These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie, making them perfect for any occasion. By using a strawberry cake mix, this recipe delivers a burst of fruity flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply craving a sweet treat, these brownies will impress everyone. Their vibrant pink hue and rich taste make them stand out at dessert tables, ensuring they’re not just delicious but also visually appealing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these brownies can be made in just 25 minutes.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberry cake mix and preserves creates an irresistible fruity taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers, these brownies fit any occasion with ease.
- Creamy Frosting Option: Elevate your brownies by adding a creamy frosting made with simple ingredients for an extra treat.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve kids in the kitchen as they mix and decorate their own brownies, making it a fun family activity.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will help you whip up these Strawberry Brownies effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- 8×8 baking pan
- Nonstick spray or foil
- Small bowl for frosting
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is essential for thoroughly combining all the ingredients without spills.
- Whisk or Spoon: These tools ensure that your batter is mixed evenly, resulting in consistent texture throughout your brownies.
- Baking Pan: An 8×8 pan is perfect for creating the right thickness in your brownies; too shallow or deep can alter baking time.
Ingredients
These Strawberry Brownies start with a strawberry cake mix and just a few simple ingredients for the quickest dessert ever.
For the Brownies
- 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)
For the Frosting
- 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. Spray an 8×8 pan with nonstick spray or line it with foil to prevent sticking. You could also use parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix & Bake
In a large bowl, combine the following:
1. Strawberry cake mix
2. Eggs
3. Vegetable oil
4. Vanilla extract
Mix until well combined using either a whisk or spoon. Once mixed, press the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes until just set. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Prepare Strawberry Brownie Frosting
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Strawberry preserves
3. (Optional) Cream cheese
4. Milk
Spread this delicious frosting over your cooled strawberry brownies for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.
Now you have perfect Strawberry Brownies ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies
Serving Strawberry Brownies can be both fun and creative. These treats are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
With Fresh Strawberries
- Add sliced fresh strawberries on top to enhance the fruity flavor and add a pop of color.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Pair warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a classic dessert combo.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Dollop fresh whipped cream over each brownie for added richness and a light texture.
Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce can provide an extra layer of sweetness and contrast with the strawberry flavor.
Sprinkle of Nuts
- Chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, can add a crunchy texture that complements the soft brownies.
Serve with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these brownies alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Perfect Strawberry Brownies
Perfecting your Strawberry Brownies is simple with a few tips. By following these suggestions, you can ensure that your brownies turn out delicious every time.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality strawberry cake mix and preserves will enhance the overall flavor of your brownies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; removing them from the oven when they are just set will keep them moist.
- Let Cool Completely: Allowing your brownies to cool completely before frosting will help the frosting set better.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor variation.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the brownies for an hour before serving can intensify their flavors and make cutting easier.
- Add More Frosting: If you love frosting, feel free to double the recipe for extra creamy goodness on top!
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Brownies
Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Brownies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad complements the sweetness of strawberries without overpowering them.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds a savory contrast that works well with sweet desserts.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that balances out rich flavors.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch provides an excellent counterpoint to the sweetness of strawberry brownies.
- Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert pairs beautifully with fruity flavors like strawberries, creating a delightful combination.
- Mint Tea: A soothing mint tea offers a refreshing drink option that cleanses the palate between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Brownies, it’s easy to make simple errors that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the wrong cake mix: Not all strawberry cake mixes are created equal. Choose a mix that includes pudding for the best texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create dense brownies. Stir just until combined for light and fluffy results.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Ingredients should be measured carefully. Using too much or too little can change the taste and texture.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the brownies to cool completely is essential for proper frosting application and flavor development.
- Ignoring the baking time: Every oven is different. Check your brownies a couple of minutes before the minimum time to avoid overbaking.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Layer parchment paper between brownies if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Brownies
- Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Strawberry Brownies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm brownies for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one brownie at a time on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place brownies in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Strawberry Brownies from scratch?
You can create Strawberry Brownies from scratch by combining flour, sugar, strawberries, eggs, and other ingredients instead of using a cake mix. However, using a cake mix makes it quicker and easier!
Can I use frozen strawberries in my Strawberry Brownies?
Yes! Thaw frozen strawberries and drain excess liquid before adding them into your batter for delicious flavor.
How do I know when my Strawberry Brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. Be careful not to overbake them.
Can I add other flavors to my Strawberry Brownies?
Absolutely! Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor contrast.
What’s the best way to frost Strawberry Brownies?
For best results, frost your brownies once they have cooled completely. This ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and maintains its creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Brownies are not only quick to make but also bursting with flavor. They offer versatility as you can easily customize them with additional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts. Try this delightful dessert recipe today and enjoy a sweet treat that everyone will love!
Strawberry Brownies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Strawberry Brownies, a fun and fruity twist on the classic dessert. Made with strawberry cake mix, these brownies offer a burst of berry goodness in every bite. With their vibrant pink color and rich, moist texture, they are perfect for any celebration or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a family treat, these easy-to-make brownies will surely impress.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix with pudding (Pillsbury recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For frosting: powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, milk, cream cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 baking pan with nonstick spray or line with foil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until just set.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before preparing the frosting by whisking together powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, milk, and optional cream cheese.
- Spread the frosting over cooled brownies and let set before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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