Introduction
Need a dessert that’s ridiculously easy, sweetly nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing every single time? These Strawberry Brownies are made with cake mix and a handful of kitchen staples, giving you thick, chewy bars bursting with fruity flavor and a soft texture that’s impossible to resist.
Reasons to Love This Strawberry Brownies Recipe
There’s so much to love about this fun twist on brownies:
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Only one bowl and five ingredients (yes, really!)
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Uses cake mix in a way that’s clever and non-cakey
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Bakes up quickly and cuts into picture-perfect pink squares
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Can be topped with frosting or served plain — they’re fab either way
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Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, showers, or just Tuesday
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have most of these already:
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1 box strawberry cake mix – Go with a trusted brand like Pillsbury for best texture.
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2 large eggs – These help bind the batter and create that chewy bite.
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⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil – Keeps things moist and rich.
Optional Strawberry Glaze
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
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1–2 tablespoons milk (any kind)
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Cream cheese (optional, about 2 oz softened)
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Want to customize your batch? Try these:
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Swap the oil for melted butter for a richer taste.
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Add white chocolate chips for little pockets of sweetness.
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Use raspberry jam in the glaze for a tangy variation.
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Skip the glaze and dust them with powdered sugar instead.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start mixing, grab:
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Medium to large mixing bowl
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Wooden spoon or hand mixer
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8×8 or 9×9 glass baking dish
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Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Batter
In a bowl, combine your cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir it up until a thick, dough-like batter forms.
2. Prep and Bake
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Line a glass baking dish with parchment paper.
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Press the batter in evenly using your hands or a spatula.
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Bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes until just set. Don’t overbake — the center should feel slightly soft.
3. Make the Glaze
While the brownies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and milk. Add cream cheese if you want a thicker, richer frosting. Pour or spread over cooled brownies.
What to Serve with Strawberry Brownies
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Vanilla ice cream (because obviously!)
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Fresh sliced strawberries or a berry compote
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A cold glass of almond milk or sweet tea
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A drizzle of melted white chocolate
How to Store Strawberry Brownies
Store in a single layer in a sealed container. If you’re stacking them, use parchment paper between layers. If frosted, keep them in the refrigerator for freshness.
Can I Freeze Strawberry Brownies?
Sure can! Here’s how:
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Skip the frosting if you’re planning to freeze.
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Wrap tightly in plastic or foil, and pop into a freezer bag.
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Keeps well for up to 2 months.
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Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Try using a vegan cake mix and egg substitute like flax eggs.
Q: What texture should they have?
A: Think chewy and dense — more like fudge than cake!
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries?
A: It’s not recommended. They release moisture and can make the brownies soggy.
Q: Is it okay to add frosting from a can?
A: Absolutely, especially if you’re in a rush.
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: The edges should be set, and a toothpick should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Two Resources
Nutritional Information
Per square (makes 16):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 170 |
Carbs | 23g |
Sugar | 15g |
Fat | 7g |
Protein | 2g |
Conclusion
And just like that, you’ve got a batch of strawberry brownies that look like they came from a boutique bakery — but took almost no time at all! Sweet, soft, slightly chewy, and completely adorable. You’re going to want to make these again and again.
FAQs
1. Can I add lemon zest to the glaze?
Yes, it adds a bright citrusy note that pairs perfectly with strawberry.
2. Will these work in a silicone pan?
Yes, just adjust baking time and be sure not to overbake.
3. Can I turn these into brownie pops?
Totally! Just cut, insert sticks, and chill before dipping in melted chocolate.
4. What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?
Use a plastic knife or a sharp one cleaned between cuts.
5. Do they need to be refrigerated overnight?
Only if frosted. If not, room temp in an airtight container is fine.

Strawberry Brownies
- Total Time: 32min
- Yield: 9 squares (8x8 pan)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Need a dessert that’s ridiculously easy, sweetly nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing every single time? These Strawberry Brownies are made with cake mix and a handful of kitchen staples, giving you thick, chewy bars bursting with fruity flavor and a soft texture that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients
Key Ingredients
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1 box of strawberry cake mix – Preferably Pillsbury for the best texture.
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2 large eggs – Adds structure and chewiness.
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⅓ cup vegetable oil – Helps with moisture and richness.
Optional Frosting Additions
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tbsp strawberry jam (Bonne Maman recommended)
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1–2 tbsp milk or cream
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2 oz cream cheese (for extra creamy frosting)
Instructions
Mixing the Batter
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In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil.
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Stir until thick and fully incorporated. Don’t worry if it’s stiff — that’s what gives it the fudgy texture!
Baking Tips
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Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8 glass baking dish.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes until edges are set but the center is slightly soft.
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Let them cool completely before adding any frosting.
Frosting Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and milk.
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For extra creaminess, fold in softened cream cheese.
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Pour the glaze over cooled brownies and allow it to set before slicing.
Notes
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Let them cool completely before frosting. A warm base will melt your glaze and create a sticky mess instead of a glossy top.
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Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries into the batter or on top for an extra pop of color and flavor—it looks stunning and gives gourmet vibes.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 22min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/9 of 8x8 pan)
- Calories: 210kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg