Strawberry Brownies Recipe (Easy Valentine’s Day Dessert)

Craving something pink, chewy, and full of strawberry flavor? This Strawberry Brownies Recipe is your new Valentine’s favorite! Made with just one bowl, a box of cake mix, and a simple glaze, these brownies bake up soft inside with crisp edges. They’re quick, colorful, and perfect for gifting or sharing with someone sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Brownies Recipe

You’ll love this Strawberry Brownies Recipe because it’s fast, simple, and bursting with flavor. With only a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. The brownies come out dense and chewy like classic chocolate brownies, not fluffy like cake. Plus, the glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness and shine. The pretty pink color makes them ideal for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or baby showers. You can also customize them with chocolate chips or a rich frosting for a fun twist. These brownies don’t just look good—they taste amazing too.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Strawberry Brownies Recipe

For the brownies, you’ll need one box of strawberry cake mix with pudding in the mix. This type creates the rich, fudgy texture you want. Pillsbury works great here. Add two large eggs, a third cup of vegetable or canola oil, and a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth. For the glaze, gather powdered sugar, strawberry preserves (Bonne Maman adds real fruit flavor), milk, and cream cheese if you’d like a richer, slightly tangy frosting. Each ingredient plays a role: the oil keeps brownies soft, the eggs bind, and the pudding mix ensures the texture stays chewy instead of cakey. Skip fresh strawberries—they add too much moisture and can ruin the texture.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies

Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8×8-inch glass baking pan—glass helps brownies bake evenly and stay moist. If you want easy removal later, add parchment paper and leave a little overhang.

Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir with a spatula until thick and smooth. Don’t overmix—just blend until the dry spots disappear. The batter will be dense, like cookie dough, not runny. If you see dry streaks, scrape the sides of the bowl and fold gently.

Bake Until Just Set

Spread the batter evenly in your pan. Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes, checking near the end. The center should look set but still soft. If the edges pull away slightly, they’re ready. Avoid overbaking since that can make them dry and cakey. You want a chewy middle with crisp edges.

Cool Before Frosting

Once baked, set the pan on a wire rack and let the brownies cool completely. This step matters because if they’re warm, the glaze will melt and soak in instead of setting nicely on top. Waiting gives you that smooth, glossy finish.

Strawberry Brownie Frosting and Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk in a small bowl. If you want a creamier glaze, add a spoonful of cream cheese. Mix until smooth and thick but pourable. You can adjust texture easily—add a few drops of milk if it’s too thick, or a little more sugar for stiffness. Spread the glaze gently over the cooled brownies using a spatula. It should glide across the top without dripping over the edges. Once it sets, the glaze adds shine, flavor, and that extra strawberry sweetness that makes each bite irresistible.

Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Always choose cake mix with pudding included—it makes a huge difference in texture. Avoid using fresh strawberries because they add too much moisture. A glass pan bakes more evenly and helps brownies stay chewy. For clean slices, chill the brownies before cutting and use a sharp knife wiped between cuts. If you like, frost just before serving for the freshest look. Keep in mind that overbaking turns them into cake, not brownies. You can also line your pan with parchment for quick cleanup.

Recipe Variations and Add-Ins

These brownies are great as is, but you can make them your own. Stir in white or dark chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Add colorful sprinkles for a festive Valentine’s touch, or mix in crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a stronger berry flavor. If you love the idea of chocolate-covered strawberries, try topping these with chocolate frosting instead of strawberry glaze. They’re fun to experiment with, and each variation brings a slightly new flavor twist.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

Store frosted brownies in a single layer inside an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the glaze firm and fresh. If your brownies are unfrosted, you can keep them at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. To freeze, wrap each piece in plastic and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then let them come to room temperature. They’ll taste as chewy and flavorful as the day you made them.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

• Sourdough Red Velvet Cupcakes
• Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
• Chocolate Raspberry Truffles for Valentine’s Day
• Valentine’s Day Oreo M&M Cookies
• Strawberry Kiss Cookies
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Brownies are a sweet, simple treat that always impresses. The color makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day, while the flavor keeps everyone coming back for seconds. You’ll love how quick they are to make and how pretty they look on a dessert table. Try customizing the glaze or adding chocolate chips for fun variations, then share your batch with someone you love. For more cute dessert ideas, visit my Pinterest page.