If you’re looking for a quick and delightful treat that will brighten your day, these Strawberry Brownies are the answer! This recipe is one of those gems that I turn to whenever I need a sweet pick-me-up or want to impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. The vibrant pink hue and luscious strawberry flavor make these brownies perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive gatherings.

What makes this dessert even more special is how simple it is to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a deliciously chewy brownie that’s bursting with strawberry goodness. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super easy to make: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these Strawberry Brownies ready in no time!
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet and fruity flavor—perfect for dessert lovers of all ages.
Versatile for occasions: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special celebration, these brownies are sure to be a hit.
Make-ahead option: Bake them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment; they taste great even after a couple of days!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Brownies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. 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 play around with different flavors or ingredients. Here are some tasty ideas:

Add chocolate chips: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.
Use raspberry preserves: Swap out strawberry preserves for raspberry for a slightly tart twist.
Top with whipped cream: Serve your brownies with a dollop of non-dairy whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Sprinkle with nuts: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to give your brownies a delightful crunch.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is crucial as 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 for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. You can use either a spoon or an electric mixer—both methods yield delicious results! Once mixed well, press the batter into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until just done. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares so they set nicely.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Strawberry Brownies! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

These Strawberry Brownies are super easy to whip up, but a few tips can take them to the next level!

Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with eggs and milk at room temperature helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother texture for your brownies.
Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents the brownies from becoming tough. A little lumpiness is perfectly fine!
Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your brownies at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can lead to dryness.
Let them cool completely: Allowing the brownies to cool fully before cutting ensures cleaner slices and better flavor development.
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to toss in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor! Just remember that this may change the nutrition facts.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

Serving your Strawberry Brownies is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary flavors. Here are some delightful ways to serve these sweet treats!

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries: Slicing fresh strawberries on top adds a pop of color and enhances the strawberry flavor.
Whipped topping: A dollop of non-dairy whipped topping provides a creamy contrast and makes each bite feel extra indulgent.
Mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint not only looks beautiful but also adds a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream: This classic pairing offers a creamy contrast that complements the fruity brownies beautifully, making it an irresistible dessert combination.
Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal berries and melons adds freshness and balances the richness of the brownies.
Coffee or tea: Serving these brownies alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying dessert.
Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with berries and granola can provide a healthier, yet equally delicious, side dish that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of brownies.

Feel free to mix and match these serving ideas to create a delightful dessert experience that your friends and family will love! Enjoy every bite of your Strawberry Brownies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are fantastic for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making them a perfect treat for busy days or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them in the same airtight container; they will last about a week.

Freezing

Cut the brownies into individual squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Label the bag with the date so you know how long they’ve been stored!

Reheating

To enjoy your brownies warm, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the brownies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
Alternatively, you can microwave a single brownie on a plate for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful Strawberry Brownies.

Can I make Strawberry Brownies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas to create an egg-free version of these delicious brownies.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Strawberry Brownies?

For more flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped strawberries into the batter. This will give extra sweetness and texture!

What makes these Strawberry Brownies special?

The use of strawberry cake mix gives these brownies their unique flavor and vibrant color, making them a fun and easy dessert that everyone will love!

Can I use other cake mixes for different flavored brownies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any flavored cake mix you like; chocolate or lemon mixes work particularly well too!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen as it has in mine! These Strawberry Brownies are not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite—happy baking!