There’s something about strawberry-flavored desserts that just feels like pure happiness. These Strawberry brownies recipe are soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet berry flavor in every bite. They’re incredibly easy to make thanks to a simple shortcut—strawberry cake mix—which gives them that gorgeous pink color and rich taste without the hassle of measuring out a dozen ingredients. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to impress. Plus, with a smooth powdered sugar glaze and adorable heart-shaped strawberries on top, they’re as pretty as they are delicious.
I first made these strawberry brownies when I was craving something fruity yet indulgent, and I didn’t have time to bake from scratch. Using cake mix as a base made everything so much easier, but the real magic happens in the texture—they’re dense, fudgy, and perfectly moist, with tiny bits of fresh strawberries folded into the batter for an extra pop of flavor. When I first pulled them out of the oven, I was amazed at how beautifully they set, and once the glaze went on, it was game over. Now, they’re my go-to strawberry dessert, and trust me, after one bite, they might just become yours too!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry brownies recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, foolproof dessert that looks like it took way more effort than it actually did, these strawberry brownies are it. They’re not just easy to make—they also taste heavenly and have a beautiful pink hue that makes them perfect for special occasions. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Super Quick & Easy: This recipe only requires a handful of ingredients, and because we’re using a cake mix, the prep time is under 10 minutes! Just mix, bake, glaze, and enjoy.
- Chewy & Fudgy Texture: Unlike regular cake, these brownies have a dense, chewy consistency that makes every bite ultra-satisfying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, or just a sweet craving, these brownies are an instant crowd-pleaser.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: The combination of strawberry cake mix, vanilla extract, and fresh diced strawberries creates a dessert that’s packed with fruity sweetness in every bite.
- Customizable & Fun: You can add white chocolate chips, drizzle with extra glaze, or even mix in freeze-dried strawberries for a more intense strawberry flavor.
Ingredients Needed to make this Strawberry brownies recipe
For the Brownies:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix – The base of our brownies! It saves time while giving them a deliciously sweet strawberry flavor.
- 2 eggs – Helps bind everything together and creates that chewy brownie texture.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the brownies moist, rich, and fudgy. You can also use melted butter for a slightly different texture.
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract – A little touch of vanilla enhances the strawberry flavor beautifully.
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries – Adds tiny bursts of real fruit in every bite!
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – The base for our sweet, smooth glaze.
- 2 tbsp milk – Thins out the powdered sugar to create a pourable consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions to make this Strawberry brownies recipe
1. Prepare the Brownie Batter
Before you start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the batter is mixed. While the oven is heating up, wash and dice your fresh strawberries into small pieces. If the strawberries are very juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel so they don’t add too much moisture to the batter.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Next, add the strawberry cake mix and stir everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want—it’s what gives these brownies their fudgy texture. Finally, gently fold in the diced strawberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix!
2. Bake the Brownies
Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Since the batter is thick, it won’t spread much on its own, so make sure it’s evenly distributed before baking.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the brownies are set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), they’re ready! Be careful not to overbake, as you want them to stay soft and fudgy. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely before adding the glaze.
3. Make the Glaze & Assemble
While the brownies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you get the perfect consistency.
Once the brownies have cooled, pour the glaze over the top and spread it out evenly using a spoon or offset spatula. This gives them a gorgeous, glossy finish and adds a touch of sweetness that complements the strawberry flavor perfectly.
Now for the finishing touch! To make the heart-shaped strawberries, slice fresh strawberries in half and cut a small “V” at the top of each half. Place one on each brownie square for an adorable, festive look.
Finally, slice into even squares and enjoy! 🍓💖
Storage Tips of this Strawberry brownies recipe
To keep your strawberry brownies fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing (Unglazed): You can freeze the brownies without the glaze for up to a month. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze before serving.
Custom Variations & Additions of this Strawberry brownies recipe
Want to put your own spin on these strawberry brownies? Here are a few fun ways to customize them:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle over the top for extra indulgence.
- Strawberry Shortcake Style: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Add Chocolate Chips: White chocolate or dark chocolate chips make a delicious mix-in for a more intense flavor.
- Extra Strawberry Flavor: Stir in freeze-dried strawberries for a stronger fruity taste.
- Lemon Glaze: Swap out the milk in the glaze for fresh lemon juice to add a subtle citrusy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives these brownies their signature pink color and fruity flavor, you can experiment with other flavors. A vanilla or white cake mix can work as a neutral base, and you can add a bit of strawberry extract or freeze-dried strawberries to maintain the strawberry taste. You could also try a lemon cake mix for a tangy twist or even a chocolate cake mix for a chocolate-covered strawberry flavor.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but with caution. Frozen strawberries contain more moisture, which can make the batter too wet and alter the texture of the brownies. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. You can also toss them in a little flour before adding them to the batter to help prevent them from sinking.
3. How do I make these brownies even more fudgy?
For extra fudginess, try reducing the baking time by 2-3 minutes so the center stays slightly gooey. Another trick is to replace part of the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer, denser texture. If you want a super fudgy consistency, you can also add ½ cup of melted white chocolate to the batter before baking.
4. My brownies turned out dry—what went wrong?
There are a few reasons why your brownies might have turned out dry. First, make sure you don’t overbake them—check for doneness at the 20-minute mark using a toothpick. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Also, be sure to measure the oil and eggs correctly—reducing either one can lead to dryness. Lastly, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a tougher texture.
5. Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes! If you’re making these brownies for a party or gathering, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so check them around 25-30 minutes and use the toothpick test to ensure they’re done.
Final Thoughts
These strawberry brownies are the ultimate easy dessert—sweet, chewy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor. They’re perfect for special occasions, but honestly, they’re so easy to make that you don’t need a reason to bake them. Whether you’re making them for a loved one or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring joy with every bite.
I’d love to hear how yours turn out! If you try this recipe, leave a comment or share a photo—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! 🍓💖
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Strawberry Brownies – Easy & Chewy Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes35 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These strawberry brownies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet berry flavor. Made with strawberry cake mix for an easy shortcut, they’re topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze and heart-shaped strawberries for a festive touch. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or a fun dessert any time of year!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Dice the strawberries into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add cake mix to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Fold in the diced strawberries gently with a spatula.
- Pour batter into a lined 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before adding the glaze.
- Make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over the brownies and spread evenly.
- Slice into squares and garnish with heart-shaped strawberries.
- Serve & enjoy!
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American