Name: Valentine's day Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 strawberry cake mix; ½ cup salted butter (melted); 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); ¼ cup salted butter (softened); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream; 20 Golden Oreos (about ½ standard package); 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (the remaining amount); 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)

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Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey brownie topped with a luscious cream filling, all kissed by the sweet, fruity flavor of fresh strawberries. It’s a delightful experience that envelops your senses—the rich aroma wafting through the kitchen, the vibrant pink hue tempting you to take just one more bite, and the satisfying crunch of crushed cookies creating a symphony of textures. This Valentine’s season, nothing quite matches the joy of sharing Valentine’s day Strawberry Shortcake Brownies with someone you adore.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine’s day Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine’s day Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Valentine's day Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

I still remember the first time I made brownies for my partner on Valentine’s Day. The kitchen was filled with laughter and the smell of melting chocolate, which set the stage for a night full of sweet indulgence and warm memories. It became a tradition, and over the years, I’ve added my twist with strawberries and fluffy cream, and I must say, they have become the highlight of our celebrations! So, if you’re ready to whip up a batch of these stunning brownies that are perfect for the occasion, let’s dive into this recipe that promises to make your celebration truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up a batch in just about an hour, including prep and bake time.
Irresistible Flavor: The moist brownie combined with creamy filling and fresh strawberries will captivate your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its rosy hue and charming topping, these brownies will impress everyone at your Valentine’s gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a romantic dinner, a cozy snack, or a fun party treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt to fit gluten-free or dairy-free diets with suitable substitutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 strawberry cake mix: This is the base of your brownies, providing a light sweetness and a moist texture. If you prefer to make it from scratch, a strawberry-flavored homemade cake recipe works well too.
½ cup salted butter (melted): Using salted butter adds a delicious richness to the brownies and balances the sweetness. For a non-dairy option, you could use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
2 large eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and create a fudgy texture. If you need an egg substitute, consider using flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: This ingredient enhances the strawberry flavor, making these brownies pop! If you want to avoid gelatin, you might try a puree of fresh strawberries.
8 oz cream cheese (softened): It adds a rich, creamy layer atop the brownies, making them even more decadent. You can substitute with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if desired.
¼ cup salted butter (softened): Cream this with the cream cheese for a fluffy frosting layer. Again, feel free to use vegan butter as an alternative.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a warm flavor that complements the sweetness; always choose pure vanilla for the best results.
½ cup powdered sugar: For sweetness, this creates the perfect creamy frosting texture; if you prefer, you can gradually adjust the sweetness to your taste.
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream: Used to achieve the desired consistency in the frosting—substitute with almond milk or a non-dairy cream if needed.
20 Golden Oreos (about ½ standard package): These add crunch and a delightful flavor contrast as a topping, but you can try any other sandwich cookie for a fun twist.
4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (the remaining amount): Sprinkling this over the cookie crumbs enhances the fruity flavor.
4 tablespoons salted butter (melted): This combines with the cookie crumbs to create a deliciously tasty topping. Vegan options are available if needed.

How to Make Valentine’s day Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs a bit over the edges like a comforting blanket. Spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray to make removing the brownies a breeze later on.

Mix Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. Mix until everything is well blended—the batter will be thick, which is just right for creating those fudgy brownies.

Spread & Bake: Using a rubber spatula, spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they turn a gorgeous golden brown around the edges. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely—this is where the magic begins.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and heavy cream, continuing to mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. This creamy topping is a delightful contrast to the brownies!

Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over them. Allow yourself to be generous here—it’s hard to go wrong with a little extra creaminess!

Prepare the Cookie Topping: In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos until they break into crumbly pieces, leaving some larger chunks for texture. After that, sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the cookie crumbs and drizzle the melted butter on top. A few more pulses will mix everything together perfectly.

Add Topping: Sprinkle the crunchy Golden Oreo mixture evenly over the frosted brownies. Press them down gently into the frosting to secure their deliciousness—trust me, this step makes a difference!

Cut & Serve: Finally, use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares. Each piece will excite your taste buds and be ready to serve to your guests or save for yourself (if you can resist!).

Storing & Reheating

These Valentine’s day Strawberry Shortcake Brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, but they will stay fresh longer if refrigerated. Place them in an airtight container to keep them moist. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months—wrap each brownie square in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh their texture. Note that while frozen brownies maintain their flavor, they may lose a bit of their fudginess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing for a smoother frosting.
For perfectly cut squares, use a knife dipped in hot water—this helps to cut cleanly through the frosting without pulling it apart.
Customize your toppings! Consider adding fresh strawberries on top or drizzling with chocolate for extra indulgence.
Avoid overmixing the brownie batter, as this can lead to a tough texture.
Use room temperature eggs for more evenly mixed batter and better volume.
Feel free to make this ahead of time—these brownies taste even better the next day once the flavors have settled!

These Valentine’s day Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are not just a dessert; they are a cheerful celebration of love, strawberries, and all things sweet. The combination of moist brownies, fluffy cream cheese frosting, and a light crunch from the cookies makes each bite an experience worth savoring.

Experiment with different flavors or toppings, and don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Whether you’re sharing them with someone special or treating yourself to this delightful dessert, prepare for smiles and satisfied taste buds.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can add a burst of flavor. Simply slice them thinly and layer them on top of the cream cheese frosting before adding the cookie crumble. For added moisture, consider gently folding some in the frosting.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. They also freeze well—just make sure to wrap them tightly before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Substituting the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free version will allow you to enjoy these brownies without gluten. There are many delicious gluten-free cake mixes available, just be sure to check the packaging.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! These brownies can be made a day or two before your occasion. They’re often better after resting overnight, as the flavors get a chance to mingle. Just make sure to store them covered to keep them fresh.