Strawberry Brownies

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings a splash of color and flavor to your table, look no further than these Strawberry Brownies! This recipe is one of my favorites because it combines the rich taste of brownies with the sweet, fruity essence of strawberries. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re a hit at family gatherings and make wonderful treats for parties or celebrations.

What makes these Strawberry Brownies even more special is how simple they are to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Trust me; once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: These brownies come together in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Family-friendly: Kids adore these sweet treats! They are colorful and fun, making dessert time exciting.
• Versatile: You can enjoy them warm or cold, plain or dressed up with whipped cream.
• Deliciously fruity: The strawberry flavor shines through beautifully, offering a refreshing twist on traditional brownies.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time, and they’ll keep well in an airtight container for several days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Strawberry Brownies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90g)
• 2 tablespoon strawberry preserves (40g – Bonne Maman strawberry preserves is the best!)
• 1 ½ tablespoons milk (22ml)
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (15g – optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize your Strawberry Brownies to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist!
• Mix in nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
• Use different fruit preserves: Swap out strawberry preserves for raspberry or peach for a unique flavor experience.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step ensures that your brownies bake evenly from start to finish. While the oven heats up, prepare an 8×8 pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with foil. I prefer using parchment paper because it makes removing the brownies so much easier later!

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whether you use a spoon or an electric mixer doesn’t matter; both methods work perfectly! Once everything is well mixed, press the batter into the prepared pan. Bake your brownies for about 18-22 minutes until they’re just done. Keep an eye on them; overbaking can lead to dry brownies! Let them cool completely before slicing into squares.

Now that you have this easy recipe at your fingertips, I hope you enjoy making these Strawberry Brownies as much as I do! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Brownies

Making Strawberry Brownies is a breeze, but a few tips can elevate your dessert to the next level!

• Use quality cake mix: Opt for a strawberry cake mix that includes pudding in the mix for extra moisture and flavor. Brands like Pillsbury work wonderfully, ensuring your brownies are soft and delicious.

• Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies rather than the soft, chewy texture we all love.

• Check for doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your brownies at 18 minutes. They should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. Remember, they continue to cook as they cool!

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your brownies to cool entirely before adding any frosting or toppings. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for an exciting twist! They can complement the strawberry flavor and add delightful texture.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

These Strawberry Brownies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some creative ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavor.
• Fresh strawberries: Sliced fresh strawberries on top or on the side create a vibrant presentation and enhance the fruity taste.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream makes for a fluffy topping that pairs beautifully with the rich brownies.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the chewy brownies perfectly, creating a classic dessert pairing.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad filled with seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the brownies, making it a great light side option.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea provides a comforting beverage choice that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of your dessert.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fresh strawberries creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors while remaining light and refreshing.

Enjoy exploring these serving suggestions and tips; they’ll surely impress family and friends when you present your delightful Strawberry Brownies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making your dessert cravings easy to satisfy.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them to extend freshness for about a week.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• To freeze, cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to eat!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in an oven set to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 5 minutes.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat!

FAQs

Have questions? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!

Can I use a different cake mix for these Strawberry Brownies?

Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives these brownies their delightful flavor and color, you can experiment with other flavors if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep the other ingredients the same!

How do I make Strawberry Brownies more decadent?

To elevate your Strawberry Brownies, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter before baking. You could also drizzle melted chocolate on top after they’ve cooled for a beautiful finish.

What is the best way to store Strawberry Brownies?

The best way to store Strawberry Brownies is in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. This keeps them fresh while preventing them from drying out.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Brownies as much as I do! They are quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat at home. Whether you’re preparing them for family gatherings or simply indulging yourself on a cozy night in, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite!