If you are looking for a delightful twist on your classic dessert lineup, this Strawberry Brownies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine the rich, moist texture of a brownie combined with the light, fruity sweetness of strawberries in every bite. It’s a beautiful balance of nostalgic comfort and fresh berry brightness that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is incredibly approachable and brings a pop of color and flavor that makes dessert time even more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that irresistible strawberry hue. From the simplicity of the cake mix to the luscious strawberry preserves, every item is essential for transforming this recipe into a memorable treat.
- Strawberry cake mix (15.25-ounce box): Acts as the base, delivering strawberry flavor and fluffy structure.
- Large eggs (2): Provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together for a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil (â…“ cup): Adds richness and keeps the brownies delectably moist.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the glaze to perfectly complement the strawberry essence.
- Strawberry preserves (2 tablespoons): Offers an intense strawberry punch in the glaze for extra fruity goodness.
- Milk (1 ½ tablespoons): Thins the glaze to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ to ensure it’s just right when the batter is ready. Grease your 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly, then line it with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper overhangs the sides to make lifting the brownies out later much easier — this little prep step saves time and effort when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Combine the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or mixer to bring everything together, but don’t overmix. The batter will be quite thick, which is perfect for that dense, fudgy brownie texture. Resist the urge to add extra liquid, as this consistency is exactly what you want.
Step 3: Transfer and Smooth the Batter
Scrape the thick batter into your prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly and flatten the surface. This even layer ensures your brownies bake uniformly, so every piece has that perfect balance of moist crumb and tender edges.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 23 minutes. You want to look for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out mostly clean — a few moist crumbs are ideal because they keep the brownies tender without being undercooked. Once baked, allow the pan to cool for at least 20 minutes to set the structure before glazing.
Step 5: Whip Up the Glaze and Finish
While your brownies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Then spread this luscious glaze over the top of your cooled brownies. Let it set a bit so it adds that beautiful sheen and a sweet strawberry punch. Finally, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire batch out from the pan and cut into 16 generous squares.
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh sliced strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few small mint leaves can elevate your Strawberry Brownies Recipe presentation. These additions add freshness and color contrast, making each serving feel extra special. Whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate also pairs beautifully for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
While these brownies stand proudly on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream makes for an irresistible dessert plate. For something lighter, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad that complements the strawberry flavor without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, cut the brownies into bite-size squares and serve on a decorative platter with small dessert forks or toothpicks. You can also layer pieces in a clear glass trifle bowl with alternating whipped cream and strawberry slices, transforming the brownies into an impressive layered dessert. Wrapping individual pieces in cellophane with a ribbon makes a perfect gift for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Strawberry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and moist for 3 to 4 days. Keeping them covered ensures the glaze doesn’t dry out and the fruity flavors remain vibrant.
Freezing
If you want to save these delights for later, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brownies retain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To enjoy your Strawberry Brownies warm, either microwave a single piece for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a low-temperature oven (about 300℉) for a few minutes. The glaze may soften slightly, creating an even more luscious bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While this Strawberry Brownies Recipe calls for strawberry cake mix for authenticity, you could experiment with white or vanilla cake mix and add fresh strawberries for a variation. Just keep in mind the strawberry flavor might be less intense.
What if I don’t have strawberry preserves?
You can substitute with other berry preserves like raspberry or cherry if needed. It will alter the flavor slightly but still create a delicious glaze that complements the brownies.
Can these brownies be made gluten-free?
Yes, if you find a gluten-free strawberry cake mix, you can use it as a direct substitute. Just make sure all other ingredients, like vanilla extract and preserves, are also gluten-free for the best results.
How thick should the batter be?
The batter will be quite thick, much thicker than traditional cake batter. This consistency is key for that dense, chewy brownie texture instead of a fluffy cake.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper?
While not absolutely necessary, parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the brownies from the pan cleanly and cut without sticking or breaking. It’s a small step that makes serving so much simpler.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of strawberry flavor and brownie richness that just feels like a hug in dessert form. I hope you enjoy making this Strawberry Brownies Recipe as much as you will enjoy sharing and eating it. It’s an easy, fun recipe that adds a burst of color and joyous flavor to your baking repertoire — so get baking and let the sweet strawberry magic happen!
Print
Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Brownies made from a strawberry cake mix, offering a fruity twist on traditional brownies. Topped with a sweet strawberry glaze, they are perfect for a quick, colorful dessert that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box strawberry cake mix (Duncan Hines preferred)
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze Ingredients
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
- 1 ½ tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish, then line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and the batter is thick.
- Transfer Batter: Scrape the thick batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to flatten the top evenly for consistent baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 23 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes.
- Prepare and Spread Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk until smooth. Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled brownies. Let the glaze set before lifting the brownies out and cutting them into 16 pieces.
Notes
- For an even richer strawberry flavor, consider adding fresh chopped strawberries into the batter.
- Lining the pan with parchment paper with an overhang helps to remove the brownies cleanly after baking.
- Make sure not to overbake; the toothpick should come out mostly clean but may have a few moist crumbs for perfect fudgy texture.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
