Strawberry Brownies

We’ve all devoured a pan of perfectly delicious brownies from a boxed mix. But have you ever used a boxed cake mix for brownies? That’s right: Cake meet brownies, brownies meet cake. These strawberry brownies, which are more like blondies since there’s no cocoa involved, use a box of pink strawberry cake mix for the base. They’re moist, light and bright pink, so they’d be perfect as a Valentine’s Day snack or a birthday dessert. But you don’t have to save pink desserts for a celebration—serve them anytime!

Ingredients for Strawberry Brownies

• Strawberry cake mix: A box of strawberry cake mix makes this strawberry brownies recipe super fast and easy.
• Canola oil: Canola oil adds moisture to the cake and helps keep the texture fluffy, but you can also substitute another healthy oil like olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Eggs: Use room-temperature eggs so they incorporate more evenly into the batter.
• Vanilla extract: Good vanilla extract improves most baked goods, even if you’re using a boxed mix as a base.
• White chocolate chips: White chocolate chips complement the flavors and keep the cake almost pink.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Use confectioners’ sugar to make the glaze. In a pinch, you can actually make powdered sugar from granulated sugar.
• Whole milk: Milk thins out the confectioners’ sugar for a light glaze.
• Freeze-dried strawberries: These are optional, but crushed freeze-dried strawberries make an excellent topping for the brownies.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the baking pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment and grease the parchment.

Step 2: Assemble the brownies

In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, oil, eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the glaze

In a large bowl, beat the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Spread the glaze over the cooled brownies. Let stand until the top of the glaze sets. If desired, garnish the brownies with crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

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Strawberry Brownie Variations

• Add some goodies: Want to take these pink strawberry cake mix brownies to the next level? Try adding chocolate chips, miniature M&M’s, any type of nut that you like or even sprinkles! You could even add extra freeze-dried strawberries to the batter itself.
• Change the batter: If you want to try a different cake mix, you definitely can. You won’t get the strawberry flavor or pink color, but you can definitely try white or yellow cake instead if you prefer that flavor. (Just add a drop of red food coloring to the batter if you don’t want to miss out on the pink cake.)
• Include more strawberries: Add a spoonful or two of strawberry preserves to the batter, the glaze or both!

How to Store Strawberry Brownies

If you have leftovers, you’ll want to store strawberry cake mix brownies properly so they stay light and fluffy. Store them on the counter in an airtight container for up to five days.

Can you freeze strawberry brownies?

You can easily freeze these pink beauties and have them ready for a quick dessert down the road! Freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a resealable bag to store in the freezer for up to four months.

Strawberry Brownie Tips

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How do you know when the strawberry brownies recipe is done?

The best way to test for doneness is with a cake tester or toothpick. Insert the tester in the middle of the pan, and if it comes out clean, the brownies are ready! If not, let them cook a bit longer until you get a clean tester.

How should you serve strawberry brownies?

These strawberry brownies would be perfect for a birthday party spread or for dessert after a Valentine’s Day dinner. Serve them with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of whipped cream.