pin it
Transform ordinary brownies into something extraordinary with these irresistible Strawberry Brownies. Using a clever cake mix shortcut, these pretty-in-pink treats deliver intense strawberry flavor in every perfectly chewy bite. The first time I made these for my weekend baking club, they disappeared within minutes – even faster than traditional chocolate brownies.
These brownies have become my secret weapon for last-minute gatherings. Just last week, I whipped up a batch when my daughter's friends stopped by unexpectedly, and they couldn't believe they weren't from a fancy bakery.
Ingredients Selection
- Strawberry cake mix: Forms the foundation of our brownies, providing both structure and flavor
- Salted butter: Creates that irresistible chewy texture and rich mouthfeel
- Strawberry extract: Intensifies the natural berry flavor throughout the brownies
- Strawberry preserves: Adds real fruit flavor and creates a glossy, beautiful glaze
- Eggs: Provide structure and that coveted fudgy texture
- Powdered sugar: Combines with preserves for the perfect pourable glaze
Brownie Making Process
- Perfect Pan Preparation:
- Coat your baking pan with nonstick spray before laying down parchment paper. This simple trick keeps the paper from sliding around while you work with the thick batter.
- Creating Your Batter:
- Mix your cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until they form a thick, smooth mixture. The texture should remind you of traditional brownie batter – dense and glossy.
- Baking To Perfection:
- Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, taking care to push it into the corners. Watch for the telltale signs of doneness – slightly pulled away edges and a clean toothpick test.
- Glazing Your Creation:
- Once completely cool, transform these brownies with a silky strawberry glaze, spreading it to reach every corner for the perfect finishing touch.
pin it
My family particularly loves these during strawberry season. We often serve them alongside fresh berries, creating a delightful contrast between the intense, sweet brownies and tart fresh fruit.
Serving Inspiration
Present these beauties on a white platter scattered with fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra special touch, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Variations
Transform this recipe by adding white chocolate chips for extra richness, or swirl in cream cheese for a strawberry cheesecake twist. For chocolate lovers, drizzle the finished brownies with dark chocolate ganache.
Keep Them Fresh
Store these gems in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers. They'll stay perfectly moist for three days at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
pin it
After years of baking, I've learned that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy. These Strawberry Brownies prove that point perfectly – they're straightforward to make but never fail to bring smiles to faces and requests for the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use oil instead of butter?
- Yes! The same amount of oil can be substituted for melted butter.
- → Is strawberry extract necessary?
- While it enhances the strawberry flavor, you can skip it if you can't find it. The cake mix provides plenty of flavor.
- → Why line the pan with parchment?
- Parchment paper makes it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan for clean cutting.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Yes! They keep well in an airtight container for several days.
- → Why is my batter so thick?
- This is normal! The thick batter helps create the dense, chewy texture of brownies.