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Take regular brownies to the next level with these mouthwatering Strawberry Brownies. Using a smart cake mix trick, these pink delights pack strong strawberry taste in every chewy bite. The first batch I baked for my weekend treat club vanished in seconds – they went even quicker than classic chocolate ones.
These brownies have turned into my go-to for surprise visitors. Just days ago, I quickly made some when my daughter had friends drop by without warning, and they thought they came from an expensive shop.
What You'll Need
- Strawberry cake mix: Works as the base of our brownies, giving them both structure and taste
- Salted butter: Delivers that must-have chewy feel and rich flavor
- Strawberry extract: Boosts the berry flavor throughout the treats
- Strawberry preserves: Brings in actual fruit taste and makes a shiny, gorgeous topping
- Eggs: Add stability and that wanted fudgy quality
- Powdered sugar: Mixes with preserves to make the perfect drizzly topping
Making Your Brownies
- Setting Up Your Pan:
- Spray your baking dish with nonstick spray then put down parchment paper. This easy step keeps the paper from moving around as you work with the sticky mixture.
- Mixing It Up:
- Combine your cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until you get a thick, even mixture. It should look like normal brownie batter – thick and shiny.
- Baking Them Right:
- Put the batter evenly in your ready pan, making sure to push it into the corners. Look for the signs they're done – edges pulling away slightly and a toothpick coming out clean.
- Adding The Topping:
- After they've totally cooled, finish these brownies with a smooth strawberry topping, making sure it reaches every edge for the best look.
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My folks especially enjoy these during fresh strawberry time. We often put them next to some fresh berries, making a nice mix between the sweet, rich brownies and tangy fresh fruit.
Ways To Serve
Show off these treats on a bright white plate with some sliced fresh strawberries and a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. For something extra nice, serve them a bit warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Fun Twists
Switch up this recipe by throwing in white chocolate bits for extra richness, or mix in some cream cheese for a strawberry cheesecake feel. If you love chocolate, pour some melted dark chocolate over the finished brownies.
Storage Tips
Keep these goodies in a sealed container with wax paper between each layer. They'll stay nice and moist for three days out on the counter or up to three months if you pop them in the freezer.
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After baking for many years, I've found that often the easiest recipes bring the most happiness. These Strawberry Brownies show this perfectly – they're easy to whip up but always bring grins to faces and folks asking how to make them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap butter with oil?
- Sure can! Just use the same amount of oil in place of melted butter.
- → Is strawberry extract a must-have?
- Not really! It boosts the flavor, but the cake mix on its own works just fine.
- → What’s the deal with parchment paper?
- It makes lifting out the brownies simple and stops sticking when cutting clean slices.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Stored in an airtight container, they'll stay fresh for a few days.
- → Why is the batter super thick?
- Totally normal! That thick texture is key to getting dense, chewy brownies.