Strawberry Brownies

Introduction

Strawberry Brownies are the perfect dessert for berry lovers who want a sweet, fruity twist on the classic brownie. These rich and fudgy treats are made with a hint of strawberry flavor, complemented by a burst of freshness from real strawberries. With their vibrant pink hue and soft, chewy texture, these brownies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

The first time I made these, I wanted something unique for a spring gathering, and they were an absolute hit. Everyone loved the balance of fruity sweetness and indulgent richness, and the bright color added a festive touch to the dessert table. These brownies are versatile too—you can drizzle them with white chocolate, dust them with powdered sugar, or enjoy them plain for a simple yet stunning treat.

What’s great about Strawberry Brownies is how easy they are to make. With a handful of ingredients and just a little time, you can whip up a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re baking for a party, a romantic occasion, or simply treating yourself, these brownies are sure to be a showstopper!

Perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day treats
• Summer parties
• Baby showers
• Afternoon snacks
• Dessert for strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Brownies

Here’s why Strawberry Brownies will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts:

• Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberries and rich brownie base creates a one-of-a-kind flavor.
• Chewy and Fudgy Texture: These brownies are delightfully soft and chewy, thanks to the perfect balance of wet and dry ingredients.
• Pretty Presentation: Their vibrant pink color and optional glaze make them visually stunning.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.
• Customizable: You can make them as fruity or chocolatey as you like by tweaking the add-ins.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 brownies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 28g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Brownies:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced
• Optional: ½ cup white chocolate chips or chopped nuts

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree or milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Strawberry Cake Mix: This forms the base of the brownies, giving them a bold strawberry flavor and vibrant color.
• Fresh Strawberries: These add a natural burst of fruity freshness to the brownies.
• White Chocolate Chips: These add creaminess and complement the strawberry flavor beautifully.
• Powdered Sugar Glaze: Optional, but it enhances the sweetness and gives the brownies a polished look.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Brownies:

Prepare the Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Cake Mix: Gradually add the strawberry cake mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, forming a thick batter.
4. Fold in the Strawberries: Gently fold the diced strawberries into the batter. If using, fold in white chocolate chips or nuts at this stage as well.

Bake the Brownies:

5. Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies fudgy.
7. Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Add the Glaze (Optional):

8. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree or milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or liquid as needed.
9. Drizzle or Spread: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownies or spread it evenly with a spatula for a polished look.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

Strawberry Brownies are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Plain: Enjoy them on their own for a quick, satisfying treat.
• With Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh strawberries or a mixed berry medley for added freshness.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light, creamy contrast.
• As a Dessert Plate: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Gift-Giving: Wrap them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Brownies

Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring more flavor and a natural sweetness. However, frozen strawberries can work too, just make sure to drain any excess liquid.

Cut Strawberries into Small Pieces: Chopping the strawberries into small, bite-sized pieces will ensure they distribute evenly throughout the brownie batter.

Puree Some Strawberries: Blend a few strawberries into a puree and mix it into the batter for a more pronounced strawberry flavor.

Add a Touch of Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor of the strawberries and add depth to the overall taste.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined to avoid dense, tough brownies.

Swirl Strawberry Jam or Preserves: Before baking, swirl some strawberry jam or preserves into the brownie batter for an extra burst of strawberry flavor and a marbled effect.

Use Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: The richness of dark or semi-sweet chocolate complements the tartness of strawberries and prevents the brownies from being too sweet.

Top with Fresh Strawberry Slices: For a fresh, decorative touch, top your brownies with thin slices of fresh strawberry before baking.

Bake at the Right Temperature: Be sure to bake the brownies at 350°F (175°C) for the perfect texture, but check them early with a toothpick, as strawberries can make the batter more moist.

Let Cool Before Cutting: Let the brownies cool completely before slicing to avoid them falling apart or being too gooey.

Recipe Variationsfor Strawberry Brownies

Here are 10 fun variations for Strawberry Brownies:

1. Strawberry Chocolate Brownies: Add mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-strawberry combo.
2. Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies: Swirl in a layer of cream cheese mixture for a rich, tangy twist.
3. Lemon Strawberry Brownies: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest for a citrusy kick.
4. Dark Chocolate Strawberry Brownies: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
5. Berry Medley Brownies: Add a mix of diced raspberries and blueberries along with the strawberries.
6. Strawberry Nut Brownies: Stir in chopped almonds or walnuts for added crunch.
7. Strawberry Coconut Brownies: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flair.
8. Double Strawberry Brownies: Use strawberry-flavored chocolate chips for an extra fruity flavor.
9. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Brownies: Dip the cooled brownies halfway in melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
10. Gluten-Free Strawberry Brownies: Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix for a celiac-friendly version.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Brownies

• Freezing: Wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap, then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Brownies

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Strawberry Brownies:

• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for the wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk or Spoon: For mixing the batter.
• 8×8-Inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for thick, fudgy brownies.
• Parchment Paper: Makes it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the brownies evenly.
• Knife: A sharp knife for clean slices.
• Blender or Food Processor (Optional): For making fresh strawberry puree if you’re preparing the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Brownies

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Fresh strawberries are recommended, but you can use frozen ones if they’re thoroughly thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture.
2. How do I make them more fudgy?
   Bake for a shorter time and check for doneness early to keep the brownies soft and fudgy.
3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
   Yes, you can use other flavors like lemon, vanilla, or chocolate for a unique twist.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
   Absolutely! The brownies are delicious on their own without the glaze.
5. How do I make them less sweet?
   Reduce the amount of glaze or omit it altogether for a less sweet option.

Print

Conclusion

Strawberry Brownies are a fun and fruity take on the traditional brownie, blending the sweetness of strawberries with a soft, chewy texture. Their bright pink hue and bold strawberry flavor make them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Whether topped with a drizzle of icing, a dusting of powdered sugar, or left plain, these brownies are sure to impress.

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or an afternoon treat, Strawberry Brownies are versatile and easy to make. Serve them as a stand-alone dessert or pair them with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Brownies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy baking!