Strawberry Shortcake Brownies: A Delicious Mashup

Nostalgic Appeal

These brownies remind me of those happy childhood moments enjoying a freshly baked brownie or a sweet strawberry shortcake. The combination of these two beloved desserts creates a nostalgic treat that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a dessert that evokes feelings of warmth, happiness, and those carefree days enjoying simple pleasures.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly buy pre-made brownies or strawberry shortcake, there’s something truly special about making these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of creating the brownie batter, cheesecake frosting, and crumble topping is a fun and rewarding experience.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful balance of sweet, fruity, and creamy flavors with a satisfying crunch. The strawberry brownie base provides a moist and flavorful foundation with a burst of strawberry flavor, the cheesecake frosting adds a creamy and tangy element, and the strawberry shortcake crumble topping adds a crunchy texture and a final touch of sweetness.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make these brownies so special! For the brownie base, we use [strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and strawberry gelatin, creating a moist and flavorful base with a vibrant pink color]. For the cheesecake frosting, we combine [softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream, resulting in a smooth and creamy frosting]. And for the strawberry shortcake crumble topping, we use [Golden Oreos, strawberry gelatin, and melted butter, creating a crunchy and flavorful topping with a hint of strawberry].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: an 8×8 inch glass baking dish lined with parchment paper, a medium mixing bowl, a rubber spatula, a food processor for making the crumble topping, and measuring spoons.

Ingredients

Brownies:

• 1 strawberry cake mix
• ½ cup salted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin

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

Strawberry Shortcake Crumble:

• 20 Golden Oreos, about ½ standard package
• 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, spray with non-stick cooking spray, and set aside.
2. Make the Brownie Batter: Mix together ½ cup melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin in a medium mixing bowl until well combined.
3. Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until combined. Add powdered sugar and heavy cream and beat until smooth and fluffy.
5. Frost the Brownies: Spread cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies.
6. Make the Crumble Topping: In the bowl of a food processor, pulse Golden Oreos until they are broken into pieces. Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the cookie crumbs and drizzle with melted butter. Pulse a few more times until combined.
7. Assemble and Serve: Sprinkle cookie crumbles over the strawberry brownies and press down into the frosting. Cut into squares and serve.

Troubleshooting

• Brownies are too cakey: Make sure you don’t overbake the brownies. Start checking for doneness at around 25 minutes.
• Frosting is too runny: Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature and beat them until completely smooth before adding other ingredients. You can also try chilling the frosting for a bit before spreading it on the brownies.
• Crumble topping is too hard: If the crumble topping is too hard, you can try adding a bit more melted butter to the mixture.

Tips and Variations

• Use different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or vanilla.
• Add different mix-ins to the brownie batter, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
• Use different types of cookies for the crumble topping, such as graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re perfect for a party, a potluck, or any time you want a sweet and satisfying treat.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of one brownie. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-400
• Fat: Approximately 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 50-60mg
• Protein: Approximately 4-5g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
• Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
• Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
• Sodium: Approximately 200-250mg

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of cake mix), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can bake the brownies and make the frosting and crumble topping ahead of time. Assemble the brownies when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze these brownies?

A: Yes, you can freeze them. Bake the brownies first, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze them. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?

A: Absolutely! You can use your favorite frosting recipe or try a different flavor of frosting, such as chocolate or vanilla.