If you have a craving for something sweet, fruity, and delightfully moist, this Strawberry Brownies Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Combining the rich, tender texture of brownies with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, these treats are as simple to make as they are delicious. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and a box of strawberry cake mix transform into a luscious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Brownies Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the strawberry cake mix that brings vibrant color and natural sweetness to the glaze that adds a luscious shimmer, every component is essential to making these brownies irresistibly good.
- Strawberry cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): This is the star ingredient, providing that authentic strawberry flavor and beautiful pink hue.
- Eggs (2 large): Helps bind the batter for a soft, moist crumb.
- Vegetable oil (â…“ cup): Keeps the brownies tender and prevents them from drying out.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Perfect for a smooth, glossy glaze that adds a touch of sweetness on top.
- Strawberry preserves (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the strawberry flavor in the glaze and gives it a lovely sheen.
- Milk (1 ½ tablespoons): Thins out the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure your brownies won’t stick. For easy removal, line the bottom with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides—this little trick will make lifting the brownies out a breeze once they are baked and cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix with the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. This batter will be quite thick, but don’t worry—that density is what makes the brownies so heavenly. Stir everything together until it’s just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the brownies tough.
Step 3: Spread the Batter Into the Pan
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a rubber spatula. Flattening the top will help the brownies bake uniformly and create that smooth surface which is ideal for glazing later on.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 23 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out mostly clean, with just a couple of moist crumbs clinging to it. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This cooling time is crucial to let them set properly before glazing.
Step 5: Whisk and Spread the Glaze
While your brownies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk in a small bowl. This glaze is luscious and sweet, intensifying the strawberry goodness. Once the brownies are cooled, spread the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges for a tempting look and extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh touch by garnishing your strawberry brownies with thinly sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also add a small dollop of whipped cream or a few mint leaves to really dress these beauties up when serving guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to complement their sweet, fruity flavor. For a brunch twist, serve with fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and festive presentation, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and place them on a pretty serving platter. Drizzle extra glaze or melted white chocolate over the top. You can even layer these strawberry brownies in a glass for a layered parfait with whipped cream and crushed nuts for texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their moist texture and fresh strawberry flavor.
Freezing
These strawberry brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly for that freshly baked feel.
Reheating
To bring the strawberry brownies back to life, warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 10 minutes. This will soften the brownies and refresh the glaze, making them taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different brand of strawberry cake mix?
Absolutely! While the recipe works wonderfully with Duncan Hines, any good-quality strawberry cake mix will do. Just be sure to check the package directions for any ingredient differences.
Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?
You can, but the texture might be slightly different. Vegetable oil keeps the brownies moist and tender without adding flavor, whereas butter could make them richer but possibly denser. Feel free to experiment to find what you like best.
Is it necessary to use strawberry preserves in the glaze?
Strawberry preserves enhance the glaze’s strawberry flavor and give it a nice shine. If you don’t have them, you could try using a bit of fresh strawberry puree or skip the preserves and just make a simple powdered sugar glaze instead.
How can I make these brownies more chocolatey?
If you want chocolate and strawberry combined, add mini chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished glazed brownies for a decadent twist on this strawberry classic.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
The recipe depends on the cake mix used. If you find a gluten-free strawberry cake mix, then yes, you can make gluten-free strawberry brownies. Always check the packaging to be sure.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, once you try this Strawberry Brownies Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s so addictive. They’re simple to make, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, and versatile enough to enjoy as a snack, dessert, or even a fun party treat. Go ahead and give these lovely pink brownies a try—you might just find yourself baking them again and again!
Print
Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These irresistible Strawberry Brownies combine the rich, moist texture of classic brownies with the vibrant, fruity flavor of strawberry cake mix. Topped with a sweet strawberry glaze, they offer a delightful twist on a traditional favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box strawberry cake mix (such as Duncan Hines)
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
- 1 ½ tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish and line the bottom with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out once baked.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined; the batter will be thick.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Scrape the thick batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly with a rubber spatula.
- Bake Brownies: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 23 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Brownies: Once the brownies are cooled, spread the strawberry glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing.
Notes
- If a thicker glaze is desired, reduce the milk slightly.
- For an extra strawberry flavor, add chopped fresh strawberries into the batter before baking.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Use parchment paper overhang to easily lift brownies from the pan for neat slicing.
