If you’re searching for a dessert that bursts with fruity flavor and effortless charm, Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies are here to sweep you off your feet. Imagine chewy, decadent bars dressed in a playful pink hue, with a rich strawberry aroma swirling through every bite. These brownies come together in a flash with a handful of pantry staples, but taste like they took hours of love and attention. Whether you’re hosting a party, sneaking a midnight snack, or simply celebrating the joys of strawberry season, this recipe is bound to become your new not-so-secret weapon for any sweet occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies so special is how a few simple ingredients fuse into something truly extraordinary. Each one brings its own delicious personality to the party – that signature strawberry flavor, the irresistible chewiness, and those special dashes of sweetness and texture.
- Strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz box): The star of the show, giving the brownies their irresistible berry flavor and signature pink color with zero fuss.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs deliver richness and structure, helping the batter hold together while staying perfectly gooey in the center.
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): This gives your brownies their moist, tender crumb and keeps them luscious for days.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): These gems melt into pockets of creamy sweetness, adding a dreamy contrast to fruity flavors.
- Chopped fresh strawberries or freeze-dried strawberries (1/2 cup, optional): Fresh berries boost juiciness, while freeze-dried ones intensify the strawberry vibe without adding extra moisture.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A light sprinkle adds a snowy, elegant finish — plus, who can resist that classic look?
How to Make Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that warms up, line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or give it a light coating of nonstick spray. This step makes brownie removal a breeze and keeps those gooey centers perfectly intact for serving.
Step 2: Mix Up the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, add the strawberry cake mix, two eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir together by hand or use a sturdy spatula. The batter will be thick and sticky – that’s exactly what you want! Mix until just combined, so every bite will have that signature chewy texture.
Step 3: Add the Fun Extras
If you’re feeling a little indulgent, fold in white chocolate chips and your choice of chopped fresh or freeze-dried strawberries. The chips melt into luscious pools, while berries add bursts of brightness. These mix-ins make every Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownie a delightful surprise.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Scoop the glorious pink batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. Keep an eye out — the edges should be set, and the center only slightly soft. Underbaking just a bit is key for that irresistibly gooey texture that makes these strawberry brownies unforgettable.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let your brownies cool completely in the pan (seriously, it’s worth the wait!). Once they’ve set, lift them out using the parchment, dust with powdered sugar for extra flair, and cut into 9 generous squares. Get ready for that first, irresistible bite.
How to Serve Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies
Garnishes
These brownies look charming with a pow of powdered sugar on top, but you can go further! Try drizzling them with melted white chocolate, topping them with fresh strawberry slices, or even adding a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.
Side Dishes
Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies absolutely shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a big spoonful of Greek yogurt. Want something lighter? Serve them next to a bowl of fresh mixed berries for a burst of contrasting flavors and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack your brownies high on a cake stand and scatter them with edible flowers. Pack them into lunchboxes for a mid-day treat, or wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with a ribbon — they make irresistible pink gifts for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or showers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The fudgy texture stays just as dreamy, and the strawberry aroma actually gets better overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, place sliced brownies in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you love warm brownies, microwave individual squares for about 10–12 seconds. This brings back their gooey texture and makes those white chocolate chips delightfully melty all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While strawberry is the star here, you can swap in lemon, funfetti, or classic vanilla for a playful twist — though nothing beats the fun and flavor of Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies in their original form.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Look for set edges and a slightly soft center; a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking makes them cakier, so err on the side of gooey.
Do I need to add the mix-ins?
Nope, they’re totally optional. The brownies are delightful on their own, but white chocolate chips or extra strawberries add delicious depth and a little wow factor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjust bake time slightly (start checking at 22–25 minutes), and enjoy even more Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies to share.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
Unless your cake mix is specifically labeled gluten-free, these are not, but you can easily make them gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free strawberry cake mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert for friends or craving a little pick-me-up, I can’t recommend Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies enough. Their color, flavor, and effortlessness make them a treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Give them a try — and be ready for rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to taste a bite!
Print
Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and fruity goodness of these Gooey Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies. They are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, with the vibrant flavor of strawberry cake mix and optional white chocolate chips and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries or freeze-dried strawberries (optional)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or greasing.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Fold in white chocolate chips and strawberries if desired.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly soft.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, consider drizzling with melted white chocolate or adding a cream cheese swirl before baking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
