If you love the dreamy combination of strawberries and cake, you’re in for a treat with these Strawberry Brownies. This recipe transforms a classic strawberry cake mix into fudgy, pink-hued bars topped with a glossy strawberry glaze. They’re the ultimate shortcut dessert for when you want something easy, show-stopping, and bursting with sweet berry flavor. Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, a picnic, or just a cozy night at home, these Strawberry Brownies are bound to make everyone smile!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so crave-worthy. Each of these star players serves a purpose, balancing sweetness, texture, and that signature strawberry punch.
- Strawberry cake mix with pudding: The base for these Strawberry Brownies, giving them that gorgeous pink color and unmistakable strawberry flavor. The “with pudding” part guarantees extra moist and chewy brownies!
- Eggs: Two large eggs add structure and a touch of richness—no dry brownies here!
- Vegetable or canola oil: Helps keep the brownies fudgy and soft while letting the strawberry notes shine.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon bumps up the flavor and adds a cozy, bakery-style aroma.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze, it creates a silky-smooth and sweet finish.
- Strawberry preserves: A couple of spoonfuls swirl even more berry goodness into the glaze. Bonne Maman is a favorite, but any good strawberry jam will do.
- Milk: Loosens the glaze so it’s dreamy to spread and not too thick.
- Cream cheese (optional): Adds subtle tanginess and creaminess to the glaze, totally up to your taste!
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab your favorite 8×8 baking dish and either spray it with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper (my top pick for super-easy slicing and cleanup). Set the pan aside—it’ll be ready to welcome all that sweet, sticky batter.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, add the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. You can use a sturdy spoon or an electric mixer; either way, the batter comes together beautifully thick and glossy in just a minute or two. It’s okay if it’s a little sticky—just means your Strawberry Brownies will bake up extra chewy!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to press it gently into the corners for an even layer. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want to pull them out when they’re just set in the center. Overbaked brownies lose that incredible fudgy texture, so err on the side of “a little underdone”—they’ll set as they cool.
Step 4: Cool Completely
Let your brownies cool in the pan until they’re no longer warm to the touch. This step is key—if you glaze them while hot, you’ll end up with a runny mess. Once cooled, you’re ready for the best part: the frosting!
Step 5: Glaze and Finish
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, milk, and, if you like, a tablespoon of cream cheese. You’re going for a smooth, spreadable consistency. Dollop the glaze over the brownies and use a small offset spatula (or even the back of a spoon) to spread it edge-to-edge. The glaze hugs the tops, creating an irresistible pink shine on your Strawberry Brownies.
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a swirl of whipped cream, or even a handful of fresh sliced strawberries takes these brownies over the top. For a hint of color and elegance, add a sprig of mint or a drizzle of melted white chocolate right before serving.
Side Dishes
These fudgy bars are rich, so they’re lovely alongside something refreshing. Think vanilla ice cream, a tart Greek yogurt parfait, or a simple glass of cold milk. If you’re serving Strawberry Brownies at a brunch or afternoon tea, a fruity lemonade complements their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Strawberry Brownies into tiny bites for a dessert platter, or slice them into triangles and stack them for a whimsical tower. They’re beautiful in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats, and look especially adorable when cut with a heart-shaped cookie cutter for Valentine’s Day or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These brownies are best stored in a single layer in an airtight container, especially if they’re glazed. To stack, layer parchment or wax paper between them. The glaze stays soft, so avoiding stacking will keep them looking and tasting their best. Store in the refrigerator if frosting is used, since it contains milk and jam.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze Strawberry Brownies (glazed or unglazed) in a single layer, separated by parchment paper, inside a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours before enjoying—they’ll taste like they were just baked!
Reheating
For that freshly-baked feel, warm a brownie square in the microwave for about 10 seconds. If you froze the brownies, let them thaw first. The quick zap revives the fudgy texture and perks up the berry aroma!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While the signature pink color and flavor come from strawberry cake mix, you can absolutely try other fruity cake mixes—like raspberry or even lemon—for a unique spin. Just know it won’t be a classic Strawberry Brownie, but it might be your new favorite discovery!
How do I make Strawberry Brownies without the glaze?
Simply skip the glaze and enjoy the bars as is! They’re still full of strawberry charm, just a touch less sweet. You can always dust them with a bit of powdered sugar for a pretty (and quick) finish.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Mini white chocolate chips or chopped toasted nuts add wonderful texture contrasts. Fold them into the batter right before baking—about 1/2 cup will do the trick without overwhelming the strawberry goodness.
How do I know when Strawberry Brownies are done baking?
Check the center with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The edges may look slightly set and pull away from the pan. Remember, they’ll continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake!
What’s the best way to cut the brownies cleanly?
For neat, bakery-style squares, wait until the brownies are completely cooled and the glaze is set. Use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade between cuts. Lining your pan with parchment makes lifting and slicing a breeze!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight dessert or want to brighten a special occasion, these Strawberry Brownies are always a hit. Their pretty pink color, chewy bite, and burst of berry flavor make them impossible to resist. Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear—they may just become your new go-to treat!
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Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Brownies are a quick and easy dessert made with a strawberry cake mix, eggs, and a few other simple ingredients. Topped with a delicious strawberry glaze, they are perfect for any sweet craving!
Ingredients
Main Brownie Ingredients:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix with pudding in the mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
- 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8×8 pan by greasing it or lining it with foil.
- Mix & Bake: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, milk, and cream cheese (if using). Spread the glaze over the cooled brownies.
Notes
- Store the brownies in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
- If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to avoid the frosting sticking. Refrigerate if the brownies have frosting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 173 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 23mg