Strawberry Brownies are an irresistible dessert that promises a burst of sweet, fruity flavor in every bite. This incredibly easy recipe starts with a simple boxed cake mix, transforming into perfectly dense, fudgy brownies topped with a luscious, delightful glaze. It’s the ultimate treat for strawberry lovers, combining the comforting texture of a classic brownie with the vibrant taste of fresh strawberries. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and the results absolutely amazing.
For those who adore the sweet, tangy essence of strawberries, this brownie recipe is a must-try. The batter comes together quickly with a strawberry cake mix, yielding a dessert that’s rich, moist, and packed with flavor. If you can’t get enough of strawberry-infused delights, be sure to explore other fantastic recipes like our Easy Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe, the creamy Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream, and the delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies.
While this recipe offers a unique strawberry twist, we also appreciate the timeless appeal of traditional brownies. For a classic chocolate indulgence, our Easy One Bowl Brownies are a fantastic choice. But if your heart is truly set on maximizing that wonderful strawberry flavor, don’t miss out on the incredible Strawberry Honey Bun Cake.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Brownies
- Essential Ingredients
- How to Bake Perfect Strawberry Brownies
- Storage Suggestions
- Expert Recipe Tips for Strawberry Brownies
- Delicious Variations to Try
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Irresistible Strawberry Desserts
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Brownies
Beyond their incredible taste, these strawberry brownies boast a charming pink hue that makes them perfect for any festive occasion. Imagine serving these eye-catching treats at birthday parties, Mother’s Day brunch, or a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration. The vibrant color instantly adds a touch of whimsy and joy to your dessert table. You might wonder if they simply taste like strawberry cake, but rest assured, they do not. This recipe delivers the distinct, satisfyingly dense and chewy texture of a true brownie, enriched with the sweet essence of strawberry, making it a unique and delightful departure from typical cake recipes. Their simplicity, combined with their crowd-pleasing flavor and stunning appearance, makes them a go-to dessert for any event.
Essential Ingredients
Crafting these delectable strawberry brownies requires just a few basic ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on a boxed cake mix for convenience without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create both the rich brownie base and the delightful sugary glaze:
Brownies
- Strawberry Cake Mix: A 15.25 ounce box is typically what you need. This forms the foundation of our strawberry brownies, providing both flavor and a convenient base.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, adding structure and moisture to the brownies, ensuring they are perfectly chewy and rich.
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for moisture and creating that characteristic fudgy texture. You can also use other neutral oils like canola oil.
Glaze
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth glaze that adds a perfect layer of sweetness.
- Water: Used to thin the powdered sugar into a pourable consistency for the glaze. Start with a small amount and add gradually.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the glaze, complementing the strawberry notes beautifully.
The complete, detailed ingredient list, including precise measurements, is available in the recipe card towards the bottom of this article.
How to Bake Perfect Strawberry Brownies
Creating these delightful strawberry brownies is a breeze, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready, promoting even baking. Line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This parchment paper sling will make it incredibly easy to lift the brownies out of the pan once they’re baked and cooled, ensuring clean cuts and no sticking. Don’t forget to lightly spray the parchment paper with a non-stick cooking spray for extra insurance.
Step 2: Combine the Brownie Batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, large eggs, and vegetable oil. Using a hand-held mixer or a sturdy spatula, mix these ingredients until they are just well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher brownie texture. The batter will be quite thick, which is exactly the consistency you want for a fudgy brownie. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
Step 3: Spread into the Pan. Once your batter is mixed, carefully pour it into the prepared 9×9 inch baking pan. Since the batter is thick, you might need to use a spatula to evenly spread it from edge to edge. A uniform layer will ensure your brownies bake consistently throughout.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection and Cool. Transfer the baking pan to your preheated oven and bake for 18-25 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry brownies. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial before glazing.
Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Glaze. While the brownies cool, prepare your simple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, a tablespoon of water, and vanilla extract. Gradually add more water, a teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. It should be thick enough to cling to the brownies but thin enough to drizzle. Carefully lift the cooled brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the entire surface of the brownies, allowing it to drip attractively down the sides. Let the glaze set completely before cutting.
Storage Suggestions
Proper storage is key to keeping your strawberry brownies fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Once the brownies have cooled completely and the glaze has set, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. When stored at room temperature, they will remain fresh for 2-3 days. For longer-lasting freshness, it’s best to refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their moist texture and prevents the glaze from becoming too soft.
You can also easily freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. To freeze, first ensure they are completely cooled and the glaze is fully set. Cut them into individual squares, then wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents freezer burn and helps preserve their flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or for a quicker treat, you can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds until soft and delicious.
Expert Recipe Tips for Strawberry Brownies
Achieving bakery-quality strawberry brownies is simple with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Double the Recipe for a Crowd. If you’re baking for a larger gathering or simply want more delicious brownies, feel free to double the recipe. When doing so, make sure to use a larger 9×13 inch baking pan instead of a 9×9 inch pan to accommodate the increased volume of batter. Adjust baking time as needed; larger pans may require a few extra minutes.
- Understand Oven Variability. All ovens are different, and baking times can vary significantly. Factors like oven calibration, the material of your baking pan (metal heats differently than glass), and even altitude can affect how quickly your brownies bake. Always keep a close eye on your brownies and start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum recommended bake time.
- Always Line Your Pan. Using parchment paper to line your baking pan is a non-negotiable step for easy removal. Create a “sling” by letting the paper extend over the sides of the pan. Once the brownies are cooled, you can simply lift them out, making slicing and serving much cleaner and preventing any sticking. Remember to lightly spray the parchment paper itself with non-stick cooking spray for extra assurance.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter. The key to fudgy, tender brownies is minimal mixing. Combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil until they are just incorporated and no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, cake-like brownies rather than the desired dense, chewy texture.
- Ensure Complete Cooling Before Glazing. Patience is a virtue when it comes to glazing brownies. Allow your brownies to cool completely to room temperature before attempting to apply the glaze. If the brownies are still warm, the glaze will melt, soak into the brownies, and become runny, resulting in a messy and less appealing finish.
- Let the Glaze Set. After drizzling the glaze over the cooled brownies, give it ample time to set. This means allowing the glaze to harden slightly before cutting into squares. A set glaze will ensure cleaner cuts and a more professional presentation. Rushing this step can lead to sticky, smudged edges.
Delicious Variations to Try
While these strawberry brownies are delightful on their own, they also serve as an excellent canvas for creative additions and flavor twists. Here are some fantastic variations to customize your next batch:
- Exciting Mix-ins. Elevate the texture and flavor by folding in a handful of mix-ins to the batter. White chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips pair wonderfully with strawberry. For an intensified strawberry flavor and delightful crunch, consider adding freeze-dried strawberries (chopped, if large). Gently fold these into the batter by hand; avoid using a hand mixer once mix-ins are added to prevent crushing them.
- Boost Strawberry Flavor with Extract. If you crave an even more potent strawberry experience, add 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract to the brownie batter. This simple addition will deepen the fruity notes, making your cake mix brownies taste even more intensely of fresh strawberries.
- Incorporate Fresh Strawberries into the Glaze. While we don’t recommend adding fresh berries directly into the brownie batter (it can alter the brownie’s signature dense texture), fresh strawberries are fantastic in the glaze! Puree a few fresh strawberries and mix them into your powdered sugar glaze. This will give the glaze a natural strawberry flavor and a beautiful, slightly pink tint.
- Swap the Glaze for Strawberry Frosting. For a richer, creamier topping, substitute the simple glaze with a decadent strawberry frosting. You can make homemade strawberry buttercream frosting or use a good quality store-bought strawberry frosting for convenience.
- Indulge with Chocolate Frosting. If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate and strawberry combination, top these brownies with a rich chocolate frosting instead of the strawberry glaze. The contrasting flavors create a truly irresistible dessert.
- Make Them Festive with Sprinkles. Add a touch of celebration by topping your glazed or frosted brownies with colorful sprinkles. This is especially fun for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a little extra sparkle.
- Add Strawberry Jam for Depth. For an extra layer of concentrated strawberry taste and a touch of fruitiness, stir 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam or strawberry preserves into your glaze mixture. This adds wonderful depth and a more complex berry flavor.
- Experiment with Other Cake Mix Flavors. The beauty of starting with a cake mix means endless possibilities! Try using a lemon cake mix for bright, tangy lemon brownies, a yellow cake mix for classic blondies, or a chocolate cake mix for intensely fudgy chocolate brownies.
- Enhance Color with Pink Food Coloring. If you desire a more vibrant pink tint for your glaze, add a few drops of pink gel food coloring. Start with a small amount and mix, then add more until you achieve your desired shade of delightful pink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to create different flavored brownies. For a delightful sweet and tangy treat, substitute a lemon cake mix. You can also use a yellow or white cake mix to make delicious blondies. If you’re craving a rich chocolate indulgence, a chocolate cake mix will yield wonderfully fudgy chocolate brownies.
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to make a larger batch. When doubling, remember to use a larger 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the brownies bake properly and maintain their ideal thickness. Adjust baking times as needed, as a larger batch may require a few extra minutes in the oven.
We generally do not recommend adding fresh strawberries directly into the brownie batter. Fresh berries release a lot of moisture during baking, which can significantly alter the brownie’s texture, making it less dense and fudgy. However, you can absolutely incorporate fresh strawberries into the glaze for an intensified strawberry taste. Simply puree fresh strawberries and mix them into your powdered sugar glaze for an extra burst of fresh berry flavor and a beautiful natural color.
To make these strawberry brownies gluten-free, simply substitute the regular strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free strawberry cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients, like vanilla extract, are also certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern for severe allergies.
While vegetable oil contributes to the fudgy texture, you can use melted butter as a substitute. Keep in mind that butter might result in a slightly chewier texture, and you might need to adjust the amount slightly depending on the cake mix instructions, if any. Ensure the butter is cooled before adding to the mix.
More Irresistible Strawberry Desserts
If you’re a true fan of strawberry desserts, there’s a world of deliciousness waiting for you. Here are some more fantastic recipes featuring this beloved berry:
- Strawberry Shortcake Roll
- Easy Strawberry Trifle Recipe
- Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
- Strawberry Lemon Blondies
- Strawberry Crunch Cake
- Paula Deen Strawberry Cake
We encourage you to whip up this sweet treat for your next gathering or special event. Once you’ve enjoyed them, please come back and leave a star rating and comment to share your experience!
Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 Box Strawberry Cake Mix 15.25 ounces
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9X9 baking pan with parchment paper and spray the paper with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Blend together the strawberry cake mix, eggs and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl with a hand held mixer until well combined.
- Then spread the batter evenly into the baking pan.
- Bake for 18-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Do not over cook.
- Allow the brownies cool at room temperature.
- Mix together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Gradually add in the water until the glaze is pourable but not watery.
- Carefully remove the brownies from the pan with the parchment paper. Pour the glaze over the brownies and allow the glaze to drip down the sides of the brownies.
- Let the glaze cool. Then the brownies are ready to cut, serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Refrigerate the leftover brownies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Carbohydrates 50g,
Protein 4g,
Fat 17g,
Saturated Fat 3g,
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g,
Monounsaturated Fat 5g,
Trans Fat 0.1g,
Cholesterol 36mg,
Sodium 430mg,
Potassium 180mg,
Fiber 1g,
Sugar 32g,
Vitamin A 54IU,
Calcium 81mg,
Iron 2mg