Strawberry Brownies

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s as easy to whip up as it is delicious, then you’ve found the right recipe! These Strawberry Brownies are a sweet treat that combines the rich flavor of strawberries with the fudgy goodness of brownies. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special or for family gatherings that call for a touch of sweetness. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in my heart!

What makes these Strawberry Brownies even more wonderful is how simple they are to make. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a warm, gooey dessert ready to share with friends and family. Plus, the vibrant pink color makes them a lovely addition to any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only five minutes of prep time, you can have these brownies in the oven before you know it!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet strawberry taste and soft texture—perfect for dessert or an after-school snack.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for later. They taste amazing even after a day or two!
• Customizable: This recipe is flexible, so feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings!
• Deliciously Unique: The use of strawberry cake mix brings out an incredible fruity flavor that will surprise and delight everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that I bet you already have in your pantry. Grab these goodies, and let’s get baking!

• 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 tablespoon strawberry preserves (40g – Bonne Maman strawberry preserves is the best!)
• 1 ½ tablespoons milk (22ml)
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (15g – optional)

Variations

One of my favorite things about these Strawberry Brownies is their flexibility! You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add chocolate chips: For an extra indulgent treat, stir in some semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking.
• Try different fruit preserves: Switch out strawberry preserves for raspberry or apricot to create different flavor profiles.
• Top with whipped cream: Once cooled, serve your brownies with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and flair.
• Mix in nuts: For some crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This step is crucial because it ensures even baking. While the oven warms up, grab an 8×8 pan and either spray it with nonstick spray or line it with foil. I like using parchment paper because it makes removing the brownies super easy later on!

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, combine your strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whether you use a spoon or mixer doesn’t matter; both work just fine! Stir until everything is well blended. Then press this lovely pink mixture into your prepared pan evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes—just until they’re set but not overbaked! Let them cool completely before cutting into squares so they keep their gooey texture.

Now that you know how easy it is to make these Strawberry Brownies, I hope you’ll give them a try! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

Making these Strawberry Brownies is a breeze, but a few extra tips can take your dessert to the next level!

• Choose the right cake mix: Using a strawberry cake mix with pudding in the mix ensures a moist and flavorful brownie texture. Brands like Pillsbury work wonders, but feel free to experiment with others that meet your needs.
• Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the light, fluffy texture we all crave.
• Check for doneness: Since baking times may vary based on your oven and pan choice, start checking for doneness around 18 minutes. You want a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing the brownies to cool before cutting helps them set and makes for cleaner edges. Plus, it lets those delicious flavors meld together!
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a handful of fresh strawberries to enhance the flavor and texture.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

These Strawberry Brownies are not only delightful on their own but can also be dressed up for any occasion! Here are some ideas for serving them that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and complements the sweetness of the brownies.
• Fresh strawberries: Top each brownie with sliced fresh strawberries for a pop of color and freshness.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of non-dairy whipped cream creates a creamy contrast that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the brownies.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla non-dairy ice cream: The creamy vanilla flavor pairs wonderfully with the fruity notes of strawberry brownies, creating a classic dessert combination.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal berries can complement the rich flavors of the brownies while adding brightness to your plate.
• Chocolate sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each brownie introduces a decadent element that’s sure to please chocolate lovers!
• Tea or coffee: Serving these brownies alongside a nice cup of tea or coffee provides a comforting warmth that enhances their deliciousness and makes for an inviting experience.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re all set to enjoy your Strawberry Brownies in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! They can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat anytime. Here’s how to store them properly to keep them fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• To prevent sticking, place parchment paper between layers of brownies.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into squares before freezing for easy serving.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply take out the desired number of brownies and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
• For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Have questions about making these delicious Strawberry Brownies? Here are some common queries:

Can I use a different cake mix for Strawberry Brownies?

Yes! While this recipe uses strawberry cake mix, feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla or chocolate. Just adjust the additions accordingly.

How do I know when my Strawberry Brownies are done?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready!

What can I substitute instead of cream cheese in Strawberry Brownies?

If you prefer not to use cream cheese, you can omit it entirely or replace it with Greek yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking for an alternative.

Can I make these Strawberry Brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Look for a gluten-free strawberry cake mix to accommodate gluten sensitivities while enjoying this delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Strawberry Brownies! They’re not just easy and quick; they bring a burst of flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these brownies are bound to delight everyone. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet bite!