Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries, cheesecake, and brownies. Each bite of these strawberry cheesecake brownies is pure bliss—rich, creamy, and bursting with sweet berry flavor. If you love the classic strawberry shortcake but crave something a little more indulgent, this dessert is your answer. The fudgy strawberry brownie base, luscious cream cheese frosting, and buttery strawberry shortcake crumble on top create a texture and flavor explosion you won’t be able to resist.

A sweet memory in every bite

Growing up, my mom always made strawberry shortcake for special occasions. It was simple, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser. But as I got older, I started experimenting with different ways to enjoy those same nostalgic flavors. One summer, I combined my love for brownies and strawberry shortcake into one decadent treat. The result? These strawberry cheesecake brownies! The first time I made them, my family devoured the entire batch before they had even fully set. Now, they’ve become a staple at birthdays, holidays, and any time we need a little extra sweetness in our lives.

A twist on classic flavors

Strawberry shortcake has been around for centuries, dating back to European recipes that paired biscuits with fresh strawberries and cream. Over time, it evolved into the cake-based version we know today. This recipe takes those beloved flavors and gives them a modern, indulgent twist. Instead of a light sponge cake, we use a rich and chewy strawberry brownie base. The cream cheese frosting mimics the creaminess of traditional shortcake, while the crunchy Oreo-strawberry crumble on top adds a delightful texture contrast.

Let’s talk ingredients: the sweet, the creamy, and the crunchy

Brownie base

• Strawberry cake mix: This shortcut ingredient makes the brownies incredibly easy to whip up while ensuring that perfect strawberry flavor. If you don’t have cake mix, you can make a homemade version using flour, sugar, and freeze-dried strawberry powder.
• Strawberry gelatin: Enhances the fruity flavor and deepens the pink color. You can use a natural strawberry powder if you want to avoid artificial ingredients.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and depth to the brownies. If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the chewy texture.

Cream cheese frosting

• Cream cheese: The star of the frosting! Use full-fat for the best flavor and texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without making it grainy.
• Heavy cream: Helps achieve that smooth, creamy consistency. You can swap it for milk, but the frosting won’t be as rich.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.

Strawberry shortcake crumble

• Golden Oreos: Provide that classic shortcake flavor and a satisfying crunch. If you prefer, you can use vanilla wafers instead.
• More strawberry gelatin: Infuses the crumble with extra strawberry flavor.
• Butter: Helps everything stick together while adding a delicious richness.

Essential kitchen tools (nothing fancy, promise!)

• Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few to keep everything organized.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: For making that smooth, fluffy frosting.
• Food processor: The easiest way to create the perfect cookie crumble. If you don’t have one, just crush the Oreos in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
• 8×8 baking dish: A glass one works best to ensure even baking.
• Parchment paper: Makes removing the brownies from the pan a breeze!

Step-by-step: making the magic happen

1. Prepare your baking dish
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This makes it so much easier to lift the brownies out later.
2. Mix up the brownie batter
   In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, strawberry cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what we want—this helps create a dense, fudgy texture. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared dish.
3. Bake and cool
   Pop the brownies into the oven for 25 minutes. They should be slightly firm to the touch but still soft in the center. Let them cool completely before adding the frosting, or it’ll melt into a mess (trust me, I’ve been impatient before, and it wasn’t pretty!).
4. Whip up the frosting
   Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until fluffy. Spread the frosting over the completely cooled brownies.
5. Make the crumble
   Pulse the Golden Oreos in a food processor until they’re broken into pieces—don’t overdo it; we want some chunks. Sprinkle the remaining strawberry gelatin over the cookie crumbs, then drizzle in the melted butter. Pulse a few more times to combine.
6. Assemble and serve
   Sprinkle the crumble generously over the frosted brownies, pressing it down slightly so it sticks. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Fun ways to switch it up

• Make it gluten-free: Swap the cake mix for a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and use gluten-free cookies for the crumble.
• Try a chocolate version: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of strawberry for a chocolate-covered strawberry twist.
• Go full cheesecake mode: Add a layer of cheesecake batter on top of the brownie batter before baking for extra creaminess.
• Use fresh strawberries: Mix finely chopped fresh strawberries into the frosting for a burst of natural flavor.

Serving and presentation ideas

To make these brownies even more irresistible, top them with fresh strawberry slices or a drizzle of white chocolate. If you’re serving them at a party, cut them into bite-sized squares and place them in mini cupcake liners for easy grabbing. A little dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice finishing touch!

Best drinks to pair with these treats

A cold glass of milk is a classic choice, but if you’re feeling fancy, try serving these brownies with a vanilla latte or a strawberry milkshake. For a more sophisticated pairing, a glass of rosé or champagne complements the fruity flavors beautifully.

Storing and reheating tips

These brownies stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them warm, pop a piece in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The crumble will soften slightly, but the flavors will still be incredible. You can also freeze them (without the crumble) for up to 2 months—just thaw and add the topping before serving.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

If you want to double the recipe, use a 9×13 pan and increase the baking time by about 5 minutes. For a smaller batch, halve the ingredients and use a loaf pan. The key is to keep an eye on the baking time since smaller or larger batches may need slight adjustments.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Brownies turned out dry? They may have been overbaked. Try reducing the baking time by a few minutes next time.
• Frosting too runny? Add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
• Crumble not sticking? Press it down gently into the frosting so it adheres better.

Ready to bake?

I promise these strawberry cheesecake brownies will become a favorite in your home. Try them out, put your own spin on them, and let me know how they turn out!

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the brownies and store them unfrosted for up to two days before adding the topping.

2. Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Just replace the boxed mix with your favorite strawberry cake recipe.

3. Do I need a food processor for the crumble?
No, you can crush the cookies in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.

4. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crumble?
Yes! Vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies work well.

5. Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting?
You can, but it will be much lighter and less tangy.

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