Strawberry Brownies are a fun and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberry-flavored brownies with a creamy cheese frosting and a delightful Golden Oreo crumble topping. This easy-to-make recipe starts with a simple strawberry cake mix base, enhanced with strawberry gelatin for extra flavor. The creamy frosting is made from softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream, providing a perfect contrast to the dense brownie layer. Finally, the Golden Oreo topping adds the perfect crunch, making this dessert a must-try for any sweet occasion.
Strawberry Brownies are a fun and flavorful dessert that combines the sweet taste of strawberry-flavored brownies with a creamy cheese frosting and a crunchy Golden Oreo crumble topping. This delightful treat is perfect for those who love the vibrant taste of strawberries and want a unique spin on traditional brownies. Whether you’re serving these at a party or enjoying them as a weekend indulgence, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Now, let’s explore the key ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious strawberry brownies.
INGREDIENTS
- Strawberry Cake Mix: This serves as the base of the brownies, giving them their sweet strawberry flavor and lovely pink color.
- Strawberry Gelatin: Adding a tablespoon of strawberry gelatin enhances the flavor of the cake mix and provides an extra burst of strawberry goodness.
- Butter: Melted salted butter adds richness and moisture to the brownies, helping create a dense and chewy texture.
- Eggs: Two eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the brownies structure.
- Cream Cheese: The frosting is made with softened cream cheese, which adds a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet brownies.
- Golden Oreos: These cookies are crushed and added as a crumbly topping, adding both flavor and texture to the brownies.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese frosting, creating a smooth and fluffy topping for the brownies.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the frosting and complements the strawberry brownies perfectly.
- Heavy Cream: Used to make the frosting light and creamy, adding a luxurious texture to the topping.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of melted salted butter, 2 eggs, 1 box of strawberry cake mix, and 1 tablespoon of strawberry gelatin. Stir the mixture until well combined. The batter will be thick, but make sure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Step 3: Bake the Brownies
- Spread the thick batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to flatten it into an even layer. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely before adding the frosting.
- Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium-sized bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Slowly add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and continue to beat the mixture until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Frost the Brownies
- Once the brownies have cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the brownie layer using a spatula.
- Step 6: Make the Golden Oreo Crumble
- In a food processor, crush 8 Golden Oreos into small chunks. Add 1 tablespoon of the remaining strawberry gelatin and a drizzle of melted butter. Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are combined and form a crumbly texture.
- Step 7: Add the Crumble Topping
- Sprinkle the Golden Oreo crumble over the frosted brownies, gently pressing it into the frosting to ensure it sticks. This topping adds a delightful crunch to the soft, creamy brownies.
- Step 8: Slice and Serve
- Using a greased or sharp knife, slice the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy these strawberry brownies as a fun and delicious dessert!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these Strawberry Brownies chilled or at room temperature. The creamy frosting pairs perfectly with the soft brownie layer, while the crunchy Golden Oreo topping adds an enjoyable texture contrast.
- For an extra decorative touch, you can add fresh strawberries on top of each square or sprinkle some extra cookie crumbs for added visual appeal.
- If you’re serving these at a party or gathering, cut the brownies into small, bite-sized squares for easy portioning. They are sure to be a hit on any dessert table!
- Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting may soften at room temperature, so refrigerating them helps maintain their freshness and structure.
Helpful Notes
- For a fun variation, you can substitute the Golden Oreos with other types of cookies like vanilla wafers or graham crackers to create a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can increase the amount of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of strawberry syrup to the cream cheese mixture for an extra strawberry punch.
- To ensure the brownies cut cleanly, chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the frosting firm up and makes it easier to cut through the layers without smudging the topping.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Ina Garten: Always use high-quality cream cheese for a smoother, richer frosting. It’s the key to getting a fluffy and luxurious texture.
- Gordon Ramsay: When making the crumble, ensure you don’t over-process the cookies. You want a coarse texture with chunks for the best contrast against the soft brownie and frosting layers.
- Rachael Ray: For a fun twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the frosting to cut through the sweetness and give a zesty balance to the rich dessert.