These strawberry brownies are a sweet treat that combines rich chocolate with fresh strawberries. They’re fudgy, moist, and perfect for anyone who loves chocolate and fruit!
What I love most is how the strawberries give a pop of flavor in every bite! They’re a fun twist on classic brownies and are sure to impress at any gathering—if they last that long! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry Cake Mix: This gives the brownies their lovely flavor and color. If you prefer, you can use a vanilla or yellow cake mix instead and add a cup of pureed strawberries.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is common, you can replace it with melted coconut oil for a slightly different taste. Olive oil works as well, but it may change the flavor a bit.
Fresh Strawberries: Chopped fresh strawberries are fantastic! If they’re out of season, freeze-dried strawberries are great too. Just crush them into a powder before mixing for a concentrated flavor.
Powdered Sugar: This is used for the glaze on top. If you’re looking to cut sugar, you can use less powdered sugar or a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Are Moist and Chewy?
To achieve the perfect texture, pay attention to the mixing and baking process. Start by mixing the batter gently—overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Keep an eye on the baking time; the brownies are done when a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
- Preheat the oven properly so your brownies bake evenly.
- Use a light touch when folding in strawberries to keep the batter airy.
- Don’t skip cooling in the pan! This helps retain moisture.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries (or freeze-dried strawberries, crushed)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: red food coloring for enhanced color
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. You’ll need a total of around 40-45 minutes to make these delicious Strawberry Brownies from start to finish, plus some time to cool them before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly. You can either grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, which makes it easier to remove the brownies later.
2. Mix the Batter:
In a large bowl, add the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a whisk or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until well combined and smooth. No lumps, please!
3. Fold in the Strawberries:
Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries into your batter. If you’re using freeze-dried strawberries, crush them into a fine powder first and then mix them in. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep some of that strawberry goodness intact.
4. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the lovely pink batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so it bakes nicely and evenly.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
6. Make the Glaze:
While the brownies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a hint of red food coloring if you like. Add a little more milk if the glaze is too thick; you want it to be pourable!
7. Glaze the Brownies:
Once the brownies are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then pour the glaze over the warm brownies and spread it evenly with a spatula.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan—this will make slicing much easier. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Different Types of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives the best flavor and color, you can substitute it with other flavors such as vanilla or chocolate. Just keep in mind that the taste and appearance of the brownies will differ slightly, so get creative!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Thaw them first, then chop and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the brownies from becoming too soggy.
What If My Glaze Is Too Thick?
If your glaze turns out too thick, simply add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. A pourable glaze should be smooth and easy to spread without being runny!
