Chewy, dense, and bursting with sweet berry aroma, these pink bars are a fun twist on traditional chocolate desserts. This Strawberry Brownies recipe uses a simple shortcut to deliver a fudgy texture that feels completely homemade. I love whipping these up when I need a bright, cheerful treat that comes together with minimal effort and cleanup.
Why You'll Love This
These bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring just one bowl and a few pantry staples. The Strawberry Brownies texture is dense and satisfying, bridging the gap between a soft cookie and a traditional brownie. Using a mix makes them foolproof, while the addition of real strawberry preserves in the glaze adds a fresh, tangy finish. They are one of those Strawberry Cake Mix Desserts that look impressive on a plate but take almost no time to prepare.
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What Goes Into This Recipe
You'll need a handful of simple ingredients to create these vibrant bars, focusing on convenience without sacrificing flavor. This Easy Homemade Strawberry Treat relies on a standard cake mix box transformed by butter and eggs into a rich, dense batter.
Scroll to the recipe card for ingredients and step-by-step directions.
Main Ingredients
- Strawberry Cake Mix: The base that provides the color, flavor, and structure.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and give the brownies a chewy texture.
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and ensures the bars are fudgy rather than cakey.
- Strawberry Extract: Intensifies the berry profile for a bolder taste.
- Strawberry Preserves: Used in the glaze for natural flavor and color specks.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet finish for the glaze.
Optional Extras
For a different texture, stir in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking. This Strawberry Blondies Recipe variation adds a nice crunch and creamy sweetness that pairs well with the fruit flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies (Step-by-Step)
These bars come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This step ensures you can lift the entire block out easily once the Strawberry Brownies Recipe Cake Mixes style batter is baked.
Mix the Batter
Combine the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and strawberry extract in a large bowl. Stir firmly until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter looks thick, glossy, and uniform.
Can I use oil instead of butter? Yes, vegetable oil works, but butter provides a richer flavor and fudgier texture.
Bake Until Set
Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 18-25 minutes. You will know it is done when the edges pull away slightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Glaze the Brownies
Whisk the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk together until smooth. Pour this glaze over the fully cooled brownies, spreading it to the edges so it creates a lovely, shiny pink top layer.
Aliana's Top Tip
To get the fudgiest Strawberry Brownies, be careful not to overbake them; they should still be slightly soft in the very center when you take them out.
Sift sugar → removes lumps → glaze looks professional
Cool completely → prevents melting glaze → creates clean layers
Use parchment → allows easy lifting → squares stay intact
Add extract → boosts aroma → tastes like Strawberry Brownies From Scratch
Mix by hand → avoids overworking → texture stays dense
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Make It Your Own
You can easily customize these bars by adding a lemon glaze instead of strawberry for a Strawberry Lemonade Cake Mix Brownies vibe. If you love chocolate, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top or fold semi-sweet chips into the batter. For a fun birthday twist, add sprinkles to the wet glaze before it sets.
Storage & Reheating
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to keep the glaze firm. These Dessert Bars also freeze well; just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve warm, zap a square in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are fantastic on their own, but they also look adorable served with fresh sliced strawberries on the side. For a fun "Pink Food" party theme, pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. They make a lovely addition to Valentine's Day platters or spring brunches.
Common Questions
Why are my brownies cakey instead of fudgy?
This usually happens if you follow the instructions on the back of the box instead of this recipe. Using melted butter and fewer liquids transforms the mix into a dense Strawberry Chocolate Dessert style bar.
Can I use fresh strawberries in the batter?
I recommend avoiding fresh fruit inside the batter as it adds too much moisture, which can make the bars soggy. Stick to the preserves in the glaze for that real fruit kick.
Do I have to use the strawberry extract?
It is not strictly necessary, but cake mixes can sometimes taste a bit artificial on their own. The extract helps round out the flavor profile, making them taste more homemade.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a 9x13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the center sets properly.
More Recipes You'll Love
Dessert If you enjoyed these Strawberry Brownies, you might also like these fruity treats.
Whipped this up already? Show it off on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - your version might inspire someone!
Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and allows you to lift the entire block out easily once baked.
- Combine the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and strawberry extract in a large bowl. Stir until the flour is fully absorbed and the batter looks very thick and glossy.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18-25 minutes. The edges should look set while a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Whisk the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk together in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be fluid enough to pour but thick enough to coat the spoon.
- Pour the glaze over the completely cooled brownies and spread it to the edges. Let it set briefly before cutting so the top layer looks smooth and distinct.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Strawberry Brownies Recipe:
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