If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dessert that will impress your family and friends, then you’ve found it! These Strawberry Brownies are not only easy to whip up, but they also bring a delightful burst of strawberry flavor that makes every bite feel like a special treat. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

I love how simple these Strawberry Brownies are to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sweet indulgence that feels fancy without the fuss. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying on cozy evenings in. Let’s dive into why these brownies will become your go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super easy preparation: With minimal ingredients and steps, you can have these brownies ready in no time—perfect for last-minute cravings!
Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike love the sweet strawberry flavor, making these brownies a hit at any age.
Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for an easy dessert option throughout the week.
Deliciously moist texture: The combination of cake mix and preserves creates the most delightful, fudgy brownie experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Brownies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need to get started:

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!)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to change things up:

Add chocolate chips: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
Use different fruit preserves: Try raspberry or apricot preserves instead of strawberry for a new twist.
Create a cream cheese frosting: For an even richer treat, whip together cream cheese with powdered sugar and spread it on top.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to enjoy these brownies without gluten.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your brownies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, spray an 8×8 pan with nonstick spray or line it with foil. I personally prefer lining mine with parchment paper—it makes removing the brownies so much easier!

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. I’ve tried mixing by hand and with an electric mixer, and both methods yield great results! Just make sure everything is well combined before pressing the mixture into your prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes until they are just done—a toothpick should come out clean but not too dry. Once baked, let them cool completely before diving in.

And there you have it! Delicious Strawberry Brownies that bring joy to any occasion! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

Making these Strawberry Brownies is a breeze, but a few simple tips can elevate your dessert to perfection!

Use high-quality cake mix: Opting for a reputable brand like Pillsbury ensures better flavor and texture. The pudding in the mix adds moisture, making the brownies extra fudgy.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake! Overbaking can lead to dry brownies. They should be set but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Cool completely before frosting: Letting your brownies cool completely allows any frosting or glaze to set nicely without sliding off. This makes for a beautiful presentation!
Customize with add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts into the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just remember that this may alter the overall taste slightly.
Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature eggs and cream cheese (if using) blend more easily into the batter, contributing to a smoother consistency.

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 ideas on how to present these delightful treats!

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries: Slicing fresh strawberries and placing them on top adds a refreshing touch and enhances their fruity flavor.
Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream provides a dairy-free alternative that complements the sweetness of the brownies beautifully.
Mint leaves: Adding a sprig of fresh mint on top not only looks gorgeous but also introduces a hint of freshness that balances the dessert’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a classic pairing with these brownies, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal berries and melons serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the brownies.
Chocolate sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the brownies can satisfy any chocoholic’s cravings and adds an extra layer of decadence.
Coffee or tea: Serving these brownies alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavors and makes for a delightful afternoon treat.

Enjoy serving your Strawberry Brownies with these tips, and watch them disappear in no time!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are perfect for meal prep and can easily be made in advance. Whether you’re planning a party or just want a sweet treat ready to go, these brownies hold up beautifully!

Storing Leftovers

Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you prefer, refrigerate them to extend freshness for about a week.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking if stacking.

Freezing

Allow the brownies to cool completely before freezing.
Cut into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They will keep well frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen brownies, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
For a warm treat, microwave individual squares on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
Enjoy warm with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream or whipped topping!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have 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 lemon. Just adjust the mix-ins accordingly.

How do I make Strawberry Brownies without eggs?

You can substitute eggs with one of the following:
* 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg
* 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water (let it sit for 5 minutes)
Both options work well and will maintain the moisture in your brownies!

What makes these Strawberry Brownies special?

These Strawberry Brownies are not only easy to make but they also have a delightful fruity twist that sets them apart from traditional brownies. The use of cake mix allows for a quick preparation time without sacrificing flavor!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Strawberry Brownies?

Certainly! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter before baking. This adds extra texture and flavor that complements the strawberry beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Strawberry Brownies! They’re not only simple but also bursting with flavor that will brighten your day. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself, this recipe makes it easy to indulge guilt-free. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!