Strawberry Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

A Sweet Start

Let’s make some pink brownies. They are so cheerful. I love how simple they are to put together.

You just mix a box of strawberry cake mix with eggs and oil. It makes a soft, pink dough. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? It reminds me of summer.

A Little Story for You

I first made these for my granddaughter’s birthday. She wanted a pink dessert. I was so nervous they wouldn’t turn out right.

But her face lit up when she saw them. I still laugh at that. It taught me that the best recipes are often the easiest ones. That matters more than a fancy, difficult cake.

The Waiting Game

The hardest part is waiting for the brownies to cool. I know, it’s tough. But it is very important.

If you frost them while they are warm, the frosting will melt. It will become a messy puddle. Patience makes a prettier treat. What’s your favorite thing to do while you wait for baked goods to cool?

The Pretty Pink Frosting

The frosting is my favorite part. You just whisk a few things together. The strawberry preserves give it a lovely color and a real fruit taste.

*Fun fact*: The little bit of cream cheese makes the frosting taste rich. But you can leave it out if you want. It will still be delicious. Do you like cream cheese frosting or regular buttercream more?

Why This is a Good Recipe

This recipe is great for new bakers. It does not need many ingredients. And it is very hard to mess up.

That is why it matters. Cooking should be fun, not scary. Everyone deserves to feel proud of something they make. What was the first thing you ever baked by yourself?

Time to Share

These brownies are perfect for sharing. They are sweet and a little bit special. Bringing people together is what good food is all about.

That is the most important lesson in my kitchen. Food made with a happy heart tastes the best. Who would you share a pan of these with?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Strawberry cake mix	1 box	For the Brownies
Eggs	2 large	For the Brownies
Vegetable oil	1/3 cup	For the Brownies
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	For the Brownies
Powdered sugar	3/4 cup	For the Glaze
Strawberry preserves	2 tablespoons	For the Glaze
Milk	1 1/2 tablespoons	For the Glaze
Cream cheese	1 tablespoon	For the Glaze, optional

My Sweet Strawberry Brownies

I have always loved a good baking shortcut. This recipe is one of my favorites. It turns a simple box of cake mix into the most cheerful pink brownies. They are perfect for a sunny afternoon treat. My grandkids call them “pinkies.” I still laugh at that.

Let’s get our pan ready first. Step 1: Turn your oven on to 350°F. Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan. Grease it well so nothing sticks. I use a little butter on a paper towel. It makes the whole kitchen smell good already.

Now for the fun part. Step 2: Dump the strawberry cake mix into a big bowl. Add the two eggs, the oil, and that lovely vanilla. Stir it all up until it becomes a soft, pink dough. It will be thick, like cookie dough. Press it evenly into your pan. (A hard-learned tip: wet your fingers to press the dough down. It won’t stick to you!)

Step 3: Pop the pan into your hot oven. Bake for about 20 minutes. You will know it is done when the top looks set. Let the pan cool completely on the counter. This takes patience, I know. But a warm brownie will melt your frosting.

Time for the frosting! Step 4: While you wait, make the glaze. Whisk the powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and milk together. I add the optional cream cheese for a little tang. It makes the frosting so creamy. Doesn’t that smell amazing? What’s your favorite frosting flavor? Share below!

Step 5: Once the brownies are cool, spread that pink frosting all over. Make it nice and even. Then, cut them into squares. I find a plastic knife works best for clean cuts. Now, enjoy your beautiful creation.

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour (with cooling)

Yield: 9 brownies

Category: Dessert, Snack

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a perfect little black dress. You can dress it up for any occasion. Here are a few of my favorite ways to change it. They are all so simple and fun.

Chocolate Chip Surprise: Stir a handful of mini chocolate chips into the dough. The chocolate and strawberry taste like a fancy candy bar.

Spring Confetti: Add some rainbow sprinkles right into the mix. It makes them look like a party in every single bite.

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top of the frosting. It gives a wonderful little crunch.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Sweet Creation

These brownies are wonderful all on their own. But sometimes, I like to make them extra special. A little thought makes any treat feel like a celebration.

For serving, try placing a brownie on a pretty plate. Add a few fresh strawberry slices on the side. A tiny dollop of whipped cream looks so elegant. You could even crumble one over a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Now that is a real treat.

What to drink? A cold glass of milk is always the classic choice. For the grown-ups, a sweet pink Moscato wine pairs beautifully. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Strawberry Brownies Fresh

Let’s talk about keeping these pink treats yummy. First, let them cool completely. Warm brownies get soggy in a container. I learned that the hard way with my first batch.

Store them in a tight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about three days. You can also freeze them for a later surprise.

Just wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then pop them all in a freezer bag. This stops them from getting freezer burn. It matters because a sweet treat should always bring joy.

You can reheat a frozen brownie in the microwave. Ten seconds makes it taste fresh from the oven. This is perfect for a quick dessert.

Batch cooking means you always have a snack ready. It saves you time on busy days. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Brownie Troubles

Sometimes baking does not go as planned. Do not worry. Here are some simple fixes. First, your dough might seem too thick.

Just wet your fingers with a little water. Then press the dough into the pan smoothly. I remember when my dough stuck to my fingers. A little water fixed everything.

Second, the brownies might look pale. Bake them until the top is just set. It should not jiggle when you move the pan. This matters for the perfect soft texture.

Third, your glaze might be too runny. Add a bit more powdered sugar. If it is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk. Getting the glaze right makes them look beautiful. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Brownie Questions Answered

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix. It works just the same.

Q: Can I make them ahead?
A: Absolutely. Frost them the day you plan to serve. They taste best fresh.

Q: What if I do not have preserves?
A: You can use mashed fresh strawberries. Just know the glaze might have seeds.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: For sure. Use a 9×13 inch pan. Your baking time might be a little longer.

Q: Is the cream cheese needed?
A: It is optional. It just makes the frosting a little tangy and creamy. *Fun fact: The first cream cheese was made in New York in 1872.* Which tip will you try first?

A Sweet Note From My Kitchen

I hope you love making these strawberry brownies. Baking is a wonderful way to share happiness. It creates sweet memories with family and friends.

I would be so thrilled to see your creations. Your kitchen adventures make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!
—Olivia Hartwell.