Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Shortcake Crumble: A Sweet Delight
Welcome to our blog, where we explore the delicious world of baking! Today, we have an irresistible treat for you: Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Shortcake Crumble. These delightful treats are the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and crunchy, making them a must-try for any dessert lover. In this post, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating these scrumptious treats and share some tips to make them even more delectable. So, let's dive into the world of strawberry goodness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownies:
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup of unsalted or salted butter (your preference), melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup of unsalted / salted butter (your preference), softened
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of heavy cream
For the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble:
- 25-30 Golden Oreos (depends on how thick you want the shortcake topping)
- 3 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
For the Decoration:
- Freeze dried strawberries (as a topping - but optional)
- Strawberry Colored Edible Glitter, DiamonDust (for pizazz - but optional)
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your strawberry cheesecake brownies bake evenly and come out perfect every time.
Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and 2 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into a greased square 8x8inch baking pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the strawberry cheesecake brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 2: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and continue to beat until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency.
Frost the Brownies: Once the strawberry cheesecake brownies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top using a spatula or an offset knife. Ensure a smooth and even layer of frosting for the best results.
Step 3: Creating the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble
Make the Crumble: Place the Golden Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they are fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin and 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
Top the Brownies: Sprinkle the strawberry shortcake crumble evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer. The crumble adds a delightful crunch and enhances the strawberry flavor.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Cut the brownies into squares and serve them up! These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday party, or just a sweet treat for yourself. The combination of the moist strawberry brownies, creamy frosting, and crunchy crumble is sure to impress.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This helps in achieving a smooth batter and frosting.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the strawberry cheesecake brownies while they are baking. Overbaking can result in dry brownies. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Chill the Frosting: If your kitchen is warm, you might find that the frosting becomes too soft. Chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before spreading it on the strawberry cheesecake brownies.
Customize the Crumble: Feel free to get creative with the crumble. You can add freeze-dried strawberries (like we did) for an extra strawberry punch or even mix in some chopped nuts for added texture.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
Unique Flavor Combination: A delightful twist on the traditional chocolate brownie, making them a refreshing and unique treat.
Creamy and Crunchy: The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious creaminess, while the Golden Oreo crumble provides a satisfying crunch, creating a perfect balance of textures.
Visually Appealing: The pink hue of the strawberry brownie and the vibrant crumble make these brownies not only delicious but also visually appealing. They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance and flavor, these brownies are surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time.
Variations to Try
Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the brownie batter for a zesty twist. You can also replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with lemon extract.
Chocolate Strawberry Brownies: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted brownies and crumble for an added layer of decadence.
Berry Medley Cheesecake Brownies: Mix in some freeze-dried raspberries and blueberries into the crumble for a berry medley topping.
Nutty Delight: Add some finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the brownie batter for a nutty crunch.
The Story Behind the Recipe
The inspiration for these strawberry cheesecake brownies came from a desire to create a dessert that combines the best of multiple worlds: the moist and dense texture of a brownie, the refreshing and tangy flavor of strawberries, and the creamy, rich taste of cream cheese frosting. The addition of the Golden Oreo crumble was a stroke of genius, adding a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the other elements.
Strawberries are a symbol of summer and freshness, and incorporating them into brownies brings a unique twist to a classic dessert. The idea of using strawberry cake mix as a base was born out of a need for simplicity and convenience, without compromising on flavor.
The cream cheese frosting is a classic addition that balances the sweetness of the strawberry cheesecake brownies with its tangy richness. It's a versatile frosting that can be used in a variety of desserts, but it pairs exceptionally well with the strawberry flavor in these brownies.
The Golden Oreo crumble adds an element of surprise and delight. It’s not only a tasty addition but also provides a contrasting texture that makes each bite more interesting. The use of strawberry gelatin in the crumble ties the flavors together, ensuring that every component of the brownie is infused with strawberry goodness.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Shortcake Crumble are a delightful treat that combines the best of sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. The unique strawberry flavor, coupled with the creamy frosting and crunchy crumble, makes these brownies a standout dessert for any occasion.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get baking! These strawberry cheesecake brownies are sure to become a favorite in your household, leaving everyone asking for more. Enjoy the deliciousness and happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix. However, using a strawberry cake mix is recommended to maintain the distinct strawberry flavor of these strawberry cheesecake brownies.
2. How should I store these? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
3. Can I make the frosting and crumble ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the frosting and crumble in advance. Store the frosting in the refrigerator and the crumble in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble them on the strawberry cheesecake brownies just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
4. What can I substitute for heavy cream in the frosting? If you don't have heavy cream, you can use milk or half-and-half. Adjust the quantity to achieve the desired consistency of the frosting.
5. Can I add fresh strawberries to the brownie batter? While fresh strawberries can add a nice touch, they can also add extra moisture, which may affect the texture of the strawberry cheesecake brownies. If you want to include fresh strawberries, consider using freeze-dried strawberries instead.
Enjoy your baking adventure with these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies!
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