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Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to whip up something indulgent, and what better treat than delectable Strawberry Shortcake Brownies? These delightful squares are an irresistible blend of rich brownie goodness topped with a creamy strawberry-infused frosting that’s sure to make anyone swoon. The moment you slice into them, you’ll appreciate the soft brownie layers beneath the fluffy cream cheese topping, adorned with crunchy Golden Oreo crumbles—a delightful contrast in flavors and textures that truly embodies sweet romance.

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

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a Valentine’s potluck. As soon as I took a bite, I knew I had found a gem! These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies not only look stunning but taste fantastic, making them perfect for sharing with that special someone or bringing to a party. Easy to make and incredibly crowd-pleasing, these treats might just become your new go-to dessert for any occasion, not just Valentine’s Day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to enjoy in just about 2 hours!
Irresistible Flavor: The brownies are rich and chocolatey, balanced perfectly by the light cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberry taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their vibrant pink and golden hues, they are as fun to look at as they are to eat!
Flexible Serving: Ideal for parties, brunches, or a sweet surprise for your loved one, anytime!
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to experiment with gluten-free cake mix for an alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 strawberry cake mix: This provides the base of the brownies, infusing a delightful strawberry flavor.
½ cup salted butter, melted: Adds richness to the brownie mix; it’s essential to use salted butter for that extra depth of flavor.
2 large eggs: These bind everything together, ensuring a fudgy texture.
2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: This enhances the berry flavor and adds a bit of vibrancy to your brownies.
8 ounce block cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, rich frosting that complements the brownies perfectly.
¼ cup salted butter, softened: Used in the frosting, it helps create a velvety texture and flavorful balance.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for adding a warm, sweet background flavor to your cream cheese frosting.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection while contributing to its creamy texture.
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Ensures that the frosting is luxuriously smooth; adjust the amount to achieve your desired spreading consistency.
20 golden Oreos, about ½ standard package: Crushed and added for a delightful crunch on top.
4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin, remaining amount: Sprinkled over the crushed Oreos for enhanced flavor and a pop of color.
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Drizzled over the Oreo crumbs to help them stick together beautifully.

How to Make Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s preheating, line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This will make it super easy to lift out the brownies later!

Mix the Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted salted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. Stir until everything is well incorporated—the batter will be thick, which is just how you want it.

Spread and Bake: Use a rubber spatula to evenly spread the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Frosting: While your brownies are cooling, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup softened salted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream; mix until fluffy and spreadable. This is where your frosting gets its wonderful light texture!

Frost the Brownies: Once your brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. The frosting should be thick and creamy, covering every edge.

Make the Crumble: Grab your food processor and pulse 20 golden Oreos until they are broken into both fine crumbs and larger chunks. Don’t overdo it—keeping some chunks will add a great texture to the topping!

Combine and Sprinkle: Sprinkle the remaining 4 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin over the Oreo crumbs and drizzle with 4 tablespoons of melted salted butter. Give it a few quick pulses in the food processor again until everything is mixed nicely.

Top with Crumbles: Generously sprinkle the Oreo crumb mixture over the frosted brownies, gently pressing it down to secure it. This little crunch element is such an exciting surprise!

Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve these beauties to your loved ones, reveling in the oohs and aahs they produce. Trust me; everyone will want a second piece!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer preservation, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in a tightly sealed container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, or reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Do note that while the texture remains delightful, the frosting may soften from refrigeration.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the brownie batter; this can result in a tough texture. Just mix until combined!
Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for the frosting for a super smooth result.
If you prefer an extra strawberry kick, feel free to fold in some chopped fresh strawberries into the frosting.
Make these brownies ahead of time—they taste even better after they’ve had some time to chill.
For a decorative touch, consider adding a few extra crushed Oreos on top before serving for that extra flair!

Savor the charm of these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Brownies. They’re all about joy—meet perfect flavors and an exquisite presentation. You’ll love the ease of preparation coupled with the enchanting taste. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and possibly creating your own twist. Your friends and loved ones will be thrilled when they see—and taste—what you’ve whipped up!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of strawberry flavor, you can easily substitute with vanilla or chocolate cake mix. Just keep in mind that different flavors will give a unique twist to the overall taste.

How should I cut these brownies for serving?

To achieve clean cuts, make sure the brownies are completely cooled, and use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to keep edges nice and clean.

Can I make these in advance?

Definitely! These brownies store well in an airtight container. You can make them up to 3 days in advance, which makes them an excellent dessert for busy days or special events.

What is the best way to freeze the brownies?

To freeze, let the brownies cool completely, then cut them into squares. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This will help maintain their freshness and flavor!