If you’re looking for a fun and delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than these Strawberry Brownies! They are easy to whip up and bursting with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to treat yourself after a busy week, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.

What makes these Strawberry Brownies so special is their simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that’s sure to impress everyone. Plus, the lovely pink hue makes them visually appealing and adds a festive touch to any dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With only five minutes of prep time, you can have these brownies in the oven in no time!
Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet strawberry taste, making it a hit for dessert night.
Flexible Ingredients: You can easily customize the toppings or add-ins to suit your family’s preferences.
Make-Ahead Convenience: These brownies are great for making ahead of time, so you always have a tasty treat on hand.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of cake mix and strawberry preserves creates a moist and flavorful brownie bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be thrilled to find that these Strawberry Brownies use simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry! Let’s gather what we need.

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 Topping

3/4 cup powdered sugar (90g)
2 tablespoons 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!))

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variation ideas:

Add Some Chocolate: Swirl in some melted chocolate or chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
Mix in Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Fruity Twist: Experiment with other fruit preserves or purees if you want to change up the flavor.
Top with Whipped Cream: Serve the brownies warm topped with dairy-free whipped cream for an extra special touch.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is crucial as it ensures even baking. While you’re at it, spray an 8×8 pan with nonstick spray or line it with foil. I like using parchment paper for easy removal later!

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. It’s super easy—just mix until everything is well combined! Whether you use a spoon or mixer doesn’t matter; both methods yield delicious results. Press this luscious mixture into your prepared pan. Bake for about 18-22 minutes until they’re just done—the edges should be set but still soft in the center. Let them cool completely before cutting into squares.

Enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Brownies! They are sure to bring smiles all around.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

Making the perfect Strawberry Brownies is a breeze with these simple tips to ensure your dessert turns out deliciously every time!

Use quality ingredients: Opt for a high-quality strawberry cake mix and fresh eggs to enhance flavor. The better the ingredients, the tastier your brownies will be!
Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to avoid dense brownies. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, so stir gently.
Check for doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your brownies a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs—this means they are perfectly fudgy.
Cool completely before slicing: Allowing the brownies to cool fully helps them set and makes slicing easier. Warm brownies can break apart and lose their beautiful shape.
Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to add in some chocolate chips or nuts if you’d like! These additions can create delightful textures and additional flavors in each bite.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

These Strawberry Brownies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any occasion! Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy them.

Garnishes

Whipped cream: A dollop of light whipped cream adds a fluffy touch that complements the sweetness of the brownies.
Fresh strawberries: Slice some fresh strawberries on top or alongside your brownies for an extra burst of strawberry flavor and a pop of color.
Mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can brighten up your presentation and add a refreshing aroma that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy brownie.
Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light, juicy contrast that enhances your dessert experience.
Chocolate sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the brownies adds richness and indulgence, making every bite even more divine.
Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the sweetness of the brownies while offering a comforting beverage option for your guests.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy your delightful Strawberry Brownies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy their delightful taste throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

Cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Reheating

If you prefer warm brownies, microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds.
For a slightly crispier edge, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Brownies.

Can I use a different cake mix for these Strawberry Brownies?

Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives these brownies their signature flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or chocolate. Just adjust the additional ingredients as needed.

How do I know when my Strawberry Brownies are done baking?

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake them, or they’ll become dry!

Can I make these Strawberry Brownies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. This will help maintain moisture and binding.

What makes these Strawberry Brownies special?

Strawberry Brownies stand out due to their unique combination of flavors and textures—moist and chewy with a delightful hint of strawberry sweetness. They’re perfect for any occasion!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Strawberry Brownies! Their simplicity and vibrant flavor make them a truly special treat that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to try this recipe again or add your own twist. Happy baking!