Indulge in the delightful combination of strawberries and chocolate with these Easy Strawberry Brownies. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these brownies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in no time.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup salted butter, melted (or 1/3 cup oil)
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
- 1 ½ tablespoons milk
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper, allowing it to come up at least two sides for easy removal of the brownies.
Prepare the Brownie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, melted butter (or oil), and strawberry extract. Mix until well combined. The batter will be thick.
Bake the Brownies:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven times may vary, so keep an eye on them.
Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and place the baking dish on a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk until smooth and well combined.
Glaze the Brownies:
Once the brownies are completely cooled, pour the glaze over the top of the brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Slice and Serve:
Cut the brownies into 9 large or 12 small pieces. Serve and enjoy these delicious strawberry-infused treats!
Quick and Easy Dessert
Prep Time: 10 min | Cooking Time: 18-25 min | Total Time: 28 min | Servings: 9
Variations :
1. White Chocolate Drizzle:
- For a decadent twist, melt some white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled brownies before serving. The combination of white chocolate and strawberries is simply divine.
2. Nutty Crunch:
- Add a delightful crunch to your brownies by mixing in some chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter before baking. Not only does it add texture, but it also complements the sweet strawberry flavor perfectly.
3. Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Create a marbled effect by swirling softened cream cheese into the brownie batter before baking. The tanginess of the cream cheese balances out the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
4. Chocolate Chips Galore:
- Fold in a generous amount of chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness. The melty pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies will make every bite even more indulgent.
5. Strawberry Frosting:
- Whip up a batch of strawberry frosting using powdered sugar, softened butter, and pureed strawberries. Spread it generously over the cooled brownies for an extra layer of strawberry flavor and a pop of color.
6. Fresh Strawberry Topping:
- Top each brownie with slices of fresh strawberries just before serving for a burst of freshness and juiciness. It adds a beautiful touch and enhances the overall strawberry experience.
7. Mint Chocolate Twist:
- Add a hint of refreshing mint by stirring in some chopped mint leaves or a few drops of mint extract into the brownie batter. The combination of mint and chocolate with a hint of strawberry is surprisingly delightful.
8. Almond Extract Infusion:
- Swap out the strawberry extract for almond extract in the brownie batter for a unique flavor profile. The subtle nuttiness of almond pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
9. Coconut Paradise:
- Mix in some shredded coconut into the brownie batter for a tropical twist. It adds a chewy texture and a hint of coconut flavor that complements the strawberries and chocolate beautifully.
10. Orange Zest Zing:
- Add some freshly grated orange zest to the brownie batter for a citrusy kick. The bright and tangy flavor of orange enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and adds a refreshing element to the brownies.
11. Raspberry Swirl:
- Create a tangy twist by swirling raspberry jam into the brownie batter before baking. The combination of strawberries and raspberries adds depth of flavor and a beautiful marbled effect.
12. Peanut Butter Drizzle:
- For a nutty and indulgent treat, drizzle melted peanut butter over the cooled brownies. The combination of peanut butter, strawberries, and chocolate is simply irresistible.
13. Dark Chocolate Chunks:
- Instead of chocolate chips, use chunks of dark chocolate in the brownie batter for a rich and intense chocolate flavor. The bitterness of the dark chocolate complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
14. Caramel Sauce:
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the brownies just before serving for a gooey and decadent treat. The combination of caramel and strawberries is a match made in dessert heaven.
15. Lemon Zest Infusion:
- Add some freshly grated lemon zest to the brownie batter for a citrusy twist. The bright and zesty flavor of lemon adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet strawberries and chocolate.
16. Creamy Mascarpone Frosting:
- Whip up a creamy mascarpone frosting using mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread it generously over the cooled brownies for a luxurious and decadent finish.
17. Spiced Brownies:
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the brownie batter for a warm and comforting flavor. The subtle spice enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and adds complexity to the brownies.
18. Toasted Coconut Flakes:
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the glazed brownies for a crunchy and tropical twist. The toasted coconut adds a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to every bite.
19. Minty Freshness:
- Stir in some chopped fresh mint leaves into the brownie batter for a burst of freshness and aroma. The cool and refreshing flavor of mint complements the sweet strawberries and chocolate beautifully.
20. Espresso Infusion:
- Add a shot of espresso or a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter for a rich and intense coffee flavor. The hint of coffee enhances the chocolatey goodness and adds depth to the brownies.
FAQs :
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry cake mix?
- While fresh strawberries can be used, they may alter the texture of the brownies. Using strawberry cake mix ensures a consistent flavor and texture.
2. Can I substitute the strawberry preserves in the glaze with another fruit preserve?
- Yes, you can use any fruit preserve of your choice to customize the glaze to your liking.
3. Can I make these brownies without eggs?
- You can try using an egg substitute like applesauce or mashed bananas, but the texture may be slightly different.
4. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter in the brownies?
- Yes, you can use unsalted butter and adjust the amount of salt added to the batter to your taste.
5. How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too runny?
- Make sure to whisk the glaze ingredients until smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar or milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Can I omit the glaze altogether?
- Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer your brownies without it. They will still be delicious!
7. Can I double the recipe to make more brownies?
- Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or bake multiple batches if needed.
8. Are these brownies suitable for vegetarians?
- Yes, these brownies are vegetarian-friendly as they do not contain any meat or animal by-products.
9. Can I use a different size baking dish?
- Yes, you can use a different size baking dish, but the baking time may vary depending on the size and depth of the dish.
10. Can I freeze the brownies with the glaze on top?
- It’s not recommended to freeze the brownies with the glaze as it may become soggy when thawed. It’s best to freeze the brownies without the glaze and add it before serving.
These Easy Strawberry Brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a quick dessert or need a sweet treat for a gathering. With their vibrant strawberry flavor and rich chocolatey goodness, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
