If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s as easy to whip up as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! These Strawberry Brownies are not just any brownies; they combine the sweetness of strawberries with the rich, fudgy texture we all love. This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. Every time I make them, I’m reminded of the smiles they bring to the table.

What makes these Strawberry Brownies so special is how quickly they come together. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a treat that feels like a celebration. They’re perfect for sharing at potlucks or enjoying on a cozy evening at home. Trust me, once you try these brownies, you’ll want to keep the recipe close at hand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just five minutes of prep time, you’ll have delicious brownies ready in no time!
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries, making this dessert a hit with kids and adults alike.
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to casual get-togethers—these brownies fit right in.
Make Ahead: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for an easy dessert that’s always ready to enjoy.
Endlessly Delicious: The combination of strawberry cake mix and powdered sugar creates an irresistible flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Strawberry Brownies is a breeze with simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

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)
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, allowing you to get creative based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Mix in Chocolate Chips: For those who love chocolate-strawberry combinations, add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter.
Incorporate Other Fruits: Try using raspberry or blueberry preserves instead of strawberry for a different fruity twist.
Top with Whipped Cream: Make your brownies even more special by serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or dairy-free topping.

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 the oven heats up, prepare an 8×8 inch pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with foil. I love using parchment paper because it makes removing the brownies so much easier!

Step 2: Mix All Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well blended; it’s okay if the batter is thick! Press this delightful mixture into your prepared pan evenly. This step is crucial as it sets up the base for your yummy brownies.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them just done—slightly soft but not gooey. Once baked, let them cool completely before cutting into squares. This waiting period helps enhance their flavor and texture.

Enjoy your Strawberry Brownies! They’re sure to be a favorite in your home just like they are in mine.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

These Strawberry Brownies are as easy to make as they are delicious, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate this dessert to perfection!

Use room temperature eggs: This helps the ingredients mix together more smoothly, resulting in a fluffier brownie.
Don’t overmix the batter: Gently combine the ingredients to avoid tough brownies. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which we want to avoid for that perfect brownie experience.
Check for doneness early: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your brownies. You want them just set in the middle; they will continue to cook slightly while cooling.
Let them cool completely: Allowing your brownies to cool fully before slicing ensures cleaner edges and enhances the overall flavor as it allows the textures to settle.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add extras like white chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired. They can complement that sweet strawberry flavor beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

Serving Strawberry Brownies is all about presentation and pairing them with delightful accompaniments that complement their flavor. Whether it’s a casual family dessert or something more festive, there are plenty of ways to serve these tasty treats!

Garnishes

Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the brownies.
Fresh strawberries: Slicing fresh strawberries on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also brings out that delicious strawberry flavor.
Mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing taste that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the brownies.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream is a classic complement that contrasts beautifully with warm brownies.
Fruit salad: A colorful fruit salad provides a fresh and healthy side option that brightens up your plate and adds variety.
Chocolate sauce: Drizzling some chocolate sauce over your brownies creates an indulgent touch that’s sure to please chocolate lovers.
Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy pairing that enhances the overall dessert experience, especially for those who enjoy a little caffeine kick!

Now you’re all set to whip up these delightful Strawberry Brownies! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with friends and family. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, store them, or even freeze them for later. Here’s how to keep your brownies fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them in the same airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

Cut the cooled brownies into squares.
Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label them with the date!

Reheating

To enjoy brownies warm, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the brownie squares on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
Alternatively, you can microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

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, feel free to 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?

Your brownies should be slightly firm around the edges but still soft in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter.

What if I don’t have strawberry preserves?

If you don’t have strawberry preserves on hand, you can substitute it with any fruit jam or jelly of your choice. Raspberry or blueberry preserves would work wonderfully too!

Can I make these Strawberry Brownies gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free cake mix in place of regular strawberry cake mix. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Brownies as much as I do! They’re quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion—from a simple family dessert to a picnic treat. Remember that every bite is bursting with sweet strawberry goodness, and it’s sure to be a hit! So gather your ingredients and get baking; I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you!