Can I use fresh strawberries instead of gelatin or preserves?

Yes, you can use fresh berries, but they add extra moisture. If you fold chopped or mashed strawberries into the batter, expect softer Strawberry Shortcake Brownies with a more cake-like texture. For a stronger fruit flavor without excess liquid, use freeze-dried strawberries blended into a powder.

How do I keep the brownies from turning dry?

These bars tend to dry out if they bake too long. Pull them from the oven when the edges look set but the center is still slightly soft. The cream layer adds moisture, giving you a fudgier bite that keeps the shortcake feel intact.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Yes, this recipe doubles well in a 9x13 pan. Keep an eye on the bake time since a larger batch may need extra minutes. Once cooled, the bars slice cleanly and serve perfectly for gatherings.

Do Strawberry Shortcake Brownies freeze well?

They freeze best without the cream layer or crumble. Wrap the brownie base tightly, freeze, then thaw in the fridge. Add the frosting and crumble before serving to keep the texture crisp and creamy.

Strawberry Shortcake Brownies: 5 Incredible Bars You’ll Love

Description

These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies combine a soft strawberry base, creamy frosting, and buttery crumble for a bright, nostalgic dessert that tastes like a bakery-style twist on classic shortcake.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large eggs
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons strawberry preserves
1 box strawberry cake mix
1 tablespoon strawberry gelatin powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons heavy cream
12 vanilla sandwich cookies, crushed
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon strawberry gelatin powder

Cook Mode Keep your screen awake while you cook

Instructions

Preheat oven and line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper.
Whisk melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and strawberry preserves until combined.
Add cake mix, flour, baking powder, and strawberry gelatin; mix into a thick batter.
Spread batter evenly into the pan and smooth the top.
Bake until edges are set and the center is slightly soft.
Cool completely on a wire rack before topping.
Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownie base.
Combine crushed cookies, melted butter, and gelatin powder to form the crumble.
Sprinkle the crumble over the frosted brownies and slice to serve.

Notes

Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Freeze the base without frosting or crumble for best texture.
Add fresh strawberries only if serving immediately to avoid excess moisture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 320
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 160
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 10
Unsaturated Fat: 6
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 34
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4
Cholesterol: 55