Name: Delicious Strawberry Brownies-Easy Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 box strawberry cake mix with pudding in the mix; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves; 1 ½ tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional)

Strawberry Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful convergence of rich, fudgy chocolate and the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries. If you’ve ever craved a treat that balances decadence with a touch of summery brightness, look no further. The sheer joy of biting into a perfectly baked brownie, only to discover pockets of juicy, slightly tart strawberries bursting with flavor, is an experience that captivates the senses. It’s no wonder these Strawberry Brownies have become a beloved classic for so many of us, offering a sophisticated twist on a familiar favorite. What truly sets this recipe apart is its ability to deliver intense chocolatey goodness without being overwhelmingly sweet, thanks to the natural tang of the berries. Get ready to elevate your brownie game with this show-stopping creation!

Ingredients:

1 box strawberry cake mix with pudding in the mix
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
1 ½ tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional)

Strawberry Swirl Brownies: A Delectable Delight

This recipe is for a delightfully simple yet impressive dessert: Strawberry Swirl Brownies. These brownies achieve a beautiful marbling effect with a tangy strawberry swirl that perfectly complements the rich, fudgy brownie base. The secret to their ease and incredible flavor lies in using a strawberry cake mix as the foundation, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. We’ve found that using a strawberry cake mix that specifically contains pudding already blended in yields the most wonderfully moist and chewy texture, so be sure to look for that feature on the box.

Preparing the Brownie Batter

To begin extract crafting these exquisite strawberry brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make lifting the brownies out easier once they’re baked. This little trick prevents any sticking and makes for a much cleaner presentation. In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of strawberry cake mix with pudding. Make sure to break up any large clumps of the cake mix for an even distribution of flavor and texture.

Next, crack in your two large eggs. Add the 1/3 cup of vegetable or canola oil. This oil is crucial for creating a moist and tender crum extractb in your brownies. Then, measure out 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and pour it in. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm aromatic note that rounds out the sweetness of the strawberry. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat these ingredients together for about 2 minutes. You’re aiming for a thick, glossy batter that is well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure all the dry cake mix is incorporated into the wet ingredients. The batter will be quite thick, almost like a very stiff cookie dough, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for.

Crafting the Strawberry Swirl

Now, let’s prepare the vibrant strawberry swirl that will elevate these brownies. In a separate small bowl, combine the 3/4 cup of powdered sugar. This provides a sweet base for our swirl. Add the 2 tablespoons of strawberry preserves. We absolutely adore using Bonne Maman strawberry preserves for their intense fruit flavor and lovely texture, but any good quality strawberry preserves will work wonderfully. Next, add the 1 ½ tablespoons of milk. This liquid will help to loosen the preserves and sugar into a smooth, spreadable consistency. For an extra layer of richness and a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness, you can also incorporate the 1 tablespoon of cream cheese at this stage. If you’re opting out of the cream cheese, simply omit it and proceed with the other ingredients.

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, vibrant pink glaze. You want it to be thick enough to swirl but thin enough to drizzle. If it seems too thick, you can add another tiny splash of milk, just a few drops at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The goal is a glossy, luscious swirl that will beautifully marble through the brownie batter. This strawberry swirl is the star of the show, adding a burst of fruity flavor and a gorgeous visual appeal.

Assembling and Baking the Strawberry Brownies

Reserve about 1/4 cup of the brownie batter in a small bowl. This smaller portion will be used to help create distinct swirls. Spread the remaining larger portion of the brownie batter evenly into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top as much as possible. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; the swirl will cover most imperfections.

Now, dollop spoonfuls of the strawberry swirl mixture over the top of the brownie batter. Don’t try to be too precise here; random placement will create the most appealing marbled effect. Then, take your reserved 1/4 cup of plain brownie batter and dollop small amounts on top of the strawberry swirl. This extra bit of batter helps to create deeper, more defined swirls when you go to swirl it all together.

Using a toothpick or a butter knife, gently swirl the strawberry mixture and the plain batter into the brownie base. Make figure-eight motions or gentle circular motions. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the colors to blend too much and lose their definition. You want distinct ribbons of strawberry and brownie to be visible.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out withrum extractist crumbs attacherum extractA few moist crumbs are perfect for fudgy brownies; you don’t want it to come out completely clean, as that would indicate an overbaked, dry brownie. The edges should be set and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.

Cooling and Serving

Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven and let the strawberry brownies cool completely on a wire rack. This is a crucial step for allowing the brownies to set properly and for the flavors to meld. Trying to cut them while warm will result in a gooey, messy situation. For the cleanest cuts, it’s often recommended to chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour before slicing.

Once cooled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of brownies out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful streaks of pink strawberry swirl throughout the rich, tender brownie. These strawberry brownies are delicious on their own, but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Enjoy the delightful combination of chocolatey brownie goodness and bright strawberry flavor in every bite.

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate guide to creating delectable Strawberry Brownies that are sure to impress! We’ve walked through each step, from selecting the ripest strawberries to achieving that perfect fudgy texture. These rich, chocolatey bars, studded with bursts of sweet, slightly tart strawberries, offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert. They are truly a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion from a casual afternoon treat to a special celebration.

For serving suggestions, I love these Strawberry Brownies warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. They also stand beautifully on their own with a dusting of powdered sugar. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Consider adding a layer of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness or a hint of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated touch. You could even fold in some chopped fresh mint for a refreshing contrast.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s more rewarding than you might think, and the aroma filling your kitchen as they bake is simply heavenly. Enjoy every decadent bite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the brownies from becoming too wet.

How should I store leftover Strawberry Brownies?

Store your Strawberry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are delicious served cold or brought back to room temperature.

Can I make these vegan?

With a few simple substitutions, you can easily make vegan Strawberry Brownies. Replace the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or commercial egg replacer, and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free.