Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Valentine’s Day often evokes images of heart-shaped candies and delicate flowers, but nothing quite captures the spirit of love like a luscious batch of Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies. These indulgent treats bring together the best of a fudgy brownie and the light, airy qualities of strawberry shortcake. The balance of rich chocolate flavor with fruity sweetness creates a delightful marriage that’s perfect for sharing with someone special — or simply enjoying yourself!
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Whenever I whip up these brownies, I’m flooded with warm memories of family gatherings and sweet celebrations. There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a brownie that’s not only rich but also has layers of creaminess and crunch. Each piece is a delicious reminder of why I fell in love with baking in the first place. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your loved ones with an irresistible dessert that’s both easy and delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepping these brownies takes just about 30 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fudgy chocolate, creamy frosting, and strawberry essence will make your taste buds sing.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With their vibrant colors and textures, these brownies are sure to steal the show on any dessert table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, parties, or even as a fun afternoon snack with a cup of coffee!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 strawberry cake mix: This is the base of our brownies; it adds flavor and sweetness. You can substitute with a white cake mix for a different taste.
- ½ cup salted butter, melted: Provides richness to the brownies. Unsalted butter can be used if you prefer to control the saltiness.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and adding moisture.
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: Boosts the strawberry flavor. Feel free to use raspberry gelatin for a fun twist.
- 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy texture to the frosting, creating a perfect balance with the brownies.
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened: Used in the frosting to enrich it. Again, you can replace it with unsalted if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor. Use pure vanilla for the best taste.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese frosting while adding just the right amount of fluffiness.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream: This helps to achieve a smooth frosting; adjust as needed for desired consistency.
- 20 golden Oreos (about ½ standard package): Adds delicious crunch and flavor on top, making it even more decadent. You can substitute with another cookie, like vanilla wafers.
- 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: Used in the cookie topping to maintain that strawberry flavor.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Combines with the cookie crumbs to create a sweet and crunchy topping.
How to Make Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even cooking.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, creating a little overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray to avoid sticking.
Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, 2 large eggs, the strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. Stir until everything is well mixed; the batter will be thick.
Spread Batter: Use a rubber spatula to spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes until edges look golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once done, cool completely on a wire rack.
Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of softened butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined and fluffy. Gradually add in the ½ cup powdered sugar, mixing on low, then increase to medium speed and pour in 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and luscious.
Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cool, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top using an offset spatula for a smooth surface.
Crush the Oreos: Place the Golden Oreos into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they’re in chunky crumbs — some larger pieces are great for texture.
Mix with Gelatin and Butter: Sprinkle the 4 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin over the crushed cookies, followed by drizzling in the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Pulse a few more times until the mixture is just combined.
Top with Cookie Crumbles: Sprinkle the cookie crumb mixture over the frosting, pressing down gently to make sure it sticks.
Slice and Serve: Allow the brownies to set for about 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. These are ready to be enjoyed!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your brownies at their best, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for around a week. You can also freeze these treats for up to 3 months; just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh their fudgy texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the brownie batter, as this can create tough brownies.
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese for the frosting to ensure it mixes smoothly.
- If your brownies seem too gooey, it may be because they’re slightly underbaked; keep an eye on them in the oven.
- Consider adding fresh strawberries on top for an extra pop of flavor and freshness.
- For a rich flavor boost, swap a bit of the heavy cream with almond milk in the frosting.
In the end, these Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are not just a dessert; they’re a true expression of love and joy! The combination of rich chocolate, creamy frosting, and a crunchy topping makes them truly unforgettable. Don’t hesitate to use this recipe as a starting point; experiment with flavors or toppings to create your own twist. Enjoy—and happy baking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While a strawberry cake mix works beautifully, you can substitute it with a vanilla or even a chocolate mix. Just keep in mind that the final flavor will change slightly.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Switch the strawberry cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring that all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free. Enjoy without any worry!
Can I add fresh strawberries into the frosting?
Yes! Chopped strawberries can be added to the frosting for an extra burst of flavor. Just be cautious of the moisture they add, as it can affect the frosting’s consistency.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Avoid overbaking, as they can dry out!
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📖 Recipe Card
Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
- Category: BROWNIES & BARS
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Treat yourself to irresistible Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies! This easy recipe combines strawberry cake mix, rich cream cheese frosting, and Oreo crumbles for a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
- 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
- 20 golden oreos, about ½ standard package
- 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin, the remaining amount
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, then spray it with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin until the mixture is well combined; the batter will be thick.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish using a rubber spatula and bake for 25 minutes. Allow cooling completely.
- In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla until fully combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
- In a food processor, pulse Golden Oreos until broken into pieces, ensuring some larger chunks remain.
- Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the cookie crumbs, drizzle with melted butter, and pulse a few more times until combined.
- Sprinkle the cookie crumbles over the brownies and gently press them into the frosting.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Ensure the brownies cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent melting.
Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies for clean edges.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
