These Strawberry Brownies are the perfect blend of fruity flavor and fudgy texture. Using a strawberry cake mix, this recipe is incredibly simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a picnic, or just a sweet treat at home, these brownies will impress everyone with their vibrant color and delicious taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these brownies in just 25 minutes.
- Fruity Flavor: The use of strawberry cake mix gives these brownies a fresh, fruity taste that sets them apart from traditional brownies.
- Versatile Topping Options: Customize your brownies with different frostings or toppings to suit any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 16 servings, making it great for gatherings or family events.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even novice bakers can make these delicious treats without any hassle.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious world of Strawberry Brownies, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- 8×8 inch baking pan: The right size ensures even baking and perfect portion control.
- Mixing bowls: A good set of mixing bowls helps keep your workspace organized while combining ingredients effectively.
Ingredients
These Strawberry Brownies start with a strawberry cake mix and just a few simple ingredients for the quickest dessert ever.
- 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!)
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray an 8×8 pan with nonstick spray or line it with foil. Set aside. For best results, consider using parchment paper in a glass baking dish.
Step 2: Mix & Bake
In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Strawberry cake mix
2. Eggs
3. Oil
4. Vanilla extract
Mix until fully combined. You can use either a spoon or an electric mixer; both methods yield great results. Press this mixture into the prepared pan evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until just done. Allow cooling completely before frosting.
Step 3: Prepare Strawberry Brownie Frosting
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Strawberry preserves
3. (optional) cream cheese
4. Milk
Spread this delightful frosting over the cooled strawberry brownies for an added layer of sweetness and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies!
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies
Strawberry Brownies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a party or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
With Fresh Strawberries
- Serve your brownies topped with fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor and added freshness.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Pair your strawberry brownies with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream to create a deliciously creamy contrast.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the brownies for an indulgent treat.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each brownie for a light and fluffy texture.
With a Side of Milk
- Serve these brownies alongside a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
How to Perfect Strawberry Brownies
Making the perfect Strawberry Brownies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your brownies come out moist and delicious.
- Use Quality Cake Mix: Choose a strawberry cake mix that contains pudding for extra moisture and flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies while they bake; overbaking can lead to dry treats. Aim for a soft center.
- Cool Completely: Allow your brownies to cool fully before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of almond extract along with vanilla for enhanced flavor depth.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts, sprinkles, or additional fruit on top for added texture and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Brownies
Strawberry Brownies can be complemented by various side dishes that elevate their sweetness and provide balance. Here are some great options.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits can lighten up the rich flavors of the brownies.
- Chocolate Mousse: This airy dessert adds another layer of chocolatey goodness, perfect for special occasions.
- Cheesecake Bites: Small bites of cheesecake offer creamy contrast to the chewy brownie texture.
- Panna Cotta: This smooth Italian dessert pairs well with fruity flavors and is easy to make ahead.
- Coffee or Espresso: Serving these brownies with coffee enhances their sweetness while providing a nice caffeine kick.
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of granola adds crunchiness and provides a wholesome element alongside your sweet treat.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that balances sweetness.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy cookies bring an exotic twist that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Brownies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong cake mix: Not all cake mixes will yield the same results. Make sure to use a strawberry cake mix that includes pudding for a moist texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense brownies. Stir just until combined for light and fluffy Strawberry Brownies.
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you get the right amounts.
- Skipping the cooling step: Letting your brownies cool completely before frosting helps the frosting set better and prevents it from sliding off.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry treats, while underbaking may leave them gooey in the center.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Strawberry Brownies in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Strawberry Brownies
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for freezing.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Strawberry Brownies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place brownies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one brownie at a time for about 15-20 seconds on high power. Be careful not to overheat, as they can dry out quickly.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and reheat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Make Strawberry Brownies?
Making Strawberry Brownies is simple! Start by mixing strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Press the mixture into a prepared pan and bake until done. Once cooled, top with frosting made from powdered sugar and strawberry preserves.
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries in My Recipe?
While fresh strawberries can add flavor, they may change the texture of your brownies. If you want to incorporate them, consider folding in small pieces before baking.
What Are Some Variations for Strawberry Brownies Recipe With Cake Mix?
You can customize these brownies by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even swapping out the strawberry preserves for raspberry or cherry preserves.
Can I Make These Strawberry Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare these brownies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure to frost them right before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Brownies are not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious! With their vibrant color and sweet flavor, they make an excellent dessert for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or mix-ins based on your preferences. Enjoy baking this delightful treat!
Strawberry Brownies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Strawberry Brownies, a perfect dessert that combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the refreshing sweetness of strawberries. This easy-to-follow recipe uses strawberry cake mix to create a vibrant treat that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a picnic, or simply craving something sweet at home, these brownies are sure to impress. With endless customization options for toppings and frostings, you can make this dessert your very own. Enjoy them warm or chilled, and watch as they quickly become a favorite among friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix with pudding
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined. Press the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until just set. Allow cooling completely before frosting.
- For frosting, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, milk, and optional cream cheese until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Cut into squares and serve with your choice of toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Leave a Comment