Strawberry Brownies

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dessert that brings a touch of joy to any occasion, these Strawberry Brownies are just what you need! With their vibrant color and scrumptious flavor, they capture the essence of summer in every bite. This recipe is a favorite in my household because it’s not only simple to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these brownies are perfect for sharing or just treating yourself!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easily you can whip them up with just a handful of ingredients. Plus, who can resist the soft, chewy texture of brownies combined with the fruity sweetness of strawberries? You’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for those moments when you need something delicious in a pinch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: Just mix everything together and bake! It’s that simple.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet treats.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or cozy nights at home.
• Quick Prep Time: Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish—perfect for last-minute cravings!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberry cake mix and preserves makes these brownies irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Brownies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely 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 Frosting

• 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 and customize it to suit your taste.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips before baking for extra decadence.
• Use Different Preserves: Swap out strawberry preserves for raspberry or cherry preserves for a unique twist.
• Top with Fresh Strawberries: Garnish your brownies with fresh sliced strawberries once they’re cooled for added freshness.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix as an easy alternative if needed.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your brownies bake evenly. While that’s heating up, spray an 8×8 pan with nonstick spray or line it with foil for easy removal later on.

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. It’s super easy—grab a spoon or use an electric mixer; both work perfectly! Once mixed well, press the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for about 18-22 minutes until they are just done. Remember not to overbake; we want them soft and chewy! After baking, let them cool completely before cutting into squares.

Enjoy making these Strawberry Brownies; they’re sure to brighten up any day!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful treat, and with a few tips, you can make them even more scrumptious!

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Adding a handful of chopped fresh strawberries to the batter enhances the flavor and adds a lovely texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can result in denser brownies. You want them to be soft and fudgy!

• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies around 18 minutes. They should still look slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: If you decide to add frosting or icing, make sure your brownies have cooled completely. This prevents melting and ensures a nice presentation.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap out vanilla extract for almond extract or add a pinch of salt for an extra flavor dimension. It’s all about making it your own!

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

Now that your Strawberry Brownies are baked to perfection, let’s talk about how to present this sweet delight! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these serving suggestions will make your brownies shine.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and sweetness, making your brownies look professionally made.

• Fresh Mint Leaves: Placing a sprig of mint on top not only adds color but also brings a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream paired with warm strawberry brownies creates a comforting dessert experience that everyone loves.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits complements the strawberry flavor while adding freshness and balance.

• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream is light and fluffy, making it a perfect topping that pairs beautifully with the rich brownies.

• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling some chocolate sauce over your brownies takes them to another level of indulgence—perfect for chocolate lovers!

Now you’re all set to whip up these amazing Strawberry Brownies! Enjoy every bite as they bring smiles and sweet memories to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a delicious treat ahead of time. Whether you’re planning for a party or just want something sweet on hand, here’s how you can store and enjoy them later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into squares before freezing for easy serving later.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your containers!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply microwave individual servings on a low setting for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Brownies.

Can I make Strawberry Brownies with different cake mixes?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or chocolate cake mix to create your own variations. Just follow the same instructions!

How do I ensure my Strawberry Brownies stay moist?

To keep your Strawberry Brownies moist, avoid overbaking them. Check for doneness around the 18-minute mark and let them cool completely before storing.

What toppings go well with Strawberry Brownies?

You can top your Strawberry Brownies with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor and presentation.

Are Strawberry Brownies gluten-free?

You can make these brownies gluten-free by using a gluten-free strawberry cake mix. Just double-check the label to ensure it meets your dietary needs!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Brownies as much as I do! They bring together the sweetness of strawberries and the ease of cake mix into one irresistible dessert. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, these brownies are sure to impress. Happy baking!