If you have a sweet tooth that loves a burst of fresh fruit combined with rich, chewy indulgence, this Strawberry Brownies Recipe is about to become your go-to treat. These brownies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, using strawberry cake mix to infuse every bite with vibrant fruity flavor and a moist, fudgy texture that feels like a little celebration in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something extraordinary, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both fun and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from building the moist, dense texture to delivering that unmistakably strawberry sweetness and creamy finish. These simple essentials come together effortlessly, making baking this treat both approachable and rewarding.
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix: Preferably Pillsbury to achieve the best moist texture and natural strawberry flavor.
- 2 large eggs: They add the structure that holds the brownies together and give just the right amount of chewiness.
- â…“ cup vegetable oil: This adds moisture and richness without overpowering the strawberry notes.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For sweetness and the base of the luscious frosting layer.
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam: Bonne Maman is a personal favorite for this as it enhances the strawberry taste with real fruit bits.
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream: Just enough to thin the frosting to creamy perfection without it getting runny.
- 2 oz cream cheese: Adds a silky, tangy creaminess to the frosting that balances the sweet strawberry flavor beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by mixing the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil together in a large bowl. At first, the batter will be quite thick, but that’s exactly what gives these brownies their fudgy and dense texture — don’t be tempted to add more liquid!
Step 2: Stir Until Fully Incorporated
Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to combine everything thoroughly. You want a smooth, uniform batter without any lumps. This intense mixing ensures every bite is perfectly consistent in flavor and texture.
Step 3: Press Batter into Baking Dish
Line an 8×8 glass baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal, then press the thick batter evenly into the dish. Smooth it out gently so the brownies bake evenly and get that nice crust around the edges.
Step 4: Bake to Fudgy Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll want the edges to be set and slightly pulling away from the pan, while the center remains soft to keep that moist, chewy texture.
Step 5: Let the Brownies Cool Completely
This is an important step! Cooling them fully before frosting sets the brownies up perfectly and prevents your frosting from melting or running off. Patience here definitely pays off.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Creamy Frosting
Mix the powdered sugar, strawberry jam, cream cheese, and milk or cream until smooth and creamy. Spread this luscious frosting over the cooled brownies for a rich topping that perfectly complements the fruity base.
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh sliced strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can make your strawberry brownies even more enticing and visually stunning. A few mint leaves add a fresh, aromatic touch that brightens the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic indulgence or pair with a simple glass of chilled milk to balance the sweetness. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad also make great, refreshing companions to your strawberries’ natural sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your strawberry brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters for kids’ parties or layer brownie squares with whipped cream and strawberries in individual serving glasses for a pretty, parfait-style dessert. These little ideas take the Strawberry Brownies Recipe to the next level!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover strawberry brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them in a cool spot will preserve the soft texture and fresh flavor, especially if they’re frosted.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted brownie squares, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container, for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your brownies warm, just slice a square and heat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Avoid reheating frosted portions to prevent melting, unless you like it gooey and dripping!
FAQs
Can I use other types of cake mix for this recipe?
While the recipe is designed for strawberry cake mix to highlight that fresh strawberry flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like red velvet or vanilla for a different but delicious twist.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the frosting?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese and use your favorite plant-based milk to keep the frosting creamy and dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add fresh strawberries into the batter?
Fresh strawberries tend to add extra moisture, which can affect the brownie texture. For best results, stick to the jam in the frosting or sprinkle fresh strawberries on top after baking.
How thick should the batter be before baking?
The batter is intentionally thick—think more like a dense dough than a runny batter. This thickness is key to achieving the fudgy consistency that makes these strawberry brownies so special.
What if I want more strawberry flavor in the brownies?
Using a high-quality strawberry jam for the frosting and choosing a rich strawberry cake mix like Pillsbury are the best ways to maximize strawberry flavor in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about baking and sharing this Strawberry Brownies Recipe, with its bright flavor and delightfully fudgy texture. Whether you’re a longtime brownie fan or craving a fruity treat with a twist, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Give it a try, and watch these strawberry brownies become a cherished favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 9.9 squares (8×8 pan)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, featuring a fudgy texture infused with the vibrant flavor of strawberry cake mix. Topped with a creamy strawberry frosting made from powdered sugar, strawberry jam, milk, and cream cheese, these brownies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. They bake up moist and chewy with a beautiful pink hue, making them an ideal treat for spring and summer or any occasion that calls for a fruity dessert.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix (preferably Pillsbury)
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam (Bonne Maman recommended)
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- 2 oz cream cheese
Instructions
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 2 large eggs, and â…“ cup vegetable oil. Stir the mixture until it is thick and fully incorporated, which will give the brownies their fudgy texture.
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 glass baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Press and bake: Evenly press the thick brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes until the edges are set and the center remains slightly soft.
- Cool the brownies: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
- Make the frosting: In a small bowl, blend together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp strawberry jam, 1 to 2 tbsp milk or cream, and 2 oz cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the brownies: Spread the prepared cream cheese strawberry frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice into 9 or 9.9 squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use a high-quality strawberry cake mix like Pillsbury for optimal texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to overbake; the center should remain slightly soft to keep the fudgy consistency.
- The frosting can be adjusted for thickness by varying the amount of milk or cream added.
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
- These brownies can also be served chilled or at room temperature according to preference.
