If you’re looking for a quick and delightful treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Strawberry Brownies are just the thing! With a rich strawberry flavor and a simple preparation, they come together in no time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone is craving something special. Plus, who can resist that beautiful pink hue?

I love sharing this recipe because it always brings smiles to my family’s faces. Whether you’re making them for a picnic, a potluck, or just because it’s Tuesday, these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super easy to make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the sweet strawberry flavor and chewy texture.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual dessert or a festive gathering, these brownies fit right in.
Make ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for later. They stay delicious for days!
Customizable options: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings to make them uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Brownies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home! Here’s what you’ll need:

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

The beauty of these Strawberry Brownies is their flexibility! Feel free to experiment and make them your own with these fun ideas:

Add chocolate chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
Incorporate nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
Top with frosting: A light strawberry or vanilla frosting can elevate these brownies to another level of deliciousness.
Use different fruit preserves: Try raspberry or apricot preserves instead of strawberry for a twist on flavor.

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. While the oven heats up, spray an 8×8 pan with nonstick spray or line it with foil. I find that using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the brownies out later!

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well mixed; you can use either a spoon or mixer—whatever you prefer! Once combined, press the batter into the prepared pan evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be just done but still soft. Let them cool completely before cutting into squares.

Enjoy every bite of your fabulous Strawberry Brownies! They are bound to bring joy not only to you but also to anyone lucky enough to share them with you.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

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

Use Quality Ingredients: Opting for a high-quality strawberry cake mix and preserves can significantly enhance the flavor of your brownies. It ensures that every bite is packed with rich strawberry goodness.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. For a fudgy texture, it’s better to underbake them slightly; they will continue to cook while cooling. Remove them when a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing your brownies to cool completely before cutting helps achieve clean edges and prevents them from falling apart. Plus, it gives the flavors time to meld beautifully!
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. This can create a delightful contrast alongside the fruity notes of the strawberries.
Store Properly: To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled. They’ll stay delicious for several days!

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

These Strawberry Brownies are not only quick to whip up, but they also make for an impressive dessert that’s sure to please! Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy them:

Garnishes

Fresh Strawberries: Slices of fresh strawberries on top provide a vibrant color contrast and enhance the strawberry flavor.
Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and fluffy texture, making each bite feel indulgent.
Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the top can elevate these brownies into a gourmet treat.

Side Dishes

Vanilla Non-Dairy Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla non-dairy ice cream pairs perfectly with the fruity brownie, creating a classic dessert combination.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the brownies while adding a burst of freshness.
Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries next to your brownie makes for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Hot Chocolate: Serving these brownies with a warm cup of hot chocolate creates a cozy dessert experience perfect for chilly evenings.

Enjoy making, serving, and devouring these delightful Strawberry Brownies! They’re bound to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a sweet treat at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! They’re easy to make in advance and can be stored for later, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated for up to a week.

Freezing

Cut brownies into squares before freezing for convenience.
Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
Transfer frozen brownies to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual brownies on a microwave-safe plate.
Heat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
You can also reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Strawberry Brownies.

Can I use a different cake mix for Strawberry Brownies?

Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives these brownies their lovely flavor and color, feel free to experiment with other flavors like lemon or vanilla for a unique twist.

How do I make my Strawberry Brownies extra fudgy?

For extra fudgy Strawberry Brownies, try reducing the baking time slightly or adding an extra tablespoon of oil. This will help keep them moist and chewy!

What’s the best way to serve Strawberry Brownies?

The best way to serve Strawberry Brownies is with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or topped with whipped cream (dairy-free options available!). Fresh strawberries on top add an extra touch!

Can I use fresh strawberries in my Strawberry Brownies?

While fresh strawberries are delicious, they can add moisture to the batter and affect texture. Stick with preserves for consistent results, but feel free to garnish with fresh strawberries when serving!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Strawberry Brownies! They’re not just easy and quick; they’re also bursting with sweet strawberry flavor that everyone will love. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular day that needs a bit of sweetness, these brownies are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy making them, and don’t forget to share your creations!