What makes these strawberry shortcake brownies so special, you ask? Well, it’s the perfect balance of rich, chocolatey goodness and the bright, refreshing flavor of fresh strawberries. Plus, the “shortcake” element, which is really just a simple, sweet topping, adds a lovely texture contrast. My family absolutely loves them! Even my picky teenager can’t resist a slice (or two!). Juggling work, kids, and everything else life throws my way, I need recipes that are quick and easy, but still delicious. This strawberry shortcake brownies recipe definitely fits the bill. It’s become my go-to dessert when I need something impressive but don’t have a ton of time.
I actually perfected this recipe a few years ago during a particularly hot summer. We were having friends over for a barbecue, and I wanted to make something different than my usual chocolate chip cookies. After a little research and a few more test batches, I hit on this winning strawberry shortcake brownies combination, and it was an instant hit! Trust me, once you try this strawberry shortcake brownies recipe, it’ll become a family favorite in your house too!
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious treats. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty simple list! And, of course, feel free to adapt to your own preferences!
- 1 box (13×9 size) brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Optional: Whipped cream or ice cream for serving
For my strawberry shortcake brownies, I always use a good quality brownie mix. It just makes things so much easier, especially when you’re short on time. Ghirardelli is my go-to, but any brand you like will work just fine. The type of brownie mix you choose can also subtly influence the final taste. For instance, a dark chocolate brownie mix will give a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, while a milk chocolate mix will result in a sweeter, milder brownie.
When making strawberry shortcake brownies, you can find everything you need at your local grocery store. I usually stock up on strawberries when they’re in season because they’re so much sweeter and more flavorful then. Here’s a strawberry shortcake brownies trick I learned from my mom: if your strawberries aren’t super sweet, add a tablespoon of sugar to them and let them sit for about 15 minutes. It really brings out their natural sweetness! For busy families, you can even buy pre-sliced strawberries to save even more time.
To save money on strawberry shortcake brownies ingredients, look for sales on brownie mixes and strawberries. Frozen strawberries can also work in a pinch, just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them. As for leftover ingredients, brownie mix can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, and fresh strawberries should be kept in the refrigerator. If you have extra strawberries, slice them up and freeze them for smoothies!
HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP
Alright, let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these amazing strawberry shortcake brownies, step by step. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through it!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is crucial! You don’t want your strawberry shortcake brownies sticking to the pan. A well-greased pan ensures easy removal and clean edges. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, to lift the brownies out effortlessly once they’ve cooled.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Easy peasy! Just follow the instructions on the box. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined to keep them fudgy and tender. The consistency of the batter should be smooth and pourable, but not too thin.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Make sure it’s nice and smooth so the brownies bake evenly. Use a spatula to ensure the batter reaches all corners of the pan. This step is vital for consistent baking and a uniform final product.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk it all together until it forms a crumbly mixture. This is your shortcake topping! The melted butter helps bind the dry ingredients, creating a texture that will become delightfully crisp in the oven.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the shortcake mixture and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix this either, or the topping will be tough. The egg adds richness and helps the topping hold its shape during baking. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, complementing both the brownie and the strawberries.
- Sprinkle the shortcake topping evenly over the brownie batter. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible so every bite has that delicious shortcake crunch. A uniform layer of topping ensures a consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries over the shortcake topping. Get creative! You can make a pretty pattern or just scatter them randomly. Press the strawberries lightly into the topping to help them adhere during baking.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with moist crumbs attached. I learned the hard way with strawberry shortcake brownies that it’s better to underbake them slightly than to overbake them. You want them to be fudgy! Keep a close eye on the brownies during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overbaking.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This is the hardest part, I know! But it’s important to let them cool completely so they set up properly. Cooling allows the brownies to firm up, making them easier to cut and serve.
- Cut into squares and serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired. Enjoy!
Don’t worry if your strawberry shortcake brownies topping seems a little crumbly before baking. It will all come together in the oven! In my kitchen, strawberry shortcake brownies usually takes about 32 minutes to bake, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on them. If the topping starts to get too brown, you can loosely tent the pan with foil. While the strawberry shortcake brownies is cooking, I usually do the dishes or start prepping dinner. It’s all about multitasking, right? Your strawberry shortcake brownies should smell like a combination of chocolate, strawberries, and vanilla – absolutely heavenly!
Here’s a family-tested strawberry shortcake brownies shortcut: Use store-bought shortcake biscuits instead of making the topping from scratch! Just crumble them over the brownie batter and top with strawberries. It saves a ton of time and tastes just as good!
SERVING
Okay, so the strawberry shortcake brownies are baked, cooled, and ready to be devoured! Here’s how we usually enjoy them.
The kids love our strawberry shortcake brownies when I top them with a dollop of whipped cream and a few extra sliced strawberries. Sometimes, I’ll even add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special treat. My husband prefers his with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – he says it’s the perfect complement to the rich, fudgy brownies and sweet strawberries. My go-to side dish to pair with strawberry shortcake brownies is a simple glass of cold milk. It’s classic and refreshing, and it helps cut through the sweetness of the dessert. I also think they’d be amazing with a scoop of strawberry ice cream!
This strawberry shortcake dessert is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even just a casual weeknight treat. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! As for presentation, I like to cut the brownies into squares and arrange them on a pretty platter. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
If you have extra strawberry brownies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re actually pretty delicious cold, straight from the fridge!
I’ve also tried a few seasonal strawberry shortcake brownies variations. In the fall, I’ll sometimes add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the shortcake topping. And around the holidays, I’ll use cranberry sauce instead of fresh strawberries for a festive twist. My friends always ask for this strawberry shortcake brownies recipe whenever I make it for parties. They’re always so impressed by how easy and delicious they are!
FAQs
Okay, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about these strawberry shortcake brownies. I’ve heard it all, trust me!
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them. Otherwise, your strawberry shortcake brownies might be a little soggy.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free brownie mix and gluten-free flour in the shortcake topping. You might need to add a little extra liquid to the brownie batter to compensate for the gluten-free flour.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the strawberry shortcake brownies a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the whipped cream or ice cream just before serving.
- What if my shortcake topping is too dry? Add a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches the right consistency. You want it to be crumbly but not too dry.
- What if my strawberries are too tart? Toss them with a tablespoon or two of sugar and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This will help bring out their natural sweetness.
- Can I use a different kind of berry? Of course! Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries would all be delicious in these brownies. Feel free to experiment!
- My brownies are too dry! What did I do wrong? You may have overbaked them. Brownies are best when they’re slightly underbaked. Also, make sure you’re not overmixing the brownie batter. I’ve definitely made that mistake before! You know what I do when my strawberry shortcake brownies are a little dry? I serve them with a generous scoop of ice cream! Problem solved!
My Final Thoughts
These strawberry shortcake brownies hold a special place in my heart because they represent simple joys and happy memories with my family. They’re a reminder that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
Here are my strawberry shortcake brownies Pro Tips:
- Don’t overbake the brownies! Fudgy is the way to go.
- Use good quality ingredients! It makes a difference in the flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add your own personal touch to the recipe.
Here are a few strawberry shortcake brownies variations we’ve tried:
- Chocolate Chip Strawberry Shortcake Brownies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter. My son loves this version!
- White Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Brownies: Use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate in the brownie batter. This is my personal favorite!
- Lemon Strawberry Shortcake Brownies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the shortcake topping for a bright, citrusy twist. My daughter loves this one!
I really hope you give this strawberry shortcake brownies recipe a try. It’s so easy to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. Add your favorite toppings, use different kinds of berries, or even try a different kind of brownie mix. The possibilities are endless! I hope that when you make these strawberry shortcake brownies, you fill your kitchen with love, laughter, and the sweet aroma of chocolate and strawberries.
I truly believe that anyone can make these delicious strawberry shortcake brownies. Just follow the steps, have fun, and don’t be afraid to experiment. And most importantly, enjoy the process! Happy baking!
And remember, like in all things, you can also find strawberry recipes at Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake, and Strawberry Matcha Sag Recipe. You can also look at all the positive things that strawberries do for you by checking out this study , “All About Strawberries: Nutrition, Benefits, and Risks”. Another good external read is Chocolate and Strawberry: A Perfect Match?.
PrintStrawberry Shortcake Brownies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
These Strawberry Shortcake Brownies are fudgy, chewy, and packed with fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips. A delicious twist on a classic dessert!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Additional strawberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Mix well.
- Fold in diced strawberries and white chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries. You can also add a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top for extra decadence.