Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Using a cake mix makes this dessert incredibly easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
- Deliciously Dense Texture: Unlike light and airy cakes, these brownies have a thick, fudgy texture that feels just like a brownie should.
- Strawberry Lovers’ Dream: If you’re a fan of strawberry-flavored treats, these brownies are sure to become your new favorite dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix (Pillsbury recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves (or jam)
- 2-3 tbsp milk (whole, 2%, skim, or cream)
- Optional: 2 oz cream cheese (for frosting)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix with the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is thick and smooth.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the frosting.
- For the frosting, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry jam, milk, and cream cheese (if desired) until smooth and thick. Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Slice and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9-12 brownies (depending on how large you cut them)
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes (including baking and cooling time)
Variations
- Add white or dark chocolate chips to the batter for an extra burst of flavor.
- Top with freeze-dried strawberries or sprinkles for a fun finishing touch.
- Swap the strawberry frosting for chocolate buttercream for a chocolate-covered strawberry flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- If topped with frosting, store in a single layer to prevent sticking, or layer with parchment paper.
- For longer storage, keep brownies in the refrigerator if they are frosted.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different brand of cake mix?
Yes, while Pillsbury is recommended for this recipe, any strawberry cake mix should work fine.
2. Can I use fresh strawberries in the batter?
Fresh strawberries are not recommended as they release water while baking, which can affect the texture.
3. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! You can use chocolate buttercream or even a simple glaze.
4. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Check with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
5. Can I freeze these strawberry brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap each brownie individually and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
6. How do I make the frosting thicker?
Add more powdered sugar or reduce the amount of milk to achieve a thicker consistency.
7. Is the cream cheese necessary in the frosting?
No, it’s optional. The frosting is still delicious without it!
8. Can I use other fruit preserves?
Yes, you can substitute strawberry preserves with raspberry or blueberry preserves for a different flavor.
9. Can I make these brownies without frosting?
Yes, the brownies are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds extra flavor and sweetness.
10. Can I make these brownies in a larger pan?
Yes, you can use a 9×13 pan, but adjust the baking time as they will likely need a few extra minutes.
Conclusion
These strawberry brownies are a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds—cake and brownies—into one irresistible treat. Perfect for any occasion, they are quick to prepare and will surely be a hit with anyone who loves strawberry-flavored desserts. Whether you enjoy them as is or with the creamy frosting, they are a must-try!
Strawberry Brownies Recipe
These easy Strawberry Brownies offer a twist on the classic dessert, blending strawberry cake mix and rich, fudgy brownie texture. Perfect for any occasion, they feature a smooth strawberry frosting and are a must-try for strawberry lovers! Quick, delicious, and oh-so-sweet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 9-12 brownies
- Category: Dessert, Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix (Pillsbury recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves (or jam)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (whole, 2%, skim, or cream)
- Optional: 2 oz cream cheese (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and thick.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely before adding the frosting.
- For frosting, whisk powdered sugar, strawberry jam, milk, and cream cheese (optional) until smooth and thick. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
- Top with freeze-dried strawberries or sprinkles for a fun finish!
- Cream cheese is optional for the frosting, but it adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
