A delicious mash-up of creamy, crumbly, fruity goodness in every single bite.
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🍓 The Dessert You Didn’t Know You Needed
Ever had a treat so good it stops you mid-bite? That’s the magic of these strawberry shortcake brownies. Imagine the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie, the fluffy sweetness of strawberry cream, and the buttery crunch of shortcake topping—all stacked into one show-stopping dessert. This is that recipe. It’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any day you want a treat that feels special without needing a pastry chef’s skillset.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| White cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) |
| Butter (melted) | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
For the Creamy Layer:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Cool Whip or whipped topping | 1½ cups |
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Golden Oreos | 20 cookies |
| Freeze-dried strawberries | ½ cup |
| Butter (melted) | ¼ cup |
🥣 How to Make It
1. Make the Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a thick dough forms.
- Press evenly into the pan.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until edges are slightly golden.
- Let cool completely.
2. Whip the Cream Layer
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until creamy.
- Fold in whipped topping until fluffy and spreadable.
- Spread evenly over cooled base.
3. Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- Pulse Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or crush in a sealed bag.
- Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle generously over the cream cheese layer.
4. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the finished bars for at least 2 hours before cutting.
- Slice into squares and enjoy cold for best texture.
📝 Tips & Tricks
- Want a shortcut? Use pre-made strawberry topping swirled into the cream layer.
- Swap Cool Whip with stabilized homemade whipped cream if you prefer.
- Add a layer of sliced fresh strawberries between the base and cream for an extra fruity surprise.
🧊 Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Best enjoyed cold to keep the layers firm and refreshing.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry for presentation points.
- Serve alongside a cup of iced tea, lemonade, or a glass of milk.
- Perfect as a make-ahead dessert for holidays, brunches, or Sunday dinner.
❓ FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste better after they’ve chilled overnight.
What can I use instead of Golden Oreos?
Vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies work great as alternatives.
Are freeze-dried strawberries necessary?
They give the topping its signature flavor and crunch, but you can substitute with finely chopped dried strawberries if needed.
✨ Final Thoughts
These strawberry shortcake brownies combine layers of flavor and texture in a way that feels both nostalgic and totally new. Whether you’re baking for friends or sneaking a late-night treat, one thing’s for sure—you’ll be coming back for another bite.
🍓 Share the Sweetness
Tried it? Loved it? Tag your dessert pics and share your twist on this crowd-favorite treat. After all, good things are meant to be shared.