If you’re looking for a dessert that’s a perfect marriage of bold strawberry flavor and classic brownie chewiness, say hello to Strawberry Brownies! These irresistible pink bars are soft, thick, and deliciously sweet, with a strawberry kick that’s ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a color-pop on a quiet afternoon. They whip up in a heartbeat thanks to cake mix, and that luscious glaze? It’s the finishing touch that makes each bite taste like strawberry season, no matter the time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of easily-found ingredients, these Strawberry Brownies become a true kitchen staple. Every component plays a part, whether it’s providing structure, amplifying fruity notes, or achieving that beautiful pink hue that delights before you’ve even taken a bite.
- Strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz): This is the secret to the vibrant color and concentrated berry flavor you crave in every square.
- Large eggs (2): They bind everything together for a rich, fudgy texture—don’t skip or substitute!
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Adds moisture and gives that classic brownie density with a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A little bit balances out the fruitiness, making the flavor taste homemade and not artificial.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Essential for a smooth, glossy glaze that sets beautifully over the bars.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency without watering down the flavor.
- Strawberry extract or puree (1/2 teaspoon, optional for glaze): Intensifies the strawberry essence if you want a big berry punch in your icing.
- Pink food coloring (optional): Just a drop if you want extra-pretty, bakery-style brownies—totally optional but so fun!
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a light coating of nonstick spray. This little step ensures your Strawberry Brownies pop out effortlessly and keeps those gorgeous edges intact when slicing.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Take a large mixing bowl and pour in the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a thick, sticky batter. It should be glossy and pretty dense—the thicker, the fudgier your brownies will be. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s your chance to toss in a half cup of freshly chopped strawberries for little pops of juicy fruit.
Step 3: Spread and Bake
Using a spatula, spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, nudging it gently to the corners for uniform thickness. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. The edges will look set (almost pulling away from the sides), and a toothpick poked in the center should emerge with a few moist crumbs—remember, slightly underbaking is the secret to chewy Strawberry Brownies!
Step 4: Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, let your brownies cool in the pan. This may be the toughest part, but patience pays off! Cooling firms everything up and makes the next step (glazing) so much easier and neater.
Step 5: Whisk Up the Glaze
While the brownies are cooling, mix up your glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, and strawberry extract or puree if you’re using it. If you want that vibrant pink color, add a tiny drop of pink food coloring. Whisk until smooth and lush—it should drizzle but not run off a spoon like water.
Step 6: Glaze and Slice
Drizzle your glaze over the cooled brownies, letting it flow right to the edges. Allow the glaze to set up for about 15 minutes before you slice into squares. Each cut will reveal those dreamy, pink, strawberry-laced layers topped with a glistening finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies
Garnishes
Add a touch of flair before serving! Dusted powdered sugar, a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles, or even a few thinly sliced fresh strawberries elevate these Strawberry Brownies into a show-stopping treat. A little whipped cream on the side never hurt either!
Side Dishes
If you’re planning a dessert table or afternoon tea, pair your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a bowl of mixed berries, or a glass of cold milk. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with creamy and tart companions, making the whole treat feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Stack Strawberry Brownies in neat towers, cut them into heart or star shapes for parties, or skewer them with fresh berries for an eye-catching dessert platter. They also look gorgeous served in cupcake papers for grab-and-go occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Strawberry Brownies keep beautifully at room temperature for up to three days. Place them in an airtight container to keep the texture soft and the glaze intact—no dryness, just pure, chewy delight.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, freeze the brownies (unglazed is best) tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to two months. Just thaw at room temp and add the glaze before serving for that bakery-fresh effect.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked softness, microwave a brownie square on low power for 10 to 15 seconds. It revives the chewiness and makes the glaze go ever-so-slightly gooey again—a real treat for your senses.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While the strawberry mix is what gives Strawberry Brownies their signature flavor, you can easily swap in lemon, vanilla, or even chocolate for fun, creative twists on this easy recipe.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Check for set edges and a slightly soft center; a toothpick poked in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs. Aim for underbaked rather than overbaked, as these brownies are meant to be fudgy and chewy, not cakey.
What if I can’t find strawberry extract for the glaze?
No worries! The glaze tastes delicious even without it, especially with the cake mix providing so much strawberry flavor. Try adding a teaspoon of strawberry jam for a natural boost instead.
Can I add mix-ins to Strawberry Brownies?
Definitely. Chopped white chocolate, mini chocolate chips, or fresh berries all make wonderful mix-ins. Just remember to keep them to about half a cup to avoid messing with the perfect brownie texture.
Do these taste like traditional brownies?
Strawberry Brownies have the same fudgy, chewy personality as classic brownies but with a fruity, berry-forward flavor and a bright pink color that makes them extra fun and festive!
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to grab a box of cake mix and try these Strawberry Brownies for yourself. Whether you share them at a party or sneak one with your morning coffee, they always bring a little extra joy to any treat occasion.
Print
Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, featuring the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberries. With a fudgy texture and a pink glaze, these easy-to-make treats are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract or puree (optional)
- pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- Mix the brownie batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until well blended. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake the brownies: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until set at the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and strawberry extract. Add pink food coloring if desired.
- Glaze the brownies: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownies and allow it to set before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For added freshness, consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped fresh strawberries to the batter before baking.
- Be careful not to overbake the brownies to maintain their fudgy, chewy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
