These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the rich texture of brownies. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are quick to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you need a last-minute dessert for a gathering or want to indulge in something special at home, this recipe will impress everyone. The standout feature? They start with a strawberry cake mix, making them incredibly easy to whip up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy days.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The strawberry cake mix gives these brownies a unique taste that’s both sweet and fruity.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in; these brownies fit any occasion.
- Frosting Option: A creamy frosting can elevate your brownies, adding an extra layer of flavor.
- Kid-Friendly Treat: These Strawberry Brownies are fun for kids to help make and eat.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these delicious Strawberry Brownies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Nonstick cooking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- 8×8 baking pan: The perfect size for even baking and portion control.
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spills.
- Whisk or mixer: Helps achieve the right consistency in your batter quickly.
Ingredients
These Strawberry Brownies start with a strawberry cake mix and just a few simple ingredients for the quickest dessert ever.
Ingredients:
– 1 box strawberry cake mix with pudding in the mix (We used Pillsbury – but see post for more tips!)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil (80 ml)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
– 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90g)
– 2 tablespoon strawberry preserves (40g – Bonne Maman strawberry preserves is the best!)
– 1 ½ tablespoons milk (22ml)
– 1 tablespoon cream cheese (15g – optional (see post for tips!))
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare an 8×8 pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with foil. I recommend using parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix & Bake
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Strawberry cake mix
2. Eggs
3. Vegetable oil
4. Vanilla extract
Use either a spoon or a mixer to blend everything until smooth. Once mixed well, press the batter into your prepared pan evenly. Bake in the oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are just done. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make Strawberry Brownie Frosting
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Strawberry preserves
3. (Optional) Cream cheese if using
4. Milk
Once combined, spread this creamy mixture over your cooled brownies for an added touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies!
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies
Strawberry brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for parties, picnics, or even a cozy night in. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
A La Mode
- Serve warm strawberry brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
Fresh Fruit Topping
- Add sliced strawberries or mixed berries on top of the brownies. This enhances the fruity flavor and adds freshness.
Whipped Cream Delight
- Top the brownies with a generous dollop of whipped cream. This makes each bite creamy and indulgent.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the brownies for an extra layer of sweetness and decadence.
Powdered Sugar Dusting
- Lightly dust the finished brownies with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation and subtle sweetness.
Party Platter
- Cut the brownies into small squares and arrange them on a platter with other desserts. This creates an appealing dessert buffet.
How to Perfect Strawberry Brownies
Perfecting your strawberry brownies is key to impressing your guests. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and quality strawberry cake mix for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies while baking. They should be cooked through but still moist.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a clean presentation.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist on traditional strawberry flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more milk until you reach the desired spreadable consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Brownies
Pairing side dishes with your strawberry brownies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the fruity flavors in the brownies.
- Fresh Berries Salad: A simple mix of fresh berries adds brightness and balances sweetness.
- Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse provides a decadent contrast to the light strawberry flavor.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer creamy indulgence that pairs wonderfully with brownies.
- Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet, like raspberry or lemon, cleanses the palate between bites.
- Nutty Granola Mix: A crunchy granola mix gives an unexpected texture that contrasts nicely with soft brownies.
- Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve warm caramel sauce as a dip for added richness and flavor exploration.
- Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee or espresso enhances the sweetness of strawberry brownies beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Brownies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
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Using the wrong cake mix: Always choose a strawberry cake mix that includes pudding in the mix. This ensures your brownies stay moist and flavorful.
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Not following measurements: Be precise with your measurements, especially for ingredients like oil and eggs. Too much or too little can affect the texture of your brownies.
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Skipping the cooling step: Allowing your brownies to cool completely is crucial before adding frosting. Skipping this step can cause the frosting to melt or slide off.
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Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense Strawberry Brownies instead of light and fluffy ones.
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Not greasing the pan properly: Make sure to spray your baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Brownies
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Cut into squares before freezing for easy thawing and serving.
Reheating Strawberry Brownies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one brownie at a time for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm slowly for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Strawberry Brownies that may help clarify any doubts you have.
How To Make Strawberry Brownies from Scratch?
To make Strawberry Brownies from scratch, use fresh strawberries and combine them with a basic brownie recipe. Replace cocoa powder with pureed strawberries for flavor.
Can I Use Other Cake Mixes?
Yes, you can experiment with other cake mixes! Chocolate or vanilla cake mixes work well if you want a different flavor profile in your brownies.
Are Strawberry Brownies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free Strawberry Brownies, use a gluten-free cake mix. Check labels carefully to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or leave it out entirely if you prefer a lighter frosting option on your Strawberry Brownies.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Brownies are not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor! Their lovely pink hue makes them perfect for any occasion. You can customize them by adding nuts or using different frostings. Give this delightful dessert a try, and enjoy the sweet taste of strawberries in every bite!
Strawberry Brownies
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Strawberry Brownies, a perfect fusion of rich brownie texture and sweet strawberry flavor. This easy recipe starts with a strawberry cake mix, making preparation quick and simple. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up these delicious brownies that will impress at any gathering or satisfy your cravings at home. Top them with creamy frosting or serve them warm with ice cream for an extra treat. Whether it’s a party or a cozy night in, these strawberry brownies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (with pudding mix)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
- 1 ½ tablespoons milk
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until just set. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, cream cheese (if using), and milk until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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