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This eye-catching strawberry brownie transforms an ordinary cake mix into a scrumptious treat that's ideal for spring parties, Valentine's Day, or anytime you're craving a happy pink dessert. The intense strawberry taste works wonderfully with the sugary topping for an unforgettable mouthful.
I originally whipped these up for my kid's birthday when I needed something fast but impressive. The vivid pink look and luscious strawberry flavor were such a success that they've now become our standard dessert for all our family celebrations.
Ingredients
- Strawberry cake mix: Forms the base and gives that signature pink color naturally
- Large eggs: Hold everything together and make that perfect chewy bite
- Vegetable oil: Ensures your brownies stay soft for several days after baking
- Vanilla extract: Cuts the sweetness and boosts the strawberry taste
- Powdered sugar: Makes that silky smooth glaze that hardens nicely
- Strawberry preserves: Amp up the berry flavor in both taste and color
- Milk: Adjusts the glaze to just the right thickness
- Cream cheese (optional): Brings a light tartness that works well with the sweet strawberry
Easy Preparation Steps
- Get Your Pan Ready:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and fix up your 8x8 baking dish by giving it a coat of nonstick spray or using parchment paper. Remember to leave paper hanging over the edges as handles for easy brownie removal later.
- Put Together The Batter:
- In a big bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla. The mix will be pretty thick, almost like you're making cookies. Stir until just combined - don't go overboard or your brownies might turn out tough.
- Flatten And Cook:
- Push the thick mixture evenly into your pan. Use a spatula or slightly wet fingertips to make the top flat. Cook for 18-22 minutes, checking when you hit 18. Stick a toothpick in - it should come out with a few damp crumbs for the best fudgy texture.
- Whip Up The Strawberry Topping:
- While your brownies cool all the way down, make your glaze by mixing powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, milk, and cream cheese if you want. Start with just a bit of milk and add more as you go until it's pourable but still thick enough to coat.
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The strawberry preserves are honestly the key ingredient in this treat. I found that using fancy preserves like Bonne Maman really changes the game flavor-wise. Once, I baked these for a school fundraiser and they vanished in minutes, with parents asking me for the recipe while still standing at the table.
Storage Tips
These pink treats will stay good on your counter in a sealed container for about 3 days. If you need them to last longer, stick them in your fridge for up to a week, though they'll taste best during the first 3-4 days. You can also freeze them without glaze for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tight in plastic then foil before freezing. Let them thaw in your fridge overnight and add the glaze right before you serve them for the freshest flavor.
Different Flavor Ideas
While the original strawberry version tastes amazing, you can switch things up easily with other flavors. Try a lemon cake mix with lemon glaze for a tangy citrus twist, or go with chocolate cake mix and strawberry preserves for a chocolate-dipped strawberry feel. For something extra fancy, throw some white chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top of the glaze for more texture and a prettier look.
Serving Ideas
These brownies taste great by themselves, but they're even better with some vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of fresh whipped cream. For the ultimate strawberry experience, add some sliced fresh berries on the side. They also look stunning on a dessert table when cut into tiny squares and arranged on a tiered plate for parties or holiday get-togethers.
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Treat yourself to these strawberry brownies as a bright addition to any celebration!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Sure thing, you can swap the strawberry mix with other types like vanilla, chocolate, or lemon to create different versions. Just stick to the same amounts for everything else.
- → Is the cream cheese necessary for the glaze?
Not at all, it's just an extra. The cream cheese brings a bit of tang and makes the glaze creamier, but you can skip it if you want a basic sweet topping.
- → How should I store these strawberry brownies?
Keep them in a sealed container at room temp for 2-3 days, or put them in the fridge for up to a week. You can even freeze them without glaze for up to 3 months.
- → Can I add fresh strawberries to the batter?
Fresh berries might make the mix too wet. If you want real fruit, try adding tiny chopped strawberries to the topping instead.
- → What makes these different from regular brownies?
Unlike chocolate squares, these berry treats have a fruit flavor, bright pink look, and a slightly fluffier feel while still having those chewy edges we all love.
- → Can I make these without an electric mixer?
You bet! The mix is thick but you can stir it by hand with a good spoon or rubber spatula. Just make sure everything gets mixed in properly.