Strawberry Brownies

Table of Contents

1. Simple Ingredients for Strawberry Brownies
2. Substitutions and Additions for Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies
3. How to Make Strawberry Brownies
4. Troubleshooting Tips for Brownies with Strawberry Cake Mix
5. Serving Strawberry Brownies
6. When to Serve Strawberry Brownies from Cake Mix
7. Strawberry Brownie Recipe Storage
8. Why These Strawberry Brownie Are The Best
9. Strawberry Brownies with Cake Mix FAQ
10. MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
11. JUMP TO RECIPE

These delightful and vibrant pink strawberry brownies look so fun and taste absolutely amazing. Strawberry cake mix brimming with strawberry flavor gives you a moist brownie that is then topped with a sweet strawberry-infused glaze.

Simple Ingredients for Strawberry Brownies

Substitutions and Additions for Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies

STRAWBERRY CAKE MIX: If strawberry cake mix is unavailable, a vanilla or white cake mix can be a good substitute.

We used Pillsbury strawberry cake mix, but your favorite brand will work just fine as well.

Enhance the strawberry flavor by adding a tablespoon of strawberry jam or puree to the batter. This swap maintains the delightful berry essence while offering a slightly different taste profile.

BUTTER: If you don’t have salted butter on hand, you can use unsalted butter. Add ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of salt to your batter if using unsalted butter.

EGGS: You can replace each egg with a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.

VEGETABLE OIL: You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil in place of the melted butter if you wish.

POWDERED SUGAR: If you’re out of powdered sugar for the glaze, blend granulated sugar in a food processor until fine.

For a zesty twist, mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze, which pairs beautifully with the strawberry.

VANILLA EXTRACT: You could add a teaspoon vanilla extract to the glaze, or try almond extract to add a nutty, aromatic touch.

CREAM CHEESE: For a creamier glaze, incorporate a couple of tablespoons of softened cream cheese. This addition creates a richer, tangy glaze that balances the sweetness of the brownies.

CHOCOLATE CHIPS: Sprinkle a handful of white chocolate chips, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips into the batter for an extra layer of indulgence. The chocolate chips add a pleasant texture contrast and a burst of chocolatey flavor.

NUTS: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nuttiness. This addition enhances the texture and introduces a delightful earthy note to the brownies.

FRUIT: Fresh fruit may impact how the brownies bake, so for best results, we would recommend using freeze-dried fruit.

Gently fold in a half cup of freeze dried strawberries or raspberries. This not only intensifies the berry taste but also adds a lovely pop of color.

MILK: You could use half and half, heavy cream, 2% or whole milk instead of the water to mix the glaze for a richer topping.

CURD: Swirl in a half cup of lemon curd or strawberry curd for a burst of flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper. Spray with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal of the brownies, and set aside.

If you use parchment paper, you can make a sling. This is when the parchment paper overhangs the edges of the pan, making it easy to lift out after baking.

Pro Tip

Bake in an 8×8-inch square baking pan for a thicker brownie – adjust cook time accordingly.

STEP TWO: Mix together melted butter, eggs, egg yolk, and strawberry cake mix in a medium bowl. Use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or stir by hand.

STEP THREE: Spread strawberry brownie batter into prepared pan. Bake for 18 minutes.

Pro Tip

The brownies are done when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbles – you don’t want a wet batter, but you do want the brownies to turn out nice and chewy.

STEP FOUR: While the brownies are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, strawberry extract, and enough water to form a paste.

Pro Tip

When mixing the glaze, add the liquid ingredients gradually to control the consistency of the glaze.

Too much water/liquid will make a very runny and less opaque glaze.

STEP FIVE: Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately pour glaze on top. Spread carefully to cover the top of the brownies.

You can lift the brownies from the pan by the parchment paper if you wish before spreading the glaze on in an even layer.

Pro Tip

The glaze is a thick paste, and the brownies are delicate, much like the top of a baked cake. You need the heat from the just-out-of-the-oven brownies to help melt the glaze and make it spreadable

STEP SIX: Allow brownies to cool completely, and the glaze will set so that it’s dry to the touch.

Then cut the cooled brownies into pieces and serve.

Pro Tip

Cut the brownies after they have cooled completely and the glaze is set for a lovely crackle effect.

Troubleshooting Tips for Brownies with Strawberry Cake Mix

Making strawberry brownies is generally straightforward, but like any baking project, sometimes things don’t go as planned.

Here are some troubleshooting tips to help ensure your strawberry brownies turn out perfectly:

My brownies are too dense or heavy.

Solution: Make sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the brownies to become dense.

My brownies are too dry.

Solution: Don’t overbake. Brownies continue to cook a bit even after being removed from the oven. Also, ensure accurate measurements of wet ingredients. Too little fat or liquid can result in dry brownies.

My brownies aren’t setting up.

Solution: Allow them enough time in the oven. They should be slightly firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely before cutting, as they set further during cooling.

The top of my brownies are cracking.

Solution: A cracked top can be due to high oven temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature settings. Be sure to avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking, as this can cause temperature fluctuations.

My brownies are baking unevenly.

Solution: Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even heat distribution. Use the correct size pan as recommended in the recipe. A pan that’s too large or too small can cause uneven baking as well.

The middle of my brownies are soggy.

Solution: Make sure your oven is properly preheated before baking. If the edges are done but the middle is still soggy, cover the edges with foil and continue baking for a few minutes.

My glaze consistency is wrong.

Solution: If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a little milk or water, added gradually until it reaches the correct texture.

Serving Strawberry Brownies

These delicious strawberry brownies are perfect any time of the year but would be a lovely sweet treat for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day or even baby showers with their gorgeous pink color. Add our rainbow sherbet punch for a sweet drink to wash them down.

Instead of the glaze, try a frosting recipe! Our cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, strawberry cream cheese frosting, lemon cream cheese frosting, blueberry cream cheese frosting, or mascarpone frosting would all be delicious options.

For an extra decadent way to serve this cake mix strawberry brownies recipe, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, strawberry sauce, and sliced strawberries. Add a drizzle of melted chocolate sauce for extra yumminess!

If you love this easy recipe, check out our strawberry lemon blondies and chocolate covered strawberry brownies. Try our brownie cake, too!

When to Serve Strawberry Brownies from Cake Mix

Strawberry brownies are a versatile dessert that can be served on various occasions. Their unique flavor and appealing presentation make them suitable for both casual and special events.

Here are some ideas for when to serve strawberry brownies:

Spring and Summer Gatherings: Their fresh, fruity flavor makes them perfect for picnics, garden parties, or outdoor barbecues during the warmer months.

Valentine’s Day Treat: The pink coloring of these brownies, along with their sweet, indulgent taste, makes them ideal for Valentine’s Day celebrations, either as a gift or a dessert.

Mother’s Day Brunch: Surprise your mom with these delightful brownies. They add a special touch to any Mother’s Day brunch or tea party.

Baby Showers and Gender Reveal Parties: The pink color of strawberry brownies can fit beautifully into the theme of a baby girl shower or as a sweet surprise at a gender reveal party.

Birthday Parties: Whether for children or adults, these brownies are a fun dessert choice that can be decorated to match the party theme.

Wedding Showers and Receptions: Their elegant appearance and delicious taste make strawberry brownies a great addition to wedding shower dessert tables or as a unique option at wedding receptions.

Holiday Celebrations: Serve them during holidays like Easter or Fourth of July, where their bright color can complement the festive decor.

Afternoon High Tea or Coffee Breaks: Pair them with tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat, offering a sweet break in the day.

Dessert Buffets: Include strawberry brownies in a dessert buffet or cake bar at any event – their unique flavor will stand out among classic dessert options.

Bake Sale and Fundraisers: These brownies are eye-catching and likely to be a hit at bake sales or fundraising events, attracting attention and delighting buyers.

Potlucks and Community Events: Bring them to a potluck, school party, or community gathering. They’re easy to transport and are sure to be a popular item on the dessert table.

Romantic Dinners: End a romantic dinner with these brownies as a sweet, loving gesture. They can be a perfect way to add a touch of romance to the meal.

School Events and Children’s Parties: Kids love the sweet and fruity flavor, making these brownies a hit at school functions or children’s birthday parties.

‘Just Because’ Treats: Sometimes, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy something sweet. Whip up a batch of strawberry brownies just because!

Strawberry Brownie Recipe Storage

MAKE AHEAD: Strawberry brownies are a fantastic make-ahead treat. You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to bake, just bring the batter back to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.

This can be a great time-saver for events or busy days when you want an easy dessert.

ON THE COUNTER: Store these delicious treats on the counter in an airtight container for three to four days.

IN THE FREEZER: Store these brownies in the freezer in an airtight container for up to three months. You can use parchment paper to help keep the layers from sticking to each other.

HOW TO REHEAT: Reheating brownies can bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture.

If you’re reheating from the fridge, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave will do.

For frozen brownies, allow them to thaw first and then microwave for about 20 seconds.

You can also warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid overheating as this can dry them out.

Whether it’s a quick treat from the fridge or a frozen delight, these reheating methods ensure your brownies are deliciously warm and gooey.

Why These Strawberry Brownie Are The Best

Strawberry brownies have become a beloved treat for many reasons, combining the joy of traditional chocolate brownies with a unique twist.

Here are some of the key reasons why people love strawberry brownies:

Unique Flavor Combination: The combination of sweet, fruity strawberries with the rich, decadent texture of brownies creates a unique and delightful flavor experience. It’s a refreshing change from the usual chocolate-heavy brownie.

Appealing Color and Presentation: The vibrant pink hue from the strawberries adds visual appeal to the brownies, making them stand out on any dessert table. They are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat.

Perfect Balance of Sweetness: The natural sweetness of strawberries can balance the richness of the brownie, creating a dessert that’s not overly sweet but perfectly satisfying.

Ease of Making: Despite their gourmet appearance, strawberry brownies are relatively easy to make, which appeals to bakers of all skill levels. They are a straightforward way to create an impressive and delicious dessert.

Great for All Occasions: Whether it’s a casual get-together, a festive celebration, or a simple family dessert, strawberry brownies fit the bill. Their unique flavor, dense texture, and gorgeous appearance make them suitable for a variety of occasions.

Experimentation and Customization: Bakers can experiment with adding different ingredients like white chocolate chips, nuts, or a lemon glaze to personalize the recipe to their taste, making the baking experience fun and creative.

Strawberry lovers will be fans of this chewy brownie recipe with its rich sweet strawberry flavor and heavenly glaze on top. These would be a welcome addition to any party or potluck, especially those with a pink theme.

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• Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
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