Introduction to Easy Strawberry Brownies
When you're craving something sweet, why not indulge in a batch of easy strawberry brownies? They’re the perfect fusion of rich chocolatey goodness and fresh strawberry flavor, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you're hosting a gathering, looking for a quick dessert for a weeknight dinner, or simply in need of a pick-me-up, these brownies have got you covered.
Why Opt for Easy Strawberry Brownies?
There are countless reasons to choose these delightful brownies:
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Simplicity: This recipe uses a box of strawberry cake mix, saving you time and effort. Just mix a few ingredients, bake, and voilà!
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Flavor: The sweetness of strawberries blends beautifully with the fudgy texture of brownies, offering a unique taste that stands out from traditional brownies.
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Versatility: These brownies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them chilled with your favorite hot beverage.
Why struggle with complicated recipes when you can impress your friends and family with these easy strawberry brownies? They’re not just quick to whip up; they’re an instant crowd-pleaser! For a deeper dive into baking basics or to explore dessert options, check out resources like King Arthur Baking for expert tips and tricks.
Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Brownies
Creating easy strawberry brownies is not just about mixing the right ingredients; it’s about bringing a little joy to your baking experience. With a few simple components, you can whip up a delightful treat that’s burstin’ with flavor!
Essential Ingredients for the Brownies
To get started on your luscious brownies, you’ll need the following:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix: This is the star of the show, providing that delicious strawberry flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs will bind the ingredients together for a moist finish.
- ⅓ cup salted butter, melted: For richness, you can also use oil if you prefer a lighter texture.
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract: This will amplify the strawberry essence—definitely a must-have!
Ingredients for the Glaze
To top off your easy strawberry brownies with a scrumptious glaze, gather these ingredients:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: This adds that sweet, sugary touch.
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves: You can opt for homemade or store-bought—both work beautifully!
- 1 ½ tablespoons milk: Just enough to get the perfect consistency for drizzling.
Each ingredient plays a role in creating that mouthwatering treat you'll love to share (or keep all for yourself). Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the fun part!
Step-by-step Preparation of Easy Strawberry Brownies
Creating these easy strawberry brownies is not just about the final delectable treat; it's also a fun process to enjoy in your kitchen! Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. Lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, and to ensure easy removal of the brownies later, line the bottom with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment comes up at least on two sides for easy lifting. This simple tip will make your life so much easier when it’s time to slice those brownies!
Mix Brownie Batter Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your essential ingredients: a box of strawberry cake mix, two large eggs, and ⅓ cup of melted salted butter (or you can opt for oil if you prefer). For an extra flavor boost, add one teaspoon of strawberry extract. Mix everything well until you obtain a thick batter. You might find it a bit workout-worthy, but trust me, the results will be worth it!
Bake the Brownies
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Now comes the hard part—just wait! Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 25 minutes. To check for doneness, use a toothpick; it should come out clean from the center. Remember that oven times can vary based on the model you have, so keep a close eye on them!
Cool the Brownies
After baking, remove your easy strawberry brownies from the oven and set them on a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key! Letting them cool not only ensures you won't burn your fingers but also gives the brownies their perfect texture.
Prepare and Pour the Glaze
While waiting for the brownies to cool, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of powdered sugar, two tablespoons of strawberry preserves, and 1½ tablespoons of milk. Whisk those ingredients together until smooth. The sweet glaze will add an extra layer of yumminess, making these brownies even more irresistible!
Cut and Serve
Once the brownies are cool and the glaze is ready, pour it over the top of the brownies, spreading it evenly for that delightful finish. Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: cut them into 9 large or 12 small pieces. Serve them up and watch your friends or family swoon over this simple yet delicious dessert.
Enjoy these easy strawberry brownies with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat after dinner—they're bound to be a hit! Happy baking!
Variations on Easy Strawberry Brownies
Strawberry Chocolate Chip Brownies
Why stop at easy strawberry brownies when you can amplify the decadence? Add a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to your brownie batter. The combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a delightful contrast that’s perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings. You can also use white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist!
Gluten-Free Strawberry Brownies
For those following a gluten-free diet, don’t fret! Substitute the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it has a good binding agent (like xanthan gum). This easy swap allows everyone to enjoy these fudgy delights without compromising flavor. Check out brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour for reliable gluten-free cake mixes.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Easy Strawberry Brownies
Oven Adjustments
When baking your easy strawberry brownies, keep in mind that oven temperatures can vary. Always start checking for doneness at the lower end of the baking time (18 minutes), especially if you’re using a metal pan. If you have a convection oven, you might want to lower the temperature by about 25°F to avoid over-baking.
Parchment Paper Tips
To make removing your easy strawberry brownies a breeze, line the baking dish with parchment paper that extends up the sides. Before pouring in the brownie batter, lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray. This will help keep everything in place and ensure your brownies come out perfectly shaped every time! For more tips on baking, check out King Arthur Baking.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Strawberry Brownies
Enjoying brownies with ice cream
One delightful way to elevate your easy strawberry brownies is to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture and soft sweetness of the ice cream perfectly complement the fudgy, strawberry flavor of the brownies. You might even drizzle some chocolate syrup or sprinkle a few crushed nuts on top for an added crunch. This combination makes for a perfectly indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress your guests!
Pairing with fresh fruit
For a lighter touch, consider pairing your easy strawberry brownies with fresh fruit. Slices of strawberries or a medley of berries create a refreshing contrast to the rich brownie base. You can also serve them alongside a fruit salad dressed with a touch of lemon juice and mint, enhancing the dessert's sweetness while adding a zesty punch. This pairing not only adds color but also packs in some nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence!
Time Breakdown for Easy Strawberry Brownies
Preparation Time
Getting started with your easy strawberry brownies is a breeze! You'll need about 10 minutes to gather the ingredients and mix them together. Just make sure everything is prepped and ready before you dive in!
Baking Time
Once your batter is ready and in the oven, let it bake for 18-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it since oven times vary. It’s all about achieving that perfect moist center—testing with a toothpick will do the trick!
Total Time
In total, you’re looking at approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish. This includes both prep and baking time. Perfect for whipping up a sweet treat when you're short on time!
For more delicious cake mix creations, check out this article to explore other dessert ideas!
Nutritional Facts for Easy Strawberry Brownies
When you're indulging in these easy strawberry brownies, it’s good to know what’s in them! Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown to help you enjoy your treat while staying informed.
Calories
Each serving of these delightful brownies contains about 328 calories — a sweet slice of comfort!
Sugar
With approximately 36 grams of sugar per serving, these brownies satisfy your sweet tooth while adding a fruity flavor twist.
Fat
At 12 grams of fat per serving, the rich texture is well-balanced for a delightful dessert experience.
By keeping an eye on these nutritional facts, you can fully enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies while being mindful of your intake. Whether you’re sharing at a gathering or enjoying them solo, these brownies are a delightful treat!
FAQs about Easy Strawberry Brownies
Can I make these brownies without eggs?
Absolutely! If you want to make easy strawberry brownies egg-free, you can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. This will keep the brownies moist and delicious while making them suitable for those with egg allergies or dietary restrictions.
How should I store leftover brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a more humid area, placing them in the fridge can help maintain their texture and flavor. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving!
Can I freeze strawberry brownies?
Yes, you can freeze easy strawberry brownies! To do this, cut the brownies into squares and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll stay delicious for about three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
For more tips on how to – and not to – store brownies, check out this helpful guide.
Conclusion on Easy Strawberry Brownies
In conclusion, making easy strawberry brownies is a delightful way to impress friends and family without breaking a sweat. Their vibrant color and promising aroma make them irresistible. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added treat. Whip up a batch today!
Easy Strawberry Brownies
Equipment
- 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish
- mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the brownies
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup salted butter, melted or ⅓ cup oil
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
For the glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
- 1 ½ tablespoons milk
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Spray an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray then line the bottom with parchment paper, making sure it comes up at least two of the sides, and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the 1 box strawberry cake mix, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup salted butter, melted, and 1 teaspoon strawberry extract until combined. The batter will be very thick.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oven times may vary.
- Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the brownies are completely cool, prepare the glaze by adding ¾ cup powdered sugar, 2 Tablespoons strawberry preserves, and 1 ½ Tablespoons milk into a bowl and whisk until combined.
- Pour the glaze over top the brownies and smooth evenly.
- Cut into 9 large or 12 small pieces and serve!
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