These Strawberry Brownies are the ultimate shortcut treat! Made with a strawberry cake mix, they’re dense, chewy, and bursting with berry flavor. Topped with a creamy strawberry glaze, these pretty-in-pink bars are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthday parties, or springtime picnics. And the best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes!
💖 Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Brownies
- Quick prep: 10 minutes, start to finish
- Only 4 ingredients in the base
- Fun, vibrant pink color with fruity flavor
- Perfect for kids, parties, or gifting
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Strawberry Brownie Base:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (Pillsbury recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp strawberry preserves (Bonne Maman is ideal)
- 1½ tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for tang and richness)
👩🍳 How to Make Strawberry Brownies
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment or foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, mix together the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla until a thick dough forms. It will be sticky and dense — that’s perfect.
3. Bake
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes until the edges are firm and the center is set (but not overbaked). A few moist crumbs on a toothpick are ideal.
4. Cool
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting — this helps the glaze stay beautifully spreadable instead of melting in.
5. Make the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, milk, and optional cream cheese until smooth. Adjust the thickness with a splash more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
6. Frost & Finish
Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled brownies. Let it set for 10–15 minutes or pop them into the fridge to speed things up. Slice and enjoy!
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Brownies
- Chill before slicing for ultra-clean cuts
- Add white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness
- Use high-quality preserves for real berry flavor
- Skip the cream cheese if you prefer a purely sweet glaze
🍓 Serving & Styling Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and sliced strawberries
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a berry sundae twist
- Cut into bite-size cubes and skewer with fresh berries for party-ready treats
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store at room temp for up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week (glaze stays set and flavors deepen!)
- Freeze (unglazed) for up to 3 months. Add glaze after thawing.
🔄 Variations to Try
- 🍋 Use lemon cake mix and a lemon glaze
- 🍫 Try chocolate cake mix with strawberry glaze for a chocolate-strawberry combo
- 🍰 Add sprinkles or freeze-dried strawberries to the top for a fun crunch
- 🍦 Turn into ice cream sandwiches with a scoop between two thin brownie squares!
🎀 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making them for a birthday, a bake sale, or simply because it’s Tuesday, these Strawberry Brownies are the kind of joyful treat that brings smiles with every bite. Their pretty pink color, irresistible glaze, and chewy texture make them feel special — even though they’re unbelievably simple to make. 💕
This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again — for the flavor, the ease, and the guaranteed compliments. So next time you’re craving something sweet, fruity, and a little nostalgic, give these strawberry brownies a try — and don’t forget to save a square (or two) for yourself! 😉