Strawberry Brownies

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, these Strawberry Brownies are just the ticket! With their vibrant pink color and rich strawberry flavor, they bring a smile to everyone’s face. This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. You can whip them up in no time, and trust me, they will disappear quickly!

These Strawberry Brownies are not just a treat; they’re a memory-maker. Whether you’re hosting friends for movie night or celebrating a special occasion, these brownies add a sweet touch to any event. Plus, they’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Just mix everything together and bake! You’ll be enjoying these treats in about 25 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun pink color and fruity flavor, making them perfect for birthdays or after-school snacks.
• Versatile: Great for any occasion! Serve them warm with ice cream or pack them for picnics.
• Make Ahead: These brownies store well in an airtight container, so you can prepare them in advance for busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make these delightful Strawberry Brownies. You’ll find that most of them are pantry staples!

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 Topping

• 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 parts about these Strawberry Brownies is how flexible the recipe is! Here are some fun ideas to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for that irresistible chocolate-strawberry combo.
• Try Different Preserves: Use raspberry or blueberry preserves instead of strawberry for a twist on flavor.
• Dress Them Up: Top your brownies with whipped coconut cream for an extra special touch.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free version to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare an 8×8 pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with foil. This step ensures your brownies come out perfectly without sticking!

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, mix together the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. It’s okay if you don’t have a mixer; mixing by hand works just fine! Once everything is blended smoothly, press the mixture into your prepared pan evenly. Bake those beauties for about 18-22 minutes until they are just done. They should look set but still be soft in the center—this gives them that fudgy texture we all love!

Step 3: Let Them Cool

After baking, let your Strawberry Brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This waiting period helps improve texture and makes serving easier!

Enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Brownies! They’re sure to become a family favorite just like they have at mine.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

Making these Strawberry Brownies is a breeze, but a few tips can make your dessert even more delightful!

• Choose the right cake mix: Opt for strawberry cake mix with pudding in it, as it adds moisture and richness to your brownies, ensuring they’re soft and fudgy.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so take it easy!

• Check for doneness: Each oven is different, so start checking your brownies around the 18-minute mark. You want them to be set but still slightly soft in the center for that perfect brownie texture.

• Let them cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting helps them set up nicely, making them easier to slice and enhancing their flavor.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Toss in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor if you desire.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

These Strawberry Brownies are not only delicious but also versatile in how you present them. Here are some fun ideas to make your dessert shine!

Garnishes

• Fresh strawberries: Slicing fresh strawberries on top adds a burst of color and complements the strawberry flavor perfectly.
• Whipped topping: A dollop of non-dairy whipped topping or coconut cream provides a luscious contrast to the brownies’ sweetness.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted dairy-free chocolate over the top elevates the presentation and adds an irresistible chocolatey touch.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast between warm brownies and cold ice cream.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brings freshness that pairs beautifully with the sweet brownies.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these brownies alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavors while providing a comforting beverage option.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering non-dairy yogurt with granola and berries creates a healthy contrast that rounds out your dessert experience nicely.

Now that you have all these serving ideas, it’s time to whip up your Strawberry Brownies and enjoy this sweet treat with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the brownies for up to a week.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm brownies, microwave a single brownie for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delicious Strawberry Brownies.

Can I use a different cake mix for Strawberry Brownies?

Yes! While this recipe is designed around strawberry cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or chocolate. Just adjust the ingredients accordingly for flavor pairing.

How do I make Strawberry Brownies more fudgy?

For fudgier Strawberry Brownies, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes and consider adding an extra tablespoon of oil. This will keep them moist and chewy.

Can I add nuts to my Strawberry Brownies?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking. They add a delightful crunch!

Are Strawberry Brownies suitable for kids?

Definitely! These Strawberry Brownies are kid-friendly and make a fun treat for parties or lunchboxes. Plus, they’re easy enough for kids to help make!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Strawberry Brownies! They’re not just easy to whip up but also bring a lovely touch of sweetness to any occasion. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!