If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dessert that packs a punch of flavor, these Strawberry Brownies are just the ticket! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy brownie with the sweet taste of strawberries in every bite. This recipe is not only super easy to whip up, but it also brings a burst of joy to any occasion—be it a busy weeknight or a family gathering. Trust me, once you try these Strawberry Brownies, they will become a beloved favorite in your home.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create something truly special. Perfect for when you’re short on time but want to impress friends or family with something homemade!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Made with strawberry cake mix, you can have these brownies ready in no time!
Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet strawberry flavor, making them perfect for all ages.
Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—from birthday parties to potluck desserts.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of strawberry preserves and cake mix creates a unique taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Brownies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive right into what you need!

For the Brownie Base

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)

For the Topping

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

One of the best things about these Strawberry Brownies is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative and make them your own with these fun variations:

Add Some Chocolate: Toss in some mini chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
Go Nutty: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Fruit Fusion: Try swapping out the strawberry preserves for raspberry or blueberry preserves for a different fruity twist.
Frosting Finish: Top off your brownies with a light frosting made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra sweet treat!

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 that’s heating up, prepare an 8×8 pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with foil. I love using parchment paper because it makes removing the brownies so much easier later on!

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whether you use a spoon or mixer doesn’t matter; both methods work beautifully! Once combined, press the mixture into your prepared pan. Bake them in the oven for about 18-22 minutes until they’re just set. Be sure to let them cool completely before cutting—this helps them hold their shape better.

And there you have it! Delicious Strawberry Brownies that are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy baking and sharing this lovely treat!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

Making these Strawberry Brownies is a breeze, but a few insider tips can take your dessert from good to absolutely delightful!

Choose the right cake mix: Opt for a strawberry cake mix that includes pudding in the mix. This will give your brownies that extra moistness and rich flavor you want in a dessert.
Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your brownies while they bake. If you overbake them, they’ll lose that fudgy texture. Aim for a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Let them cool completely: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting helps them set up perfectly, making for clean slices and an appealing presentation.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to swap in other fruit preserves or even add some chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor. They pair beautifully with strawberries!
Refrigerate for enhanced flavor: For an even more refreshing taste, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving. This also makes them perfect for warm weather gatherings.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

Presenting your Strawberry Brownies beautifully can make all the difference at gatherings or family dinners! Here are some creative ideas to impress your guests.

Garnishes

Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.
Fresh strawberries: Slicing fresh strawberries on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts that fruity goodness in every bite.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the sweetness of strawberry brownies, creating a classic dessert combination that’s hard to resist.
Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal berries and melons provides a healthy contrast to the rich brownies while keeping things light and summery.
Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted dairy-free chocolate over the brownies before serving adds an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will appreciate!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Strawberry Brownies will shine at any occasion. Enjoy this delightful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time and store them for a delightful treat throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing.
Place the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

Cut the brownies into squares and let them cool completely.
Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, remove the desired number of brownies from storage.
Microwave on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious Strawberry Brownies:

Can I make Strawberry Brownies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan-friendly version.

How do Strawberry Brownies differ from regular brownies?

Strawberry Brownies are made using strawberry cake mix, which gives them a unique fruity flavor and moist texture that sets them apart from traditional brownies.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in Strawberry Brownies?

If you want to skip the cream cheese, you can omit it altogether or substitute it with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?

While fresh strawberries won’t provide the same concentrated sweetness as preserves, you can chop them finely and fold them into the brownie batter for added flavor and texture.

Are Strawberry Brownies suitable for kids’ parties?

Absolutely! These colorful and fun Strawberry Brownies are sure to be a hit at any kids’ party or gathering. Just cut them into smaller squares for easy serving!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Strawberry Brownies! Their vibrant color and luscious taste make them an irresistible treat that’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether it’s a family dessert night or just a sweet craving, these brownies are sure to brighten your day. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me—I’d love to hear how they turned out!