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If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the rich, decadent delight of brownies with the bright, fresh flavor of strawberries, then this Strawberry Brownies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These brownies are a luscious twist on the classic treat, boasting a vibrant pink hue and tender crumb that’s both fruity and satisfyingly chocolaty without being overwhelming. Bursting with fresh strawberry bits and topped with a glossy glaze, this recipe brings a fresh, summery vibe to your dessert table that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Strawberry Brownies Recipe is simple yet essential, working together to create a perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and that irresistible strawberry flavor and color that make these brownies truly special.
- Strawberry cake mix: The foundation that gives our brownies their strawberry essence and beautiful pink color without any fuss.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the batter structure for that perfect chewy texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender—substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Chopped fresh strawberries: Adds bursts of juicy freshness and subtle texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the strawberry flavor with a hint of warmth and depth.
- Powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that adds a finishing touch of shine and extra sweetness.
- Milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Pink or red food coloring (optional): For an even more vibrant and festive touch to your glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your brownies release easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until the batter is thick and well mixed, signaling you’re one step closer to strawberry heaven.
Step 3: Add Fresh Strawberries and Flavor
Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and vanilla extract if you’re using it. These additions are what truly elevate the Strawberry Brownies Recipe by infusing freshness and aromatic complexity.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This ensures the brownies are perfectly cooked yet soft and gooey inside.
Step 5: Cool and Glaze
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan — patience is key here to let the flavors settle. While cooling, mix powdered sugar with milk to create a thick but pourable glaze. Add a touch of color with food coloring for that iconic pink glaze, then drizzle it over the brownies and let it set before slicing.
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Try topping your brownies with fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of crushed nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar to add a pretty finishing touch and extra flavor contrast. Whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the fruity sweetness.
Side Dishes
These strawberry brownies shine bright on their own but can also be accompanied by fresh berries or a light, citrusy salad if you prefer a refreshing counterbalance. Alternatively, serve alongside a creamy vanilla custard or berry compote for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut these brownies into heart shapes for Valentine’s Day or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for kids’ parties. Layer brownie squares with whipped cream and extra strawberries in a parfait glass for an elegant, visually stunning treat that wows at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover strawberry brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their tender texture and the glaze’s glossy finish without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and then foil or placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature within a few hours; the flavor and texture hold up surprisingly well.
Reheating
When you want to enjoy a warm brownie, gently microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds. This will soften the brownie and slightly melt the glaze, making it irresistible, almost as though they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Brownies Recipe?
Fresh strawberries are best to maintain the right texture and moisture level. Frozen berries can be used if they are fully thawed and drained well, but they might add extra moisture which could affect baking time and brownie texture.
Is it okay to substitute melted butter for vegetable oil?
Absolutely! Using melted butter instead of vegetable oil will give your Strawberry Brownies Recipe a richer, more indulgent flavor. Just keep the quantities the same for the best results.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
This recipe depends on the strawberry cake mix that typically contains gluten. To go gluten-free, look for a certified gluten-free strawberry cake mix or make your own blend that suits dietary needs.
What if I don’t have food coloring for the glaze?
The glaze will still taste great without food coloring, just lacking that signature pink vibrancy. You can skip the coloring altogether or add a splash of fresh strawberry juice to tint it naturally.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Insert a toothpick near the center: you want it to come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not completely dry. This ensures the brownies remain soft and fudgy, not overcooked or dry.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Brownies Recipe is a delightful way to brighten up your baking repertoire with something both familiar and refreshingly new. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these pink, flavorful squares bring happiness with every bite. I promise once you try them, they’ll become a beloved favorite in your dessert rotation. So grab those ingredients and get baking — your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
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Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious twist on classic brownies with this easy Strawberry Brownies recipe. Made using strawberry cake mix and fresh strawberries, these moist, pink-hued brownies feature a sweet strawberry glaze that adds an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation—perfect for spring gatherings or anytime you want a fruity treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 box (18.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir the ingredients together until a thick, cohesive batter forms.
- Add Strawberries and Vanilla: Fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and vanilla extract gently to distribute evenly without overmixing.
- Spread Batter and Bake: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This ensures the glaze will set nicely when applied.
- Prepare Glaze: While the brownies cool, mix powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk, adding more milk as necessary to achieve a thick but pourable consistency. Add a drop of pink or red food coloring to create a vibrant glaze if desired.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the cooled brownies. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter.
- Fresh strawberries add great texture but may increase the moisture content; consider reducing baking time slightly if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
