Imagine biting into something that combines the nostalgic comfort of a gooey blondie with the sweet, summery essence of ripe strawberries. That’s exactly what you get with Strawberry Brownies — a playful and utterly irresistible twist on classic brownies that brings a pop of color and fresh flavor to your dessert table. Whether you’re baking with kids, impressing party guests, or looking for a quick treat, Strawberry Brownies brighten any day with their vibrant pink hue and fudgy texture, all thanks to a handful of easy ingredients and a crave-worthy strawberry glaze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the secret to these Strawberry Brownies! Each ingredient contributes something special — from the pink cake base to the glossy glaze on top, every bit adds flavor and fun. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat:
- Strawberry cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The heart of the recipe, this shortcut delivers bright berry flavor and perfect softness with minimal effort.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together and help create that signature chewy, fudgy brownie bite.
- Vegetable oil (â…“ cup): Adds richness and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): A dash of vanilla brings extra warmth and depth to the strawberry flavor.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze): The base for a lusciously sweet glaze that melts into every bite.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, for glaze): Thins out the glaze to your desired consistency — start with less and add more as needed.
- Strawberry extract or strawberry jam (½ teaspoon or a few drops, optional, for glaze): For an extra punch of berry goodness in the glaze.
- Pink food coloring (optional, for glaze): Just a drop gives your glaze that extra swoon-worthy pink finish.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This important step makes removing your brownies a breeze and keeps them looking pristine.
Step 2: Mix Up the Strawberry Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a thick, smooth batter forms. It’ll be gloriously pink, and you might find it a little thicker than classic brownie batters — that’s exactly what you want for those craveable, chewy edges!
Step 3: Bake to Fudgy Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, making sure to smooth out the top. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, checking around the 18-minute mark. The edges should be set, and a toothpick in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs (not completely clean). This ensures your Strawberry Brownies stay deliciously fudgy, never dry.
Step 4: Cool Before Glazing
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here—the glaze will only set up nicely if there’s no residual warmth left in the pan, so resist the urge to speed things along!
Step 5: Whip Up the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk initially. Add the strawberry extract or jam if using, and a drop or two of pink food coloring. If the glaze seems too thick, add a touch more milk, just a few drops at a time, until you reach a pourable consistency that still hugs the brownies without running straight off.
Step 6: Glaze and Slice
Drizzle or spread the beautiful pink glaze over the cooled brownies. Let the glaze set—this usually takes 15 to 20 minutes—then slice your Strawberry Brownies into neat squares. Get ready for oohs, aahs, and lots of pink-tinged smiles!
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies
Garnishes
Add an extra flash of strawberry love by topping each brownie with a slice of fresh strawberry or a sprinkle of mini white chocolate chips. These simple touches make each square look and taste extra special, whether for a bake sale, potluck, or afternoon snack.
Side Dishes
Serve Strawberry Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy, cool addition alongside the fudgy, berry-packed squares transforms your dessert into a sundae-inspired masterpiece — perfect for summer BBQs and birthday parties alike!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting your brownies with a heart-shaped cookie cutter for Valentine’s Day, or stack small brownie cubes on a skewer with fresh strawberries for a playful dessert kabob. You can also serve Strawberry Brownies atop a swirl of yogurt for a dazzling brunch treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and fudgy, and the glaze holds up beautifully without becoming sticky or soggy.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, Strawberry Brownies freeze like a dream. Once they’re glazed and fully set, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer bag. Store for up to two months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To recapture that freshly-baked magic, pop a brownie square in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. The glaze softens slightly, and the center goes all gooey and warm — pure comfort food bliss! Just be careful not to overheat to avoid melting the glaze completely.
FAQs
Can I use homemade strawberry cake mix instead of boxed?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade strawberry cake mix recipe, it works beautifully for Strawberry Brownies. Just use an equivalent amount (about 15.25 ounces) and follow the rest of the instructions as written.
How do I make these brownies extra fudgy?
These brownies are already rich and fudgy, but for an even denser texture, slightly underbake them — pull them from the oven as soon as the edges are set and the center is just barely cooked through. Don’t be tempted to overbake!
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of white chocolate chips, chopped dried strawberries, or even toasted pecans before baking for extra flavor and texture. Just keep the amount to about half a cup to avoid overwhelming the batter.
What if I don’t have strawberry extract for the glaze?
No problem! You can easily substitute a teaspoon or two of strawberry jam, or simply leave it out. The glaze will still be sweet and pretty, and the brownies already pack a punch of strawberry flavor.
How do I prevent the glaze from becoming runny or sticky?
Be sure your brownies are completely cooled before glazing, and add milk to the powdered sugar slowly until you reach the right consistency. If things get a bit too thin, just whisk in a little more powdered sugar until it thickens up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as easy as it is eye-catching, Strawberry Brownies tick all the boxes. Their cheerful color, luscious texture, and irresistible fruity flavor make them a hit with anyone who tries them. Don’t wait for a special occasion — bake up a batch and spread a little pink-powered happiness today!
Print
Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, featuring a burst of fruity flavor and a sweet glaze. Perfect for a quick and easy dessert that will please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon strawberry extract or a few drops of strawberry jam (optional)
- pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the baking dish and bake for 18–22 minutes until set.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, strawberry extract or jam, and pink food coloring. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- These brownies have a fudgy texture similar to blondies.
- For added flair, top with fresh strawberry slices or white chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
