You know that satisfying feeling when chocolate meets fruit in the most delightful way? That’s exactly what you’ll experience with these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies. This easy dessert brings together rich, fudgy brownies with a luscious vanilla cheesecake and a light strawberry mousse, creating a stunning summer treat that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they also offer a fun twist on the traditional strawberry shortcake, combining the best of both worlds without all the fuss. Whether you’re craving something indulgent or looking for a gluten-free option, these brownies will make your taste buds sing! Are you ready to bring a touch of excitement to your dessert table?
Why Are These Brownies So Irresistible?
Decadent Fusion: These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies combine rich chocolate brownies, creamy cheesecake, and airy strawberry mousse, resulting in an incredible dessert experience.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you don’t need advanced baking skills to impress your friends and family.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for summer gatherings, they will surely be the star of your dessert table, just like the Strawberry Sandwich Summer treats you’ve loved!
Versatile Options: Enjoy the freedom to customize with gluten-free flour or different crumbles—making them suitable for all dietary needs.
Make-Ahead Goodness: Preparing these brownies a day in advance enhances their flavors while saving you time when serving; ideal for busy schedules or celebrations!
Strawberry Shortcake Brownie Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
• Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; using salted butter? Just leave out the extra salt.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the layers; no direct substitutions needed for this essential ingredient.
• Brown Sugar – Contributes depth and moisture; can substitute with more granulated sugar for a simpler flavor.
• Large Eggs – Binds your ingredients for structure; room temperature eggs mix better!
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness; swap it out for almond extract for a fun twist.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to your brownies; use gluten-free flour for a tasty gluten-free version.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Brings that rich chocolate flavor; switch to Dutch-processed for deeper notes.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates chocolate; no need for a substitute here.
For the Cheesecake Layer
• Cream Cheese – Adds that creamy texture; opt for reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter touch.
• Strawberry Gelatin – Provides flavor and helps the mousse set; fresh pureed strawberries work in a pinch!
For the Strawberry Mousse
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Creates lightness and stability; use a non-dairy alternative for a dairy-free option.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream layer; maintain sweetness for the best result.
For the Topping
• Golden Oreos – Creates a delicious crumble; feel free to use any chocolate cookie—just adjust sweetness accordingly.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries – Enhances flavor and texture of the crumble; swap with pureed fresh strawberries if desired.
• Whipped Cream – Adds creaminess for garnish; fresh whipped cream is preferred, but store-bought works too.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter to ensure a smooth release after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Next, add in the large eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The batter should be rich and slightly thick.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Carefully fold these dry ingredients into the mixture using a spatula, ensuring you combine just until no dry streaks remain. The brownie batter should be thick and fudgy, perfect for your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly to reach the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Create the Cheesecake Layer
While the brownies cool, beat together the cream cheese and granulated sugar in a medium bowl until fluffy and smooth. Add an egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until combined. The cheesecake batter should be creamy and well-blended, ready to enhance your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies.
Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake Layer
Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownie base and spread it evenly. Bake this layered delight at 325°F (163°C) for 20 to 22 minutes; it should be jiggly but set in the middle. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool before refrigerating for one hour.
Step 7: Make the Strawberry Mousse
For the strawberry mousse, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, following by adding cold water to bring it to room temperature. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in the cooled gelatin mixture. This will create a light and airy mousse layer.
Step 8: Assemble and Chill
Spread the strawberry mousse over the cooled cheesecake layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours, allowing the layers to set beautifully together in your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies.
Step 9: Make the Crumble Topping
While your dessert chills, prepare the crumble by combining crushed Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until all the crumbs are coated and hold together. This adds a delightful texture contrast to your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies.
Step 10: Top and Garnish
Once the mousse has set, remove the dessert from the fridge and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly across the mousse layer. Press down gently to adhere the crumble. Before serving, garnish the slices with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for an added touch of sweetness and elegance.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings! You can make the brownie base and the cheesecake layer up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cool them completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate. Additionally, the strawberry mousse can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Once whipped and mixed with the gelatin, be sure to chill it, ensuring it stays light and airy. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the layers with the mousse and crumble topping. This not only saves you precious time but also allows the flavors to deepen for just as delicious results!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This will keep your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies fresh and prevent any drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze without the whipped cream topping in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer your brownies slightly warm, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the delightful layers again!
Serving Tip: If you’ve frozen them, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore their delicious texture.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Cool Layers: Ensure each layer is completely cooled before adding the next. This prevents melting or collapsing and ensures beautiful presentation.
Slice Smart: Use a warm knife to slice through your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies for clean edges. Wipe the knife between cuts for optimal results.
Make Ahead: Prepare a day in advance for enhanced flavor melding. This not only saves time on the day you serve but also allows the layers to set perfectly.
Mind the Crumble: When making the crumble topping, ensure the butter is just melted to avoid greasy crumbs. Properly mixed crumbs provide a delightful texture contrast.
Check Baking Times: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your brownie and cheesecake layers to prevent overbaking. The toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not dry.
What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Indulging in the luscious layers of Strawberry Shortcake Brownies opens the door to delightful meal ideas and complementary flavors.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing medley of seasonal fruits can balance the rich brownies, enhancing the summer vibe.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm brownies, adding a delightful temperature contrast.
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Cold Brew Coffee: The rich, smooth notes of cold brew coffee pair perfectly, enhancing the fudgy chocolate flavors with a touch of caffeine.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the brownies accentuates their chocolatey goodness, creating a gourmet feel.
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Minty Whipped Cream: Adding fresh mint to whipped cream gives an aromatic freshness that can elevate the overall dessert experience.
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Almond Milkshake: A creamy, nutty almond milkshake offers a refreshing complement. It’s like a twist on the classic strawberry milkshake, perfect for summer enjoyment.
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Lemon Sorbet: This tangy treat is a bright, palate-cleansing option, providing a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
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Sparkling Lemonade: Effervescent and citrusy, sparkling lemonade will refresh your guests and enhance the fruity elements of the brownies.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites take the dessert theme further while maintaining a light portion size that pairs beautifully with the brownies.
Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these brownies to suit your taste!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free dessert.
- Rich Cream Cheese: Use flavored cream cheese, like strawberry or vanilla, for an extra burst of flavor in the cheesecake layer.
- Jam Swirl: For added sweetness, swirl in some strawberry jam into the cheesecake mixture before baking.
- Oreo Alternatives: Trade Golden Oreos for crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for a different crumbly topping option.
- Fresh Strawberries: Replace freeze-dried strawberries in the crumble with pureed fresh strawberries; it’ll provide a unique touch!
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract into the mousse for a refreshing twist that pairs well with strawberries.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped pecans or almonds into the brownie batter for delightful texture and a nutty flavor.
These variations not only keep the dessert exciting but also provide options for everyone to enjoy. For more fruity delights, check out the delightful Chocolate Covered Strawberry treats you might love!
Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries should I use for the mousse?
Absolutely! Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal for the mousse, offering the best flavor. Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and free from dark spots or blemishes. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can also use frozen ones—but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before pureeing.
How do I store Strawberry Shortcake Brownies?
To keep your delightful Strawberry Shortcake Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, freeze without the whipped cream topping for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I freeze Strawberry Shortcake Brownies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can! To properly freeze your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies, first allow them to cool completely. Cut into squares and place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving!
Why did my brownie layer sink after baking?
Very frustrating! This can happen if the brownie layer was not allowed to cool completely before adding the cheesecake layer. Make sure to let each layer cool down to room temperature. Also, ensure you followed the mixing instructions carefully, as overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing the batter to collapse!
Are there any dietary alternatives for the recipe?
The more the merrier! To accommodate various dietary needs, consider using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy whipped topping and use vegan cream cheese. Just keep in mind the sweetness levels may vary depending on the alternative ingredients used!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies a day in advance is recommended. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the layers will set perfectly. Simply assemble and refrigerate, and you’ll have a stress-free treat ready for your next gathering!
Irresistibly Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Brownies Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.
- Add in the large eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The batter should be thick.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then carefully fold into the mixture until no dry streaks remain.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes, then cool completely.
- In another bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add an egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownies and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 20-22 minutes.
- Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Then whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the gelatin mixture into the whipped cream to create the strawberry mousse layer.
- Spread the strawberry mousse over the cheesecake layer and chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours.
- Combine crushed Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter to make the crumble topping.
- Remove the dessert from the fridge and sprinkle the crumble topping over the mousse layer before serving.
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