Description
Delightfully sweet and fruity strawberry brownies made easy using a strawberry cake mix base, topped with a creamy strawberry preserves frosting and sprinkled with freeze-dried strawberries for added texture and burst of flavor. Perfect for a quick and simple dessert that captures the essence of fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 15.25 oz Strawberry Cake Mix (Pillsbury)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting
- 2 Tbsp strawberry preserves
- 1 Tbsp cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp milk
- 2 Tbsp freeze dried strawberries (chopped into small pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with nonstick spray to ensure the brownies don’t stick.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 2 large eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or rubber spatula to mix until thick and fully combined.
- Bake the Brownies: Spoon the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the top. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the strawberry preserves and softened cream cheese until smooth and combined.
- Finish the Frosting: Add powdered sugar, salt, and milk to the cream cheese mixture. Whisk until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top with a rubber spatula.
- Add the Topping and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped freeze dried strawberries over the frosting for a lovely fruity crunch. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies.
Notes
- Ensure brownies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add a nice texture contrast and extra strawberry flavor but can be substituted with fresh finely chopped strawberries if desired.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven’s performance.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry brownies, cake mix brownies, easy dessert, chocolate-free brownies, strawberry dessert
