Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Jam Frosting Recipe

I never imagined strawberry brownies could steal the spotlight until I tried this Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Jam Frosting Recipe. The moment these beauties come out of the oven, the sweet, fruity aroma of strawberry cake mix fills the air, tempting everyone nearby. Topped with a glossy, luscious strawberry jam frosting, this treat is a delightful twist on classic brownies that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Jam Frosting Recipe

• Fabulous Flavors: The marriage of strawberry cake mix and smooth strawberry preserves creates a burst of juicy sweetness that’s irresistible.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples like eggs, oil, and that magical box of strawberry cake mix with pudding—no fancy grocery runs needed.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether a casual dessert or a showstopper at your next gathering, these brownies bring a pop of color and flavor to your dessert table.
• Easy to Make: After just 10 minutes of prep and a 22-minute bake time, you’ll be watching these pink delights rise and get ready to cool before frosting.
• Customizable Frosting: The strawberry jam frosting is flexible—the cream cheese addition is optional but adds a lovely creamy touch to suit your taste buds.

Why This Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Jam Frosting Recipe Works

This recipe works brilliantly because it leverages the moist, flavorful strawberry cake mix with pudding, which guarantees a tender, rich brownie base without extra fuss. Baking in an 8×8 pan ensures even cooking, while the frosting combining powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, and a splash of milk creates a glossy, spreadable finish that melts in your mouth. The optional cream cheese brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly, adding depth to this otherwise simple recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Gather ingredients that celebrate the strawberry’s sweet charm alongside comforting pantry staples to whip up these brownies. Each component plays a delightful role in building layers of flavor and texture.

• 1 box strawberry cake mix with pudding in the mix: The star ingredient, providing sweetness and moist texture with ease.
• 2 large eggs: They bind the mix together and add richness.
• 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil (80 ml): Keeps the brownies tender and moist.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml): Enhances the fruity flavors with a subtle warmth.
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90g): Sweetens the frosting for that perfect finish.
• 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves (40g): Use Bonne Maman for the best flavor burst in the frosting.
• 1 ½ tablespoons milk (22 ml): Adds creaminess to smooth out the frosting.
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (15g) (optional): Offers a tangy creaminess in the frosting if you like it richer.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Strawberry cake mix: You can swap with other strawberry-flavored cake mixes that include pudding for the best moisture.
• Vegetable oil: Canola or light olive oil works well too, but avoid strong-flavored oils.
• Strawberry preserves: Homemade jam or other high-quality brands work, but opt for a smooth variety for easy frosting spreading.
• Cream cheese: Skip or substitute with mascarpone for a creamier frosting, or leave out entirely for a classic sweet glaze.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Jam Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Getting this step right sets the stage for perfectly baked brownies. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, either spray an 8×8 pan with nonstick spray or line it with foil or parchment paper for easy removal. I personally love lining the pan with parchment—it gives such clean edges.

💡 Pro Tip: If using foil, lightly spray it so your brownies don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix & Bake

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. You can mix by hand with a spoon or use a mixer—both yield fantastic results. Once mixed, press the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until just done. The key here is to avoid overbaking; a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs. Then, let the brownies cool completely—patience pays off!

💡 Pro Tip: Rotate your pan halfway through baking for even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Brownie Frosting

While your brownies are cooling, put together that luscious frosting. Grab a small bowl and whisk powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, milk, and optionally cream cheese. The goal: a smooth, glossy frosting with just the right consistency to spread easily without sliding off.

💡 Pro Tip: If frosting feels too thick, add a splash more milk, a teaspoon at a time.

Step 4: Spread the Frosting

Carefully spread your strawberry jam frosting over the thoroughly cooled brownies. The vibrant pink glaze makes these treats pop visually and flavors blend beautifully. Chill briefly if you want a firmer frost before cutting into squares.

💡 Pro Tip: Use an offset spatula for ultra-smooth spreading.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Overbaking: Leads to dry brownies instead of moist, tender delights.
• Frosting on warm brownies: Will cause the frosting to melt and run off.
• Skipping the parchment or foil lining: May make removing the brownies a sticky struggle.
• Using chunky preserves: Can create uneven frosting texture.
• Neglecting to whisk frosting thoroughly: Leaves lumps and uneven spread.
• Not pressing batter evenly: Results in uneven baking and texture.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’re a pro at this Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Jam Frosting Recipe, mix it up with these delightful twists:

White Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosted brownies for an elegant, creamy contrast to the fruity frosting.

Lemon Zest Kick

Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the frosting for a fresh, citrusy zing that brightens the strawberry flavors wonderfully.

Fresh Strawberry Slices

Top your frosted brownies with thin slices of fresh strawberries to add natural texture and intensify that berry goodness.

Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans over the frosting for a delicious crunch that pairs beautifully with the sweet flavors.

Berry Medley

Incorporate a mix of fresh raspberries and blueberries as a colorful topping, turning your brownies into a vibrant berry extravaganza.

For more fruity treats, you might enjoy our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Easy, Delicious Treat, which offers another luscious berry dessert option!

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Jam Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Consider a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few fresh mint leaves, or extra strawberry preserves dolloped on top for a restaurant-quality finish.

Side Dishes

These strawberry brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of warm herbal tea, letting the fruity sweetness shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into small bite-sized squares for elegant party platters or layer with whipped cream and fresh berries for a gorgeous dessert trifle—perfect for impressing guests and sharing smiles. Serve alongside our festive Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle – Festive Holiday Dessert for a celebration full of flavor and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the brownies and frosting a day in advance, refrigerate them unfrosted, and add the frosting right before serving for the freshest look and taste.

Storage

Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep them moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting.

Reheating

Bring brownies to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds; avoid reheating with frosting to prevent melting.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use room temperature eggs: They mix better and create a smoother batter.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so precise amounts mean perfect texture.
• Don’t skip cooling: Frosting melted by warm brownies loses its sheen and texture.
• Choose good-quality strawberry preserves: It dramatically elevates the frosting flavor.
• Use nonstick spray or parchment: Ensures easy release and clean edges.
• Try adding a pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the strawberry notes.
• Experiment with frosting thickness: Adjust powdered sugar or milk for your ideal spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size pan?

For best results, stick to an 8×8 inch pan. Using a different size may affect baking time and brownie thickness.

Is the cream cheese in the frosting necessary?

Nope! It’s optional and adds a creamy tang, but the frosting is delicious without it too.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use a nondairy milk substitute and skip cream cheese or use a vegan cream cheese alternative.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Check by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.

Can I store these at room temperature?

Because of the frosting and preservatives, it’s best to keep them refrigerated for freshness.

Can I add fresh strawberries to the batter?

Fresh strawberries add moisture and texture but can alter baking time; chop them small and fold in gently.

What’s the best way to cut the brownies cleanly?

Chill the brownies briefly in the fridge after frosting and use a sharp knife wiped between cuts for neat squares.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Brownies with Strawberry Jam Frosting Recipe truly turns the ordinary into an extraordinary dessert experience. The sweet aroma, the vibrant pink frosting, and the tender crumb come together in such harmony that each bite feels like a celebration. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, it’s sure to bring smiles and happy taste buds. So, grab your mixing bowl and get ready to enjoy this heartwarming strawberry delight!

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love these delicious recipes:

• Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle – Festive Holiday Dessert – A festive and light dessert layered with brownies, peppermint candies, and creamy pudding, perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Easy, Delicious Treat – An effortless and scrumptious cake bursting with strawberry pie filling and creamy cheesecake flavors, ideal for any sweet tooth.

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• Outrageous Snickers Brownies: Irresistibly Decadent Dessert – Dive into layers of brownie, marshmallow fluff, creamy peanut butter, caramel, nuts, and chocolate chips for an over-the-top treat.

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