Valentine’s Day often calls for something sweet and delightful, a dessert that captures the love and warmth of the season. That’s where these luscious Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies come in! Imagine the combination of brownie decadence with the fresh flavor of strawberries and a creamy cheese topping, creating a dessert that harmonizes every component beautifully. These brownies are not just treats; they evoke memories, from baking in the kitchen with loved ones to sharing them at a festive gathering. They’re simply perfect for Valentine’s celebrations or any occasion where you want to share sweet happiness.

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

Making these brownies is a breeze, which is why they quickly became a favorite for many, including myself. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this dessert is perfect for both novice bakers and experienced chefs looking to impress. The moment you set these strawberry-infused brownies in front of your family or guests, you’re bound to see smiles all around. Trust me; you will want to make these again and again! So, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s get started with these delightful treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip these up in just over an hour and a half, making them perfect for a last-minute treat!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich brownies, creamy frosting, and fresh strawberry notes creates a mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With vibrant colors and a lovely presentation, they’re sure to turn heads at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: They’re ideal for any occasion — from casual snacks to festive parties or cozy nights in.
Diet-Friendly Options: If you’re looking to make them gluten-free, consider using a specialized cake mix!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 strawberry cake mix: This gives the brownies their rich strawberry flavor and a moist texture. Choose a quality cake mix for the best results.
½ cup salted butter, melted: Butter adds richness to the brownies. For a lighter option, you could substitute it with unsweetened applesauce.
2 large eggs: Eggs bind the mixture together and contribute to the brownies’ moistness.
2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin: This enhances the strawberry flavor throughout the brownies and gives a slight fruity sweetness.
8 ounce block cream cheese, softened: A key ingredient for the frosting, producing a rich, creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
¼ cup salted butter, softened: This is essential for the frosting, providing a fluffy texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for the best results.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Pure vanilla extract is preferred for its natural taste.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens your frosting while giving it a light, delicate texture.
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream: This makes the frosting smooth and easy to spread. Adjust the amount based on desired consistency.
20 golden Oreos, about ½ standard package: These cookies create a delightful crunchy topping. You can replace them with any other cookies, but the flavor will vary.
4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (the remaining amount): Adding this to the cookie crumbs intensifies the strawberry goodness!
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted: This helps bind the cookie crumbs together for the topping.

How to Make Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8×8-inch glass baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and giving it a light spray of non-stick cooking spray. This ensures effortless removal and cleanup later.

Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mix together ½ cup melted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin. Stir until everything is well combined; the batter might be thick, and that’s perfectly fine!

Spread and Bake: Use a rubber spatula to transfer the thick batter into the prepared baking dish. Smooth it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges become slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once finished, let them cool completely.

Make the Frosting: In another bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add in ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream, mixing until you achieve a fluffy and spreadable frosting.

Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cool, carefully spread your cream cheese frosting over the top. The creamy layer complements the brownies wonderfully!

Prepare the Cookie Crumble: To make the cookie topping, add 20 golden Oreos to a food processor and pulse until they’re broken into both fine crumbs and some larger chunks for texture. Sprinkle the remaining 4 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin over the cookie crumbs and drizzle with 4 tablespoons melted butter. Pulse again, just enough to combine.

Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the cookie crumble over the frosted brownies. Gently press the crumbs into the frosting to ensure they stick nicely.

Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve! The blend of brownie and strawberry flavors paired with the cream cheese frosting makes for an unforgettable treat.

Storing & Reheating

You can store the brownies at room temperature for 1-2 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate the brownies; they usually stay fresh for about 5 days. If you’d like to save them for later, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep in mind that freezing can slightly change the texture, but a quick microwave will refresh their softness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When making the brownies, be sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
If the brownie batter seems too thick, you can slightly adjust with a splash of milk to make spreading easier.
For a thicker brownie, consider using a smaller baking dish; just keep an eye on the baking time since it will vary.
Feel free to add fresh strawberries on top of the frosting for an extra fruity flavor and beautiful presentation!
You can make the brownies in advance; they taste even better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld together.

These Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are everything you could ask for in a sweet treat. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, they’re sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire. Don’t hesitate to get creative — whether it’s swapping out the Oreos for another favorite cookie or layering in some fresh fruit, these brownies invite personal touches that make them uniquely yours. Enjoy making and sharing them with loved ones; after all, goodness is meant to be shared!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix?

Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives the brownies their signature flavor, you can use vanilla, chocolate, or even red velvet for a fun twist. Just note that the overall flavor will change slightly.

How can I prevent my brownies from becoming dry?

To keep your brownies moist, avoid overbaking them. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Additionally, proper storage is key; keep them airtight to retain moisture.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Make sure all other ingredients, like Oreos, are gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to cut brownies for clean slices?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and have a bowl of hot water handy. Dip your knife in the hot water, wipe it clean, and then cut your brownies. This helps prevent them from sticking to the blade!

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Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 120 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies combine rich flavors and simple preparation with strawberry cake mix, cream cheese, and Golden Oreos, making a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment and spray with non-stick spray.
In a bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin. Mix until thick and well combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla until mixed. Add powdered sugar and heavy cream; continue to mix until fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies.
Using a food processor, pulse Golden Oreos until coarse crumbs remain, with some larger pieces.
Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the crumbs and drizzle with melted butter. Pulse until mixed well.
Sprinkle the cookie mixture over the brownie layer and gently press it down into the frosting.
Cut into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Ensure to cool the brownies completely before frosting them for the best texture.
Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream for desired consistency of frosting.
Leftover brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.