If you adore the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and fudgy texture, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Frosting Recipe. Imagine rich, moist strawberry brownies made from a cake mix that brings a tender crumb, topped with a luscious, glossy strawberry frosting bursting with real strawberry preserves—this delightful dessert truly elevates the brownie experience to a whole new level. It’s a simple, feel-good treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, capturing the essence of fresh strawberry flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface filled with a thick, light pink mixture with a creamy and slightly textured look, spread and swirled inside the bowl. The mixture fills the bowl about halfway, with some residue stuck around the sides. A few fresh strawberries with green leaves are placed near the bottom left corner on the marbled surface, adding a pop of red color. A white cloth is partially visible near the right edge of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role—from creating the soft, sweet base to crafting that irresistible frosting. They’re easy to find, and their combination guarantees a deliciously satisfying strawberry indulgence.

Strawberry cake mix with pudding in the mix: Provides a moist, tender crumb and vibrant strawberry flavor as the foundation of your brownies.
Large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together, ensuring a rich, chewy texture.
Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender without overpowering the strawberry taste.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the natural strawberry notes in the batter.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting for that perfect finish.
Strawberry preserves: The star of the frosting, injecting a burst of real fruit flavor and a beautiful pink hue.
Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency in the frosting for easy spreading.
Cream cheese (optional): Adds a slight tang and creaminess to the frosting, balancing the sweetness and enriching the overall taste.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Choose an 8×8 baking pan and either spray it lightly with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper or foil for easy removal. This step ensures your strawberry brownies don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped for frosting later.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Whether you mix by hand or with a mixer, the batter will come together smoothly. This simple blend forms the luscious strawberry brownie base that’s moist and dense, almost like a cross between cake and classic brownies.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes—or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to prevent the frosting from melting upon application.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Frosting

Whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, milk, and cream cheese (if using) in a small bowl. The preserves give the frosting its vibrant strawberry flavor, while the cream cheese adds a subtle tang and creamy texture. Adjust the milk if needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 5: Frost the Brownies

Once the brownies have fully cooled, generously spread the strawberry frosting on top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. The glossy pink frosting creates a beautiful, inviting finish that makes these strawberry brownies simply irresistible.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Frosting Recipe

The image shows several square pink fudge pieces arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each fudge piece has two distinct layers: a smooth, light pink top layer with small specks and a denser, slightly crumbly deeper pink bottom layer. One central piece is slightly lifted and held by a woman's hand, clearly showing the texture of both layers. The fudge squares have clean edges and a soft, creamy look, with the light pink topping creating a smooth finish over the textured bottom layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate these strawberry brownies by adding a few fresh strawberry slices on top of the frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. If you want a crunch, chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds add a delightful contrast to the soft texture.

Side Dishes

Serve your strawberry brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a refreshing balance, a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can be a surprising but delightful companion dessert pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, cut the strawberry brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter decorated with edible flowers or strawberry leaves. You can also layer them in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a show-stopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover strawberry brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to extend freshness for about a week. The frosting stays delectably creamy, making each bite as fresh as the first.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze uncut brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh frosting or whipped cream to revive their moist texture and flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm strawberry brownie, gently microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds or warm it briefly in the oven. Be careful not to melt the frosting too much—warm just enough to release the aroma and soften the texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade strawberry cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer making your own strawberry cake base, just ensure it has a similar consistency and sweetness to store-bought mixes with pudding included. It might take a bit of tweaking but will yield delicious results.

Is cream cheese necessary in the frosting?

Cream cheese is optional—it adds a lovely tang and creamy texture, but you can skip it if you want a purely sweet strawberry frosting. Either way, the preserve and powdered sugar combo makes the frosting shine.

Can I substitute the strawberry preserves with fresh strawberries?

Fresh strawberries won’t create the same smooth, spreadable frosting texture since preserves are thick and sweetened. However, you can puree fresh strawberries with some sugar and reduce the liquid to try a fresh alternative, but the frosting might be less stable.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Look for the edges to pull slightly away from the pan, and test by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. This ensures the strawberry brownies remain soft without being undercooked.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Look for a gluten-free strawberry cake mix made with suitable flours. Just double-check the ingredients to ensure all are certified gluten-free, including your strawberry preserves and powdered sugar to avoid cross-contamination.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the way this Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Frosting Recipe blends simple ingredients into a delightful treat that bursts with strawberry goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, this recipe has a way of making everything feel a little sweeter. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why I can’t stop coming back to these luscious strawberry brownies!