If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s quick and easy to whip up, then these Strawberry Brownies are just what you need! This recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it combines the rich flavor of strawberries with the fudgy goodness of brownies. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Plus, who can resist that lovely pink hue?

These Strawberry Brownies are not only beautiful but also incredibly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a sweet treat ready in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for anyone, even if you’re new to baking!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberry cake mix and preserves creates a moist and flavorful brownie that’s hard to resist.
Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love these sweet treats, making them great for any occasion.
Quick Prep Time: With only 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven, you’ll have fresh brownies in under half an hour!
Versatile Options: Customize your brownies easily with different toppings or mix-ins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! These Strawberry Brownies use simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Gather 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 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

One of the best things about these Strawberry Brownies is their flexibility! You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

Add Chocolate Chips: For chocolate lovers, toss in some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips into the batter before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Try Different Preserves: Swap strawberry preserves for raspberry or blueberry preserves for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
Top with Whipped Cream: Once cooled, serve your brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or dairy-free topping for added indulgence.
Mix in Nuts: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for some crunch and texture.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy. While that heats up, spray an 8×8 pan with nonstick spray or line it with foil—this makes cleanup so much easier later!

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whether you use a spoon or mixer doesn’t matter; both methods yield tasty results! Press the mixture into your prepared pan evenly. Bake for about 18-22 minutes until they’re just done—be careful not to overbake! After baking, let them cool completely before slicing.

And there you have it—delicious Strawberry Brownies that will surely become a staple in your dessert rotation! Enjoy sharing them with friends and family; they are bound to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

Making Strawberry Brownies is a breeze, but these little tips will ensure you achieve the best results every time!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality strawberry cake mix can enhance the flavor and texture of your brownies, making them even more delicious.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies while they’re in the oven. You want them to be slightly underbaked when you take them out; they’ll continue to cook as they cool, resulting in a fudgy texture.
Cool completely before cutting: Allowing the brownies to cool fully helps them firm up, making it easier to cut neat squares without crumbling.
Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture! Just remember to adjust baking time slightly if you add a significant amount.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

Serving Strawberry Brownies is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary flavors. Here are some delightful ideas!

Garnishes

Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and makes your brownies look more inviting.
Fresh strawberries: Sliced strawberries on top not only enhance visual appeal but also bring out the fruity flavor of the brownies.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the soft strawberry brownie, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Whipped coconut cream: Light and airy, whipped coconut cream is a fantastic dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle sweetness.
Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad complements the richness of the brownies while adding brightness and variety to your dessert spread.
Chocolate sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each brownie adds an indulgent flair that chocolate lovers will adore!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! They can be made ahead of time and stored, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes.

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 the brownies for up to a week.

Freezing

Cut the brownies into squares and let them cool fully.
Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer your brownies warm, you can reheat them in the microwave.
Heat on low power (about 10-15 seconds) until warmed through.
Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Brownies.

Can I use a different cake mix for Strawberry Brownies?

Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives these brownies their delightful flavor and color, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or lemon. Just adjust the other ingredients accordingly!

How do I make Strawberry Brownies without eggs?

To make eggless Strawberry Brownies, substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping them moist.

What makes these Strawberry Brownies special?

These Strawberry Brownies are not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly delicious with their rich strawberry flavor. The use of cake mix simplifies the process, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Strawberry Brownies! Their vibrant pink color and sweet flavor make them an instant favorite among family and friends. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, these brownies are sure to brighten your day. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear about it!