If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things fruity, this Strawberry Brownies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These brownies capture the lush, bright flavor of fresh strawberries in every bite, combining the soft, moist cake-like texture with a glossy, sweet glaze that makes each piece irresistible. Whether you’re craving something chocolaty or fruity, these strawberry brownies hit the perfect spot, balancing sweetness with a lovely homemade vibe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you. Each ingredient in this Strawberry Brownies Recipe has a role that makes the final result so delightful. From the strawberry cake mix that gives the foundation its bursting berry flavor, to the glaze that adds a smooth, sugary finish — these essentials come together simply yet brilliantly.
- Strawberry cake mix: I use Duncan Hines for its consistent flavor and texture that forms the pink, strawberry-infused base of the brownies.
- Large eggs: They bind the batter and add moisture, ensuring the brownies stay soft and tender.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist without weighing them down, lending a perfectly tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the strawberry flavor and adds depth to the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze to give a silky, sweet finish that complements the berry base.
- Strawberry preserves: Boosts the fresh strawberry flavor and creates a luscious glaze.
- Milk: Thins out the glaze for easy spreading and a glossy appearance.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ to get it nice and hot. Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly, then line the bottom with parchment paper. Leaving an overhang on the edges is a smart move because it helps you lift the brownies out easily once they’re baked and cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Grab a large bowl and combine your strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until just combined. Keep in mind the batter will be quite thick, which is expected for this recipe— it’s what gives the brownies that dense, moist texture.
Step 3: Transfer and Smooth
Scrape the thick batter into your prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to flatten the top evenly. This ensures the brownies bake uniformly and look picture-perfect when sliced.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake for 20 to 23 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Once out of the oven, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This step is key to letting the structure set before glazing.
Step 5: Add the Glaze
While the brownies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Spread this luscious glaze evenly over the top of the brownies once cooled. Allow the glaze to set before lifting and cutting into pieces.
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of edible flower petals, or a dusting of powdered sugar are beautiful and delicious ways to garnish your strawberry brownies. These simple additions heighten the visual appeal and amplify that fresh berry vibe.
Side Dishes
Serve these strawberry brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic combo that balances sweetness with creaminess. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad complement the flavor profile without overshadowing it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the brownies on colorful dessert plates with mint sprigs or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a fancy touch at gatherings. Cutting them into mini bite-sized squares makes for cute, crowd-friendly finger food, perfect for parties or afternoon tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover strawberry brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them in a cool place so the glaze maintains its texture and the cake stays moist and tender.
Freezing
Strawberry brownies freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat!
Reheating
If you want to warm your strawberry brownies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will soften the glaze slightly and enhance the fresh strawberry flavor, making them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
While strawberry cake mix gives the best flavor and color for this recipe, you could experiment with other berry-flavored mixes. Just keep in mind that flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
You can find gluten-free strawberry cake mixes in many stores. Using one will make this recipe gluten-free while preserving the moist, tender quality of the brownies.
How thick should the batter be before baking?
The batter will be quite thick and dense. This consistency is exactly what creates these dense, moist brownies, so don’t worry if it feels firm when mixing.
Can I add fresh strawberries to the batter?
Fresh strawberries can be a lovely addition but adding too many might add extra moisture and affect the baking time. If you want to try it, chop them finely and fold in just a small amount to keep the texture balanced.
What if the glaze doesn’t set?
If your glaze seems too runny, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it. Also, letting the brownies cool completely before glazing helps the glaze set properly without sliding off.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional brownies, this Strawberry Brownies Recipe is a must-try. It’s quick to whip up, packed with vibrant flavor, and perfect for sharing with those you love. Give it a go and watch these cheerful little treats become the star of your dessert table!
Print
Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, made using a strawberry cake mix for a fruity, moist texture. Topped with a sweet strawberry glaze, they offer a perfect balance of rich flavor and vibrant berry notes, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box strawberry cake mix (I use Duncan Hines)
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon strawberry preserves
- 1 ½ tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish, then line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined. The batter will be quite thick, so ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape and Bake: Scrape the thick batter into the prepared baking dish and flatten the top evenly with a rubber spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. After baking, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes to set properly.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk until smooth. Spread this glaze evenly over the cooled brownies. Once the glaze has set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan and cut them into 16 pieces.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, use fresh strawberry preserves or jam with visible pieces of fruit.
- Storing brownies in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk in the glaze with almond or oat milk.
