Strawberry Brownies

These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, perfect for any occasion! With a base of strawberry cake mix and just a few simple ingredients, these brownies are not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Ideal for parties, picnics, or even just an afternoon treat, they bring a lovely pink hue and sweet taste that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only five minutes of prep time, you can whip up these brownies in no time.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of strawberry cake mix and preserves creates a rich, fruity taste that stands out.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy night in, these brownies are versatile enough for any event.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping make these treats—mixing the ingredients is simple and enjoyable!

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Strawberry Brownies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and ensures perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or mixer
• 8×8 baking pan
• Nonstick spray or foil
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk or mixer: Using a whisk or mixer helps achieve a smooth batter quickly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• 8×8 baking pan: This size is perfect for baking brownies evenly, giving them a nice thickness.
• Nonstick spray or foil: Prevents your brownies from sticking to the pan, making cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

These Strawberry Brownies start with a strawberry cake mix and just a few simple ingredients for the quickest dessert ever.

For the Brownies

• 1 box strawberry cake mix with pudding in the mix (We used Pillsbury – but see post for more tips!)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil (80 ml)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90g)
• 2 tablespoon strawberry preserves (40g – Bonne Maman strawberry preserves is the best!)
• 1 ½ tablespoons milk (22ml)
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (15g – optional (see post for tips!))

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8×8 pan with nonstick spray or line it with foil. Set it aside. Lining with parchment paper can also make removing the brownies easier later.

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. You can use either a spoon or an electric mixer; both methods yield great results. Once mixed well:
1. Press the batter into the prepared pan evenly.
2. Bake for 18-22 minutes until they are just done; be careful not to overbake!
3. Let them cool completely before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies!

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies

These Strawberry Brownies are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you enjoy them warm or cold, they can be enhanced with toppings and accompaniments for an even more satisfying dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of your brownies for a light and airy finish.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds richness that complements the strawberry flavor perfectly.

Fresh Berries on Top

• Garnish your brownies with fresh strawberries or mixed berries to elevate their presentation and taste.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these brownies with a cup of coffee or tea, which enhances their sweetness and provides a delightful afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Strawberry Brownies

To ensure your Strawberry Brownies turn out perfect every time, follow these handy tips for the best results.

• Use Quality Cake Mix: Opt for a strawberry cake mix that includes pudding for extra moisture and flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove them from the oven when they’re just set to keep them fudgy.
• Let Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them hold their shape better.
• Add Toppings: Experiment with toppings like sprinkles or nuts to add texture and visual appeal.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the brownies once baked.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Brownies

Strawberry Brownies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream complements the sweetness of strawberry brownies beautifully.
2. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad adds a healthy balance to the rich brownies, making for a lighter dessert option.
3. Chocolate Mousse
   The creamy texture of chocolate mousse pairs wonderfully with the fruity notes of strawberry brownies.
4. Coconut Whipped Topping
   For a dairy-free alternative, coconut whipped topping provides a light and tasty finish.
5. Cheesecake Bites
   Small bites of cheesecake offer a rich contrast to the fruity flavors in your brownies.
6. Chia Seed Pudding
   This healthy option adds texture and is easy to prepare in advance, making it an excellent side dish choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Strawberry Brownies turn out perfectly every time. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Using the wrong pan size: If you use a pan that is too large, your brownies will be too thin and may dry out quickly. Stick to an 8×8 pan for best results.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Always level off your dry ingredients and measure liquids with a liquid measuring cup.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough brownies. Stir until just combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into warm brownies can result in a messy presentation. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
• Not checking doneness: Every oven is different, so check your brownies a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Brownies

• Freeze in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap, then foil for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Strawberry Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place brownies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual squares on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat. Cover and warm slowly to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Brownies:

How do I make Strawberry Brownies from scratch?

You can create Strawberry Brownies from scratch by combining fresh strawberries with chocolate brownie batter, but using a cake mix simplifies the process significantly.

Can I substitute other flavors in this recipe?

Yes! You can use vanilla or chocolate cake mixes instead of strawberry if you’re looking for different flavor profiles.

How do I store leftover Strawberry Brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

What is the best way to serve Strawberry Brownies?

Consider serving them with whipped cream or fresh strawberries on top for added flavor and presentation.

Can I freeze these Strawberry Brownies?

Absolutely! They freeze well and can be enjoyed later; just make sure they are properly wrapped.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Brownies offer a delightful mix of sweetness and simplicity, perfect for any dessert craving. Their easy preparation makes them versatile enough for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize them with nuts, extra fruit, or even a drizzle of chocolate on top!