Easy Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Easy Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (15.5 ounce) box strawberry cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • 3 strawberries, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar, or more as needed
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Lightly grease an 11x7-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
  6. While the brownies cool, blend the chopped strawberries and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a food processor or with an immersion blender until smooth.
  7. Stir the strawberry puree into the confectioners sugar until smooth. Add more sugar as needed to achieve a glaze-like consistency.
  8. Stir in the kosher salt, mixing well.
  9. Spread the strawberry glaze evenly over the cooled brownies.
  10. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into 12 squares. Alternatively, refrigerate them until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Amount
Calories 251
Total Fat 10g
Saturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 51mg
Sodium 297mg
Total Carbohydrates 39g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Total Sugars 25g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 3mg
Calcium 83mg
Iron 1mg
Potassium 39mg

Easy Strawberry Brownies combine the rich flavor of brownies with the refreshing taste of strawberries. This dessert is made by combining strawberry cake mix, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, baked to a moist, cake-like consistency, and topped with a smooth strawberry glaze. The result is a sweet treat that combines the best of both worldschocolatey indulgence and fruity freshness.

History and Origin

The origin of brownies can be traced back to the United States, where they first appeared in the late 19th century. The classic brownie was said to be invented by a woman in the late 1800s who accidentally created the treat by omitting the baking powder from her cake recipe. Over time, brownies became a staple dessert, loved for their simplicity and versatility. The idea of incorporating fruits like strawberries into brownie recipes, however, is a more modern twist on the classic. This particular version, made with strawberry cake mix and a fresh strawberry glaze, is a fun variation that offers a refreshing take on a beloved dessert.

Regional Variations

While brownies are popular across the United States, this version of strawberry brownies has become a favorite during spring and summer months, when strawberries are in season. In certain regions, particularly in the southern U.S., fruit-flavored desserts like these are often paired with a variety of fresh fruits that enhance the sweetness and add a vibrant color to the dish. The glaze topping, often made with fresh strawberries, adds a fruity touch, making it a refreshing dessert choice for warm weather gatherings.

Differences from Similar Desserts

Strawberry brownies stand apart from traditional chocolate brownies due to their use of strawberry cake mix, which gives the dessert a light, fruity flavor rather than the typical rich chocolatey taste. The glaze made from fresh strawberries further differentiates them from regular brownies, which are usually served with chocolate frosting or eaten plain. These strawberry brownies can be seen as a hybrid of brownies and cake, offering a lighter texture and a refreshing fruitiness that is not found in the more traditional, dense chocolate brownie varieties.

Where to Serve

Easy Strawberry Brownies are perfect for casual gatherings, birthday parties, or as a summer dessert at barbecues and picnics. They are often served as a quick and satisfying treat to cap off a meal or as a sweet snack during an afternoon tea. The bright pink glaze makes them a visually appealing option, making them a crowd-pleaser at dessert tables. Many people also enjoy serving them as part of a dessert buffet or at potlucks, where their unique flavor stands out amidst more traditional sweets.

Fun Facts

  • Brownies are sometimes called bakings greatest accidental invention due to their origins as a failed cake recipe.
  • Strawberries are not actually berriesbotanically speaking, they are considered aggregate fruits, as they form from multiple ovaries of a single flower.
  • In 2005, the Strawberry Festival in Florida featured a brownie version topped with strawberries, kicking off a trend for strawberry-infused brownies in dessert menus.
  • Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, adding a healthy twist to this indulgent dessert.

Next time youre looking for something new to try, why not make Easy Strawberry Brownies? Not only are they delicious, but they also bring a burst of color and a refreshing twist to the classic brownie.

FAQ about Easy Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Store the strawberry brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

Yes, you can freeze the brownies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Yes, you can use any other cake mix flavor you like. A vanilla, lemon, or chocolate cake mix would work well, but the flavor of the brownies will change accordingly.

Yes, you can make the strawberry glaze ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to use, stir it again to smooth out any separation.

If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute it with almond extract or strawberry extract to enhance the flavor. You could also leave it out if you prefer a more neutral taste.

If your brownie batter is too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or water (1-2 tablespoons) to reach a smoother, more spreadable consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as it might affect the texture.

Yes! You can add other fruits like raspberries or blueberries to the batter or the glaze. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces and incorporate them gently to avoid altering the consistency too much.

To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), they are ready. If it comes out with batter, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer. The brownies will still taste delicious on their own. You could also dust them with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.

No, the recipe contains regular cake mix, which typically includes gluten. However, you can use a gluten-free cake mix as a substitute to make the recipe gluten-free.

Comments

Michael Martinez

05/15/2025 03:42:58 AM

This was absolutely amazing!! I had to adjust the measurements slightly because my cake mix was only 13.25 oz, but the end result was delicious!!

Michelle Adams

05/24/2024 11:34:41 PM

The cake was quite dense. I was hoping for a more gooey brownie-like texture. It was a little underwhelming.