Strawberry Brownies

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

You’ll need:

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.

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

VEGETABLE OIL: Any neutral oil can be used in place of canola oil, such as vegetable oil, avocado oil, or mild olive oil in the recipe.

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

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.

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.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 straight-sided metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides so the brownies can be easily lifted out once cooled.

STEP TWO: Stir together the strawberry cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, water, canola oil, eggs, and strawberry extract just until combined. The batter will be thick and spread more like a soft dough than a traditional cake batter.

STEP THREE: Spread the batter into an even layer in the prepared pan. You can lightly dampen your fingertips with cool water to help push the thick batter evenly into the pan if the batter is too sticky.

STEP FOUR: Bake for 22-25 minutes or just until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

STEP FIVE: Allow the strawberry brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.

STEP SIX: To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and strawberry extract until smooth.

STEP SEVEN: Carefully lift the brownies out of the pan using the overhanging parchment. Place them onto a cutting board and spoon the glaze over the brownies and gently spread it into an even layer. Allow the glaze to set for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.

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

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 up to three 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.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
• Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
• Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
• Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
• Strawberry Delight