Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Strawberry Brownies Recipe is the perfect dessert for any spring gathering. These brownies combine the sweetness of strawberries with the rich flavor of chocolate, creating a delightful treat that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is ideal for picnics, birthdays, or just a cozy night at home. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, you can whip up these delicious brownies in no time!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Brownies
• For the Glaze
• For Garnish
• How to Make Strawberry Brownies Recipe
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Batter
• Step 3: Bake the Brownies
• Step 4: Cool Before Glazing
• Step 5: Make the Glaze
• Step 6: Glaze Your Brownies
• Step 7: Serve Your Treats
• How to Serve Strawberry Brownies Recipe
• With Fresh Whipped Cream
• A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
• Garnished with Mint Leaves
• Accompanied by Fresh Strawberries
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• How to Perfect Strawberry Brownies Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Brownies Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Strawberry Brownies Recipe
• Reheating Strawberry Brownies Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my Strawberry Brownies more chocolatey?
• Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
• How do I know when my Strawberry Brownies are done?
• What can I substitute for cream cheese?
• How should I garnish my Strawberry Brownies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few pantry staples, these brownies come together in about 30 minutes.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of strawberry cake mix and fresh strawberries creates a sweet and fruity burst in every bite.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for various occasions such as family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a sweet treat after dinner.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: Topped with glaze and fresh strawberries, these brownies look as good as they taste!
• Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe that kids will enjoy helping to make and eat.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this Strawberry Brownies Recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will make following the steps much easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking dish (7×11 or 8-9 square)
• Parchment paper or foil
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Silicone spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth batter quickly, ensuring all ingredients are well blended.
• Baking dish: The right size baking dish ensures even baking and proper texture for your brownies.

Ingredients

Strawberry Brownies are a super simple springtime dessert that comes together easily with just a few pantry ingredients (cake mix!) and some fresh strawberries.

For the Brownies

• 13.25 ounce Box strawberry cake mix
• 1/3 cup Vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 Large egg

For the Glaze

• 4 ounces Cream cheese
• 1 cup Powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons Seedless strawberry jam
• 4 tablespoons Heavy cream (may need up to 6 tablespoons)

For Garnish

• Fresh strawberries (optional)

How to Make Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line your baking dish with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, egg, and cream cheese using an electric mixer set to medium speed until well mixed. Gradually add in the strawberry cake mix until thoroughly combined; expect a thick batter.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Press the thick batter evenly into your prepared baking dish using a silicone spatula or your fingers if necessary. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Look for edges that are slightly brown and a center that appears mostly set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool Before Glazing

Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding any glaze.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients until you achieve a pourable yet thick consistency. Start with 4 tablespoons of heavy cream, adding more as needed by the teaspoon until desired thickness is reached.

Step 6: Glaze Your Brownies

Pour your glaze over the cooled brownies once they are completely set. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes; it will become crisp over time.

Step 7: Serve Your Treats

Cut into 9 pieces and top each brownie with a halved strawberry right before serving for an added touch of freshness!

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Strawberry Brownies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a light and fluffy contrast that complements the rich strawberry brownies.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm brownie, creating a delicious combination.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Enhance the flavor by drizzling chocolate sauce over the brownies. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

• Top each brownie piece with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness.

Accompanied by Fresh Strawberries

• Serve with sliced fresh strawberries on the side or on top. They provide a fruity touch that pairs perfectly with the brownie flavor.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your strawberry brownies on a dessert platter alongside other treats like cookies or mini cheesecakes for a fun dessert spread.

How to Perfect Strawberry Brownies Recipe

To ensure your Strawberry Brownies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your egg and cream cheese sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough brownies. Overmixing can lead to chewy rather than fudgy brownies.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your brownies around 20 minutes of baking. They should be set but not overbaked to maintain their moistness.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing the brownies to cool fully before glazing ensures that the glaze sets nicely without melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Brownies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the brownies.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
3. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage complements the rich flavors and offers a comforting pairing.
4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add elegance and echo the strawberry theme while providing an extra sweet bite.
5. Mini Pastries: Light pastries such as éclairs or tarts can create an impressive dessert table alongside your brownies.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a refreshing side that balances richness with creaminess.
7. Milkshake: A thick milkshake, particularly strawberry or vanilla, adds nostalgia and pairs well with chocolatey desserts.
8. Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix serves as a perfect snack option, adding texture and health benefits alongside your sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Brownies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Not preparing the baking dish – Failing to line or grease the baking dish can lead to brownies sticking, making it difficult to cut them into neat squares. Always line your dish with parchment paper or foil and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing the batter too much can make the brownies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until all ingredients are combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the cooling time – Cutting brownies before they cool completely can cause them to fall apart. Let them cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
• Using cold cream cheese – Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your glaze, affecting its consistency. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth glaze.
• Not checking doneness – Baking times may vary based on your oven. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Brownies in an airtight container.
• They can last in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Strawberry Brownies Recipe

• Cut brownies into individual pieces before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Strawberry Brownies Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350℉, place brownies on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual brownies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place brownies in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm slowly for around 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about our delicious Strawberry Brownies Recipe.

How do I make my Strawberry Brownies more chocolatey?

You can add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without affecting the recipe significantly.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid from frozen strawberries before adding them to your brownie batter.

How do I know when my Strawberry Brownies are done?

Check by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with moist crumbs, they’re ready!

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese as alternatives, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

How should I garnish my Strawberry Brownies?

Fresh strawberries are perfect! You can also drizzle melted chocolate or add whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Brownies Recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. With its delightful strawberry flavor and rich texture, it’s perfect for spring gatherings or any sweet occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding nuts or different glazes. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends!