Introduction – A Sweet Twist on a Classic Brownie
Brownies are usually all about chocolate, but every now and then it’s fun to surprise people with something unexpected. These Strawberry Brownies are soft, fudgy, and bursting with sweet strawberry flavor—all wrapped up in a beautiful pink hue that makes them impossible to resist.
While my grandmother’s desserts were deeply rooted in tradition, she also loved recipes that brought joy at first sight. And that’s exactly what these brownies do. They’re simple, nostalgic, and feel a little bit special, whether you’re baking for spring gatherings, Valentine’s Day, or just because you want a cheerful dessert that comes together effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Brownies
- Fudgy and chewy texture
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Quick and beginner-friendly
- Perfect for spring & summer
- Great for parties, bake sales, and gifting
They’re sweet without being overwhelming, soft without being cake-like, and incredibly easy to customize.
Ingredients (Makes 12 Brownies)
For the Brownies
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Strawberry Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp strawberry puree or milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
The batter will be thick—that’s exactly what you want for fudgy brownies.
Step 3: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 4: Cool Completely
Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before glazing or slicing. This helps them set and keeps the texture chewy.
Step 5: Add the Glaze (Optional)
Whisk powdered sugar, strawberry puree (or milk), and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled brownies and let set for 10–15 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Brownies
- Do not overbake — fudgy brownies finish setting as they cool
- Use parchment paper for clean slicing
- Cool fully before cutting to avoid crumbling
- For extra chew, chill briefly before slicing
Delicious Variations
Strawberry Lemon Brownies
Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the batter and swap glaze liquid for lemon juice.
Strawberry White Chocolate Brownies
Fold ½ cup white chocolate chips into the batter.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Brownies
Swirl sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking.
Fresh Strawberry Boost
Fold in ¼ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries for texture (pat dry first).
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed brownies up to 2 months
Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
When to Serve Strawberry Brownies
- Spring & summer parties
- Valentine’s Day desserts
- Baby showers & brunches
- Bake sales & potlucks
They’re eye-catching, easy to transport, and always a hit.
Helpful External Resources
- Brownie texture tips: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2019/07/08/how-to-make-fudgy-brownies
- Baking with cake mix: https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/baking-with-cake-mix
- Strawberry dessert ideas: https://www.delish.com/cooking/generator/strawberry-desserts/
- How to glaze brownies: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-make-a-simple-glaze
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Brownies are proof that sometimes the easiest recipes bring the biggest smiles. They’re soft, sweet, and just different enough to feel special—without requiring hours in the kitchen.
If you make them, tell me:
- Glazed or plain?
- Lemon twist or classic?
- Cut into squares… or eaten straight from the pan?