Perfectly pink strawberry brownies are what you need in your life. Seriously, these fudgy brownies are addictive. It’s hard to stop at just one.
The crisp outsides, chewy insides, and kiss of strawberry flavors make for one fantastic dessert.
Luckily, strawberry brownies are easy to make!
You only need a box of strawberry cake mix and a few pantry staples. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or just because.
The hardest part is waiting for them to cool before slicing!
So, don your apron, and let’s make these oh-so-pretty-in-pink strawberry brownies!
Strawberry Brownies
If you love brownies just as much as strawberries, you are in for a treat.
Chocolate and blondie brownies get all the hype. But these strawberry brownies are a close contender.
They have all the hallmarks of a decadent brownie. They are crispy on the outside and fudgy on the inside.
And they earn an added boost of sweetness from a glaze made from strawberry preserves.
Is your mouth watering yet?
You won’t believe how easily these brownies come together (and how quickly they will disappear).
Brownie pro tip: serve warmed brownies with vanilla ice cream. It’s heavenly!
Ingredients
Slow down- if you blink, you may miss this short list of ingredients!
Do you have a box of strawberry cake mix in your pantry? Then, nothing is stopping you from making these right now.
For the brownies
- Strawberry Cake Mix: Behold- the star of the show. Since the cake mix is the central component, use a tried and tested brand.
- I like Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines.
- Eggs: To ensure your brown batter binds, always use room-temperature eggs.
- Salted Butter: This is one of the rare occasions where salted butter is best. The strawberry cake mix is delicate, so the salted butter helps draw out its fruity flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds complex flavors and helps balance the sweetness. Always use pure vanilla extract (not imitation) for the best flavor.
For the glaze
- Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves into the perfect syrupy glaze when mixed with milk.
- Strawberry Preserves: Strawberry preserves (or jam) deliver fresh summery flavors that take these brownies over the top. Don’t skip the preserves!
- Milk: A dash of milk makes this glaze ultra-creamy. The type of milk doesn’t matter much- you can use full-fat, plant-based, or skim.
- It won’t change the consistency but may alter the overall flavor and color.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
There’s no need to dirty every bowl in the kitchen when making these brownies. All you need is one mixing bowl and a brownie tin.
1. Prepare.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8×8 baking pan.
2. Mix the batter.
Pour cake mix, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract into a mixing bowl. Then, stir until combined.
3. Bake.
Pour brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes. When an inserted toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are done.
4. Cool.
Allow brownies to cool at room temperature, or cover and place them in the refrigerator.
5. Make the glaze.
Pour powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk into a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Pour over cooled brownies and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Brownies
Sure, this recipe is super easy. But there are still a few places where things can go wrong.
Check out these quick tips so your brownies are perfect the first time.
- Babysit those brownies. Not all ovens are created equal. Some need more time to do their job, some need less.
- Pay close attention to your brownies. Place a toothpick in at the 15-minute mark.
- Take the brownies out if the toothpick comes out clean.
- Use an electric mixer (or a stand mixer). This brownie batter is thick. A spoon won’t cut it. Use a hand mixer at a low speed for the best results.
- Chill for 1 hour for easy cutting. Place brownies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cutting. Chilling first will ensure they are picture-perfect with no jagged edges.
Variations
Want to take these brownies over the top? There are so many ways to experiment with tasty toppings and add-ins.
- Sprinkles. They make everything so much more fun!
- Try shades of red, white, and pink for Valentine’s Day.
- Green ones for Christmas.
- Or rainbow sprinkles for any occasion!
- Add chocolate. Want a chocolate-covered strawberry vibe? Add white, semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate to the brownie batter.
- Don’t worry- it will not affect the baking process.
- Try a different glaze. Try this chocolate glaze for an extra luscious chocolate flavor.
- Or try this orange icing for an extra fruity treat!
- Top with fresh fruit. Garnish it with fresh strawberries on top!
- You cannot add fresh strawberries to the batter because the added moisture affects the bake.
- But don’t stop with strawberries. Add any fresh fruit you like! I love raspberries, oranges, and kiwis.
How to Store
Odds are low these delicious brownies will live to see the light of another day.
But, in the rare instance there are leftovers, here are a few storage suggestions.
- Room temperature. You can store brownies at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between brownies to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate. Put the brownies into an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Freeze. You can freeze these brownies for up to 2 months.
- Separate them with parchment paper.
- Then, put them in an airtight container and freeze.
- When ready to eat, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight.