If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dessert that will make everyone smile, these Strawberry Brownies are just what you need! This recipe is so simple that even the busiest of weeknights can turn into a sweet occasion. With a rich strawberry flavor and a beautifully pink color, they are perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or just because you deserve a treat.

What makes these Strawberry Brownies special is how they combine the ease of using a cake mix with the joy of homemade goodness. Each bite is soft and chewy, and they are sure to become a favorite in your home just like they have in mine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients, making these brownies takes no time at all—just 25 minutes from start to finish!
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves brownies, and the strawberry twist brings a fun change that kids and adults alike will adore.
Deliciously Fun: The bright color and sweet taste make these brownies not only tasty but also visually appealing for any occasion.
Versatile Treat: These Strawberry Brownies can be enjoyed warm with ice cream or cooled and sliced for a snack on the go.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time for an event or to satisfy those sudden sweet cravings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful Strawberry Brownies! You’ll find everything you need right here—no fancy items required!

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; see post for tips!)

Variations

The beauty of these Strawberry Brownies is their flexibility! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.

Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness!
Use Different Preserves: Experiment with raspberry or apricot preserves if you’re feeling adventurous.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary needs.
Top with Whipped Cream: Serve your brownies topped with whipped cream or fresh strawberries for an elegant touch.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step ensures that your brownies bake evenly. While it heats up, prepare your baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with foil. I love using parchment paper in my glass dish; it makes removing the brownies so much easier!

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly. Don’t worry about using fancy tools; a spoon works just as well as an electric mixer! Once mixed, press this lovely pink batter into your prepared pan. Bake for about 18-22 minutes until they’re just done—your kitchen will smell amazing! Let them cool completely before cutting into squares.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious Strawberry Brownies! They’re perfect anytime you need something sweet. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

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

Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your eggs and oil are fresh for the best flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients can enhance the overall taste of your brownies, making them more delicious.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so aim for that perfect gooey texture by checking them a couple of minutes before the timer goes off.
Let them cool completely: Patience pays off! Allowing the brownies to cool completely makes it easier to cut them into squares and helps them set better, ensuring you get clean edges.
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips or nuts if you want to add a little extra texture and flavor. These additions can bring a delightful surprise in every bite!
Store properly: To keep your brownies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their moisture and flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

Serving these Strawberry Brownies can be just as fun as making them! With a few simple touches, you can turn this easy dessert into a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Garnishes

Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light and fluffy contrast to the rich brownies.
Fresh strawberries: Slicing fresh strawberries on top not only enhances the fruity flavor but also adds a lovely pop of color.
Mint leaves: Adding a few mint leaves as garnish offers a refreshing touch that elevates the visual appeal of your dessert.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the sweetness of the brownies perfectly, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the brownies. Use seasonal fruits for an extra burst of flavor.
Coffee or tea: Serving these brownies with a cup of coffee or tea creates an inviting dessert experience. The warm flavors of tea or coffee pair beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries alongside your brownies creates a fun twist, making for an appealing dessert platter that’s both indulgent and wholesome.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy those delicious Strawberry Brownies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! They keep well, making them a great choice for quick snacks or sweet treats throughout the week. Here’s how to store them properly:

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer freshness, refrigerate them; they can last up to a week in the fridge.

Freezing

Cut the brownies into squares before freezing for easy access.
Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

Thaw frozen brownies overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
To warm up, microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions you might have about making these delightful Strawberry Brownies!

Can I use another cake mix for these Strawberry Brownies?

Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives the best flavor and color, you can experiment with other flavors such as vanilla or chocolate. Just ensure it has pudding in the mix for optimal texture.

How do I make Strawberry Brownies from scratch?

If you’re looking to make Strawberry Brownies from scratch, you can combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and pureed strawberries instead of using a cake mix. However, using a mix makes it quick and easy!

Are there any variations I can try with my Strawberry Brownies?

Definitely! You can add white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even swirl in some additional strawberry preserves on top before baking for extra flavor!

What do Strawberry Brownies pair well with?

Strawberry Brownies pair wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of non-dairy ice cream. They also make delicious treats alongside fresh berries!

How can I make these Strawberry Brownies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Strawberry Brownies, simply substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix that includes pudding in the mix.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious Strawberry Brownies as much as I do! They are simple enough for any day but special enough to impress your friends at gatherings. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences and any fun variations you try out! Happy baking!