Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Strawberry brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolatey goodness and fruity sweetness. The blend of strawberry cake mix and creamy glaze creates a delightful treat that can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. These strawberry brownies are simple to make, offering a deliciously moist texture with the perfect balance of strawberry flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick dessert for a party, a treat for the family, or a sweet snack for yourself, these strawberry brownies are a guaranteed hit.

With a thick strawberry glaze and a soft, fudgy brownie base, they bring together the best of both worlds. The glaze adds a layer of extra sweetness, making each bite a moment to savor. If you’re a fan of strawberry-flavored desserts, this recipe will become a go-to for every occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

Using a box of strawberry cake mix, this recipe is incredibly simple and quick, making it perfect for beginners or anyone in need of a fast dessert option.

2. Fruity and Sweet

The strawberry flavor shines in both the brownies and the glaze, creating a refreshing contrast to traditional chocolate brownies.

3. No Need for Complicated Ingredients

With just a few basic ingredients like cake mix, eggs, and oil, you can have a delicious treat ready in no time.

4. Versatile Dessert

These strawberry brownies are versatile enough to be served at any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just enjoying a casual dessert.

5. Delicious Glaze

The creamy strawberry glaze, which includes strawberry preserves, adds a layer of richness and sweetness that will elevate the flavor and appearance of your brownies.

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix (we used Pillsbury)
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves (Bonne Maman strawberry preserves is the best!)
• 1 ½ tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional)

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for a decadent chocolate-strawberry combo.
• Fruit Toppings: Top the glazed brownies with fresh strawberries or other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for added flavor and color.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: For an extra creamy texture, swirl in a little cream cheese into the brownie batter before baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and well-mixed.

Step 2: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

While the brownies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, milk, and cream cheese (if using). Stir until smooth and well-combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Step 4: Glaze the Brownies

Once the brownies have finished baking and cooled for about 10 minutes, pour the strawberry glaze over the top. Spread it evenly to cover the brownies.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. Serve at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid dense brownies.
• Test for Doneness: The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is slightly cracked, that’s a good sign!
• Let the Brownies Cool Before Cutting: Let the brownies cool before cutting to allow the glaze to set properly and avoid a messy result.

How to Serve

Serve these strawberry brownies on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. They also make a great addition to any dessert table or party spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve their freshness for longer, place them in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Reheat individual brownies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through, before serving. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can use other flavored cake mixes like vanilla or chocolate, though strawberry adds a unique flavor to these brownies.

2. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry preserves in the glaze?

Yes, you can blend fresh strawberries into a puree and use that in place of the preserves, but it may result in a thinner glaze.

3. Can I make these brownies without the glaze?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet version, you can skip the glaze and enjoy the strawberry brownies as they are.

4. Can I use a different type of oil for the brownies?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, coconut oil, or any other neutral-flavored oil.

5. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free cake mix to make these brownies gluten-free. Just ensure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

6. How do I know when the brownies are done?

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden brown.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to add richness and texture to your strawberry brownies.

8. How can I make the glaze thicker?

If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

9. Can I use a larger baking dish?

If you use a larger baking dish, the brownies will be thinner, so be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

10. How can I make the glaze smoother?

To make the glaze smoother, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. You can also add a little extra milk to make it pourable.

Conclusion

Strawberry brownies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the rich texture of brownies with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries. Easy to make and incredibly tasty, these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a treat on a regular day, strawberry brownies will add a delicious splash of color and flavor to your dessert table.

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