The batter for these strawberry brownies is so thick, Emma thought I was making cookie dough. "Mom, are you sure that's right?" she asked, watching me press the pink mixture into the pan with a spatula. Twenty minutes later, when I pulled them out of the oven, her eyes went wide. They baked up soft and pillowy, with edges that turned just barely golden. The strawberry glaze goes on smooth and sets into this beautiful glossy finish that makes them look like they came from a bakery. Best part? The whole thing takes about half an hour, start to finish, which means you can make them on a Tuesday night when everyone's asking what's for dessert.
If you're in the mood for more quick treats, these Easy Honey Cookies Recipe - Chewy, Spiced & Foolproof are just as simple, or you can try these Healthy Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies Recipe that my kids beg for every week.
What Makes These Strawberry Brownies Special
These aren't your typical chocolate brownies. They're soft, fruity, and covered in a glossy strawberry glaze that makes them look bakery-perfect. The cake mix shortcut means you skip all the measuring and sifting, but you still get that homemade taste. They're sweet without being overwhelming, and the strawberry extract gives them a little extra boost of flavor that makes people ask for the recipe every single time.
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Strawberry Brownies Ingredients
Here's everything you need to make these easy strawberry brownies from start to finish.
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities
For the Brownies
- Strawberry cake mix: Forms the base of these brownies and gives them that beautiful pink color and sweet strawberry flavor. One standard box is all you need.
- Eggs: Bind the batter together and add moisture, helping the brownies bake up soft and chewy.
- Salted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the brownies stay tender. You can also use oil if that's what you have on hand.
- Strawberry extract: Boosts the strawberry flavor and makes these taste like the real deal, not just cake mix.
For the Glaze
- Milk: Thins out the glaze so it spreads easily and gives it that glossy finish.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that hardens slightly as it sets.
- Strawberry preserves: Adds a burst of fruity flavor and a gorgeous pink color to the glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
These strawberry brownie bars come together in just a few simple steps.
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper, letting it hang over two sides for easy removal later.
Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the strawberry cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and strawberry extract until everything is combined. The batter will be very thick and almost cookie-dough-like, but that's exactly what you want.
Spread the batter: Use a spatula to spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan. It helps to press it down gently so it reaches all the corners.
Bake: Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 19 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should look set, and the center might look slightly soft, which is perfect.
Cool completely: Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Let the brownies cool all the way down before you add the glaze, or it'll just melt right off.
Make the glaze: Once the brownies are cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
Glaze the brownies: Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top. Let it set for a few minutes.
Cut and serve: Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper, then cut into 9 large squares or 12 smaller bars. Serve and watch them disappear.
Substitutions & Variations
You can easily customize these fudgy strawberry brownies to fit what you have in your pantry.
Butter or oil? Either works great. Butter gives a richer flavor, while oil makes them a little softer. Use whatever you prefer.
No strawberry extract? Use vanilla extract instead. You'll lose a bit of the strawberry punch, but they'll still taste delicious.
Want chocolate chips? Fold in half a cup of white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking. They add little pockets of melty sweetness.
Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix. The texture stays just as soft and chewy.
Double the batch: Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the bake time by 5 to 8 minutes. Perfect for feeding a crowd.
Equipment For Strawberry Brownies
You don't need any fancy tools to make these strawberry brownies with cake mix. Here's what I use every time.
An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish works perfectly. I prefer metal pans because they bake more evenly. Nonstick cooking spray and parchment paper make cleanup a breeze and help you lift the brownies out easily. A large mixing bowl and a sturdy spoon or spatula are all you need to mix the thick batter. A wire cooling rack lets air circulate under the pan so the brownies cool faster. A small bowl and whisk are perfect for making the glaze smooth and lump-free.
Storage Your Strawberry Brownies
These moist strawberry brownies stay soft and delicious for days if you store them right.
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, pop them in the fridge to keep the glaze from getting too soft. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then store them all in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more special.
Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold, creamy ice cream pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberry flavor. Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top for a simple but elegant dessert. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea for an afternoon treat. Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise that's way better than store-bought snacks. They also pair wonderfully with a warm bowl of Easy Homemad Baked Oatmeal Recipe for a cozy weekend breakfast spread.
Expert Tips
Here are a few tricks I've learned over the years that make these chewy strawberry brownies turn out perfectly every time.
Don't skip the parchment paper. It makes lifting the brownies out of the pan so much easier and keeps them from sticking. Let the brownies cool completely before adding the glaze. If they're even a little warm, the glaze will slide right off. Start checking for doneness at 18 minutes. Ovens vary, and you want the centers to be just set, not overbaked. Use room temperature eggs if you have time. They mix into the batter more easily and help everything come together smoothly. Press the batter firmly into the pan. It's thick, so you need to use a little muscle to spread it evenly into the corners.
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Brownies
Strawberry brownies are one of those desserts that feel fancy but require almost no effort. You don't need to be an experienced baker to nail these. The batter mixes up thick and spreads easily into the pan, and the glaze comes together in under a minute. They're perfect for Valentine's Day, spring parties, or just because you want something pink and delicious on a random Tuesday. Plus, they travel well, so they're great for potlucks or bake sales.
FAQ
How to make a 2 ingredient Strawberry Brownies?
The simplest version uses just cake mix and eggs. Mix one box of cake mix with two eggs until combined, then bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You won't get the rich, buttery flavor of these strawberry brownies, but it's a quick option in a pinch.
Can you bake Strawberry Brownies?
Yes, but fresh strawberries release a lot of moisture, which can make the brownies soggy. If you want to add fresh berries, dice them small, toss them in a little flour, and fold them in gently. Freeze-dried strawberries work even better because they don't add extra moisture.
What is the secret to making good brownies?
Don't overbake them. The secret to chewy, fudgy brownies is pulling them out when the center still looks slightly underdone. They'll finish cooking as they cool. Also, using melted butter instead of oil gives you richer flavor and better texture.
What are the five ingredients in Strawberry Brownies?
Traditional Strawberry Brownies use flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and cocoa powder. These strawberry brownies take a shortcut by using cake mix, which already contains flour, sugar, and leavening, so you only need to add eggs, butter, and strawberry extract.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Strawberry Brownies
Strawberry Brownies
Equipment
- 1 Square baking pan 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch size; metal pans bake most evenly
- 1 Nonstick cooking spray Helps parchment adhere and prevents sticking
- 1 Parchment paper Lined with overhang to lift brownies out cleanly
- 1 Large mixing bowl Provides space for thick brownie batter
- 1 Sturdy spatula or spoon Strong enough to mix dense batter smoothly
- 1 Wire cooling rack Allows airflow under pan for faster cooling
- 1 Small mixing bowl Used specifically for preparing the glaze
- 1 Whisk Ensures the glaze becomes smooth and lump-free
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix standard 15.25-ounce box, any brand
- 2 large eggs room temperature for smoother batter
- ⅓ cup salted butter melted (cooled slightly before mixing)
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract enhances strawberry flavor
- ¾ cup powdered sugar sifted to prevent lumps
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves smooth or lightly chunky
- 1½ tablespoons milk any dairy or unsweetened alternative
Instructions
- Set the oven to 350°F and prepare a square baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper that extends up two sides for easy lifting.
- Combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and strawberry extract in a large bowl, stirring until a thick, evenly blended batter forms.
- Press the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface, then bake until the center tests clean with a toothpick.
- Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the brownies to cool fully before adding any topping.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk in a bowl until a smooth glaze forms.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled brownies and spread it gently into an even layer.
- Slice into portions and serve once the glaze has set.
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