, that is exactly what you want! This thick batter is what creates that wonderfully chewy texture.
Step 3: Spread And Bake
Scoop the thick batter into your prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to spread it out into an even layer, making sure to push it into the corners. It might take a little patience because of its thickness. Once it’s even, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. When they’re done, let them cool completely in the pan. This is a very important step, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Make The Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies are cooling, let’s make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter with the vanilla extract until they are combined and smooth. Using softened ingredients is key to avoiding lumps. Next, add the powdered sugar and one tablespoon of heavy cream. Beat again until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If it seems too thick, you can add that second tablespoon of heavy cream.
Step 5: Frost The Cooled Brownies
Once your brownies are completely cool to the touch, it’s time to frost them. If they are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and make a mess. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cooled strawberry brownies. I like to use an offset spatula for this to get a nice, smooth surface.
Step 6: Prepare The Cookie Crumble
Time for the best part, the crunchy topping! Place about 20 Golden Oreos into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse them a few times until they are broken into pieces. You want a mix of fine crumbs and some larger chunks for great texture. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place them in a sealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Step 7: Combine The Crumble Ingredients
Sprinkle the remaining four tablespoons of strawberry gelling powder over the cookie crumbs in the food processor. Then drizzle the four tablespoons of melted butter over the top. Pulse it a few more times, just until everything is combined. The mixture should resemble coarse, damp sand with some cookie pieces still visible.
Step 8: Top Brownies With Crumble
Now, sprinkle this amazing cookie crumble mixture evenly over the cream cheese frosting. Once it’s all on there, gently press the crumbles down into the frosting with your hands or the back of a spatula. This little step helps the crumble stick so it doesn’t all fall off when you cut into the brownies.
Step 9: Cut And Serve
And there you have it! Your beautiful Strawberry Shortcake creation is complete. You can cut them into squares and serve them right away. For extra clean cuts, you can chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy every single bite of this delicious dessert.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Because of the cream cheese frosting, these brownies need to be kept in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They will stay tasty for up to four days. Honestly, they taste amazing straight from the fridge!
Tips
To make this recipe even better, here are a few little tips. First, don’t overmix the brownie batter. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense brownies instead of chewy ones.
Let the brownies cool completely before frosting. I know I mentioned this before, but it is so important. Warm brownies will cause the frosting to melt into a soupy layer. Patience is your friend here.
For super clean slices, try this trick. Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then make a cut. Clean the knife and repeat for each cut. This little bit of effort results in really professional looking squares.
Feel free to add a little flair with some fresh toppings. A few sliced fresh strawberries on top of each square before serving really enhances the Strawberry Shortcake experience and looks beautiful too.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Shortcake brownie recipe is such a wonderful treat to have in your collection. It’s easy, it uses simple ingredients, and it delivers a huge punch of strawberry flavor. It’s a fun and modern twist on a beloved classic that everyone will enjoy.
Whether you’re making it for a party, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet with that fun Strawberry Shortcake 90S feel, this dessert is sure to be a hit. I hope you love making it as much as you enjoy eating it!
FAQ
What If I Can’t Find Strawberry Gelling Powder?
If you can’t find strawberry flavored plant based gelling powder, you can often substitute it with a strawberry flavored gelatin mix, like Jell-O. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still provide that extra boost of strawberry flavor and color.
Can I Use A Different Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives it the signature flavor, you could use a white or vanilla cake mix. If you do, consider adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the batter to maintain that fruity taste.
Do I Need A Food Processor For The Crumble?
Not at all. A food processor makes it quicker, but you can achieve a great crumble without one. Just place the cookies in a large, sealable plastic bag, squeeze the air out, and crush them with a rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy pan.
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this is a great make ahead dessert. You can bake and assemble the entire thing a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. The flavors actually meld together nicely overnight.
Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Chewy strawberry brownies topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and a sweet, crunchy crumble, offering a delightful twist on a classic dessert. It’s a fun and easy treat perfect for any occasion.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides to create handles. Spray with non stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, ½ cup melted butter, 2 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry flavored gelling powder. Mix until just combined; the batter will be very thick.
- Scoop the thick batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes, then let cool completely in the pan.
- While brownies cool, make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and softened butter with vanilla extract until smooth. Add powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon heavy cream; beat until fluffy. Add the second tablespoon of heavy cream if needed for desired consistency.
- Once brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, using an offset spatula for a smooth surface.
- For the crumble, place about 20 Golden Oreos into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until broken into a mix of fine crumbs and larger chunks. Alternatively, crush in a sealable bag with a rolling pin.
- Sprinkle the remaining 4 tablespoons of strawberry gelling powder over the cookie crumbs in the food processor. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Pulse a few more times until combined, resembling coarse, damp sand.
- Sprinkle the cookie crumble mixture evenly over the cream cheese frosting. Gently press the crumbles down with your hands or a spatula so they stick.
- Cut into squares and serve immediately. For extra clean cuts, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy this delicious dessert.
Notes
To make this recipe even better, here are a few little tips. First, don’t overmix the brownie batter. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense brownies instead of chewy ones.
Let the brownies cool completely before frosting. I know I mentioned this before, but it is so important. Warm brownies will cause the frosting to melt into a soupy layer. Patience is your friend here.
For super clean slices, try this trick. Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then make a cut. Clean the knife and repeat for each cut. This little bit of effort results in really professional looking squares.
Feel free to add a little flair with some fresh toppings. A few sliced fresh strawberries on top of each square before serving really enhances the Strawberry Shortcake experience and looks beautiful too.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
