Easy Strawberry Brownies

This easy strawberry brownies recipe delivers chewy, fruity bars with a beautiful pink hue that kids and adults cannot resist. Searching for a quick dessert with real strawberry flavor? You only need 25 minutes to prep and just 30 to 45 minutes to bake, making these strawberry brownies the perfect speedy treat for parties or family nights when you need a burst of berry sweetness, fast.

I started making these easy strawberry brownies for my daughter’s birthday when she wanted a fun, pink treat that felt like a celebration. After that first batch, these brownies quickly became the most requested dessert at every family get together and holiday. The creamy, almost fudgy texture combined with the bright berry glaze truly makes every bite memorable—plus, everyone loves the homemade look and flavor from the real fruit preserves.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Strawberry cake mix (1 box): Provides concentrated berry flavor and saves kitchen time; brands like Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker are reliable, but any moist mix will work in a pinch
• Large eggs (2): Essential for that signature chewy brownie texture and structure; bring to room temperature for easy mixing and best results
• Salted butter, melted (one third cup): Adds richness and a soft crumb, though canola oil can stand in for dairy free needs without sacrificing softness
• Strawberry extract: Deepens the berry aroma and flavor, but is optional if you want a milder taste
• Powdered sugar: Used for the creamy, silky strawberry glaze draped on top, ensuring a classic bakery finish; sift for the smoothest texture
• Strawberry preserves: Real fruit bits and a boost of fresh color for the prettiest glaze—choose preserves with visible fruit for extra appeal, or swap in your favorite berry jam
• Milk: Adjusts the glaze to a pourable, glossy consistency; any type of milk works, making it easy to adapt for dietary preferences

How to Make Easy Strawberry Brownies

Prepare the Pan for Clean Removal:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and coat an 8 by 8 or 9 by 9 inch baking dish fully with nonstick spray. Line the pan’s bottom with parchment paper, letting some hang over two sides so lifting the brownies out is effortless and the slices remain tidy with no sticking.

Mix the Strawberry Brownie Batter:

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, two large eggs, melted salted butter, and strawberry extract if using. Stir gently but thoroughly with a silicone spatula until the batter is thick and no dry pockets remain; avoid overmixing to preserve a fudgy, soft texture typical of brownies.

Bake to Perfect Consistency:

Spread the thick batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top flat. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, starting to test at 30 minutes—when edges pull from the sides and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are ready. Overbaking will make them dry, so use these visual cues over timer alone.

Cool for Easy Glazing and Cutting:

Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing. This ensures the glaze sets cleanly and does not slide off, resulting in neat, bakery style slices every time.

Whip Up the Strawberry Glaze:

Mix powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk in a bowl until a smooth, pourable but not runny glaze forms, speckled with fruit. If too thick, add another teaspoon of milk; if too thin, stir in more powdered sugar until just right.

Glaze and Slice:

Pour the glaze over cooled brownies and spread into an even, glossy layer using a spatula. Let it set for 10 to 15 minutes before lifting the brownies out using the parchment and cutting into clean squares, revealing a perfect pink swirl in every piece.

The best discovery I made with this recipe was adding strawberry extract to intensify the berry notes—it truly makes your kitchen smell like a bakery. My children even call these their 'birthday bars,' because slicing into that glossy pink icing just feels festive. Each bite delivers both real fruit from the preserves and a homemade touch you can taste.

Smart Swaps and Variations

If you do not have strawberry cake mix, raspberry or vanilla cake mixes can stand in—just add a little red food coloring and extra strawberry extract for that signature look. For a dairy free batch, substitute the butter with canola or coconut oil and use your favorite plant based milk for the glaze. You can also try white chocolate chips or swirl lemon zest into the glaze to suit seasonal cravings or dietary needs.

How to Store and Reheat Easy Strawberry Brownies

Cool and glaze the brownies thoroughly before storing to avoid melted, runny icing. For freshest results, store covered at room temperature for up to two days, or use an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. To freeze, wrap individual squares in parchment and seal in a freezer safe bag for up to three months; thaw at room temperature for best texture, or microwave briefly for instant enjoyment. Always add the glaze after thawing frozen brownies for that classic finish.

What to Serve with Easy Strawberry Brownies

These strawberry brownies shine as a snack with a glass of milk or as part of a dessert platter for celebrations. For special events, pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for a gourmet, crowd pleasing treat. Present heart shaped brownies drizzled with melted chocolate for Valentine’s or use powdered sugar for an elegant brunch finishing touch.

Nutritional Benefits

These easy strawberry brownies deliver a fun way to enjoy dessert with real fruit flavor and a pink color that comes naturally from preserves, not just dye. Each serving is vegetarian and can be adapted to gluten free and dairy free diets by simply swapping the cake mix and butter. With about 350 calories and 15 grams of protein per piece, these bars are more filling than most bakery cookies, making them a satisfying treat for snack time or celebrations.

Recipe Success Tips

For bakery style strawberry brownies every time, avoid overbaking by checking for moist crumbs starting at 30 minutes, and always use the parchment overhang for clean removal. If browns turn out too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the batter next time or reduce oven time slightly. If your glaze seems runny, stir in extra powdered sugar and let it stand to thicken, or if slicing is messy, chill the pan for half an hour for neater pieces.

These easy strawberry brownies always bring a burst of color and flavor to my table, and I love how they can be tailored to any celebration or craving. Try baking a batch this week to share and you will quickly see why they are my most requested bar dessert!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I substitute oil for melted butter?

Yes, you can use an equal amount of oil in place of melted butter for similar results, though butter adds extra richness to the brownies.

→ How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The edges should be set and lightly gold while the center remains slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Although strawberry cake mix works best for flavor, you may use white or vanilla cake mix with added strawberry extract for a lighter berry taste.

→ What's the best way to apply the glaze?

Spread the glaze evenly over the completely cooled brownies to prevent it from soaking in. Let it set before slicing for neat pieces.

→ How should I store these brownies?

Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for slightly longer freshness.