Strawberry cake mix brownies are a cheerful shortcut dessert with a soft, chewy center, sweet berry flavor, white chocolate chips, and a creamy icing on top. Their bright pink color makes them especially fun for birthday parties, baby showers, Valentine’s Day, spring gatherings, bake sales, or an easy treat at home. Because the base starts with cake mix, you get plenty of flavor with less measuring and prep than a traditional from-scratch brownie recipe. The result sits deliciously between a blondie and a brownie: rich enough to feel indulgent, yet tender and playful enough for any celebration.
What is the difference between cake mix and brownie mix?
Brownies are usually denser, fudgier, and chewier than cake, while cake is designed to rise higher and have a lighter, softer crumb. The biggest difference is not simply the flour in the box; it is also the balance of fat, liquid, eggs, sugar, and leavening used when the batter is prepared. By using less liquid and a richer ratio of ingredients, cake mix can become a thick batter that bakes more like a brownie or blondie. That simple change is what gives cake mix brownies their compact, chewy texture.
Fun facts about strawberry cake mix brownies
- They are technically brownie-style bars. Since the base is cake mix rather than chocolate brownie mix, their flavor and texture are closer to a strawberry blondie.
- White chocolate and strawberry are natural partners. The creamy vanilla notes in white chocolate soften the berry flavor and make the bars taste extra rich.
- The pink color is celebration-ready. These bars fit themed dessert tables without requiring complicated decorating.
- Cake mix is a dependable shortcut. The dry ingredients are already blended, which reduces prep time and helps produce consistent results.
- Small pieces go a long way. These brownies are sweet and rich, so bite-size squares are ideal for parties and dessert trays.
Tips and tricks for the best results
- Line the pan. Parchment paper makes the brownies easier to lift out and helps you cut cleaner squares.
- Do not overmix. Stir only until the dry mix is incorporated. Overmixing can create a tougher texture.
- Expect a thick batter. Brownie-style cake mix batter may be much thicker than regular cake batter. Spread it gently into the corners with a spatula rather than adding extra liquid.
- Fold in the chips last. This distributes the white chocolate evenly without overworking the batter. Save a small handful for the top if you want a bakery-style finish.
- Watch the edges. The brownies are generally ready when the edges look set and the center no longer appears wet. A tester may have a few moist crumbs; waiting for it to come out completely clean can lead to dry bars.
- Cool before icing. Warm brownies can melt the icing and make it slide. Let the pan cool completely for a neat, even layer.
- Use a clean knife. For tidy pieces, chill the iced brownies briefly, then wipe the knife between cuts.
Easy variations
Keep the strawberry base and make the bars your own. Stir in festive sprinkles for birthdays, use pastel sprinkles for spring, or add a small amount of crushed freeze-dried strawberries for stronger berry flavor without introducing much moisture. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate can replace a full layer of icing, while a dusting of powdered sugar creates a simpler finish. Chopped nuts can add crunch, and a few fresh strawberry slices make a pretty garnish when the brownies are served immediately. Avoid mixing fresh fruit directly into the batter unless the recipe has been tested for it, because extra moisture can affect the texture and baking time.
Serving suggestions
Serve the brownies at room temperature for the softest texture and fullest strawberry flavor. For an easy plated dessert, pair a square with vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, and a little white chocolate drizzle. Bite-size pieces work well on a dessert board alongside fruit, cookies, and chocolate-covered pretzels. For parties, place each square in a mini cupcake liner so guests can pick one up without smudging the icing. They are also a sweet match for coffee, hot chocolate, cold milk, or a fruity tea.
Can you freeze brownies?
Absolutely. For the best texture, cool the brownies completely before freezing. Wrap individual squares tightly, then place them in a labeled freezer-safe bag or airtight container. If you stack them, separate the layers with parchment paper. Thaw only what you need at room temperature. For a warm treat, use short microwave intervals at reduced power so the brownie heats gently. Iced brownies can also be frozen, but freezing them uncovered first until the topping firms up helps protect the finish when they are wrapped.
How long do brownies last?
Unfrosted brownies can generally be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. These brownies are topped with an icing that contains milk, so store them in the refrigerator instead. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent the bars from drying out or absorbing other refrigerator odors. For the best texture, let a serving sit at room temperature briefly before eating.
Do brownies need to be refrigerated?
Plain brownies do not always require refrigeration, but the topping matters. Because this icing contains milk, refrigerate the finished strawberry cake mix brownies in an airtight container. If you make them without icing or use a shelf-stable topping, room-temperature storage may be suitable for a short period. When in doubt, follow the storage guidance for the most perishable ingredient in the finished dessert.
More brownie recipes…
- Skillet S’mores brownies
- Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
- Chocolate Covered Brownies
- Blue Cake Mix Brownies
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Rock on!
~Bobbi
Strawberry CAKE MIX Brownies
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking dish
- Stand Mixer/Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 15.25 Oz Strawberry Cake Mix
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 3.3 Oz White Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix Optional
- 1 Cup White Chocolate Baking Chips Optional
- 1 Tbsp Butter, Softened For Icing
- 1 Cup Powder Sugar For Icing
- 2 Tbsp Milk For Icing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 13×9 pan with cooking spray.
- Mix the cake mix, egg, water, oil and pudding mix, if desired.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Pour (if possible) into the 9×13 pan. The mixture is pretty thick. So, after you spoon the mixture in, either spray your hands to spread the mixture out, or put a baggie on your hand and spray then pat and spread.
- Bake @ 350° for 20-25 minutes. Cool for 2 hours. If want to serve warm, cool at least 30 minutes.
- ICING: Mix the butter, powder sugar & milk. Spread on the icing after brownies cool.
Notes
Nutrition
I was looking for a quick, easy Valentines cake recipe and the picture of these strawberry brownies looked so good I decided to give it a try. I really wasn’t expecting them to be as delicious as they are using a cake mix, rich strawberry flavor (I used Duncan Hines) with the true chewy/dense consistency of a brownie and the light icing just the right touch. I would serve these to company and use as food gifts any time. My new favorite – thank you!
So cool. I’m happy you liked them! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!!
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I had never seen or thought of strawberry brownies before, but now that I’ve seen them, they look amazing! That is genius! I’ll have to try that! Thanks!
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Thanks for stopping by and dropping a comment! Hope you get to try them…they’re awesome!!
These. Look. Amazing.
Thanks for linking up with Creative Spark!
Kristy gd recently posted…Simple Sewn Pillow Covers
Thanks Kristy!! Thanks for stopping by!! Much appreciated!
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These sound interesting, I wouldn’t have ever thought of making strawberry brownies. I do love chocolate brownies with strawberries and coconut cream on top, so yummy! Thanks for sharing these at the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party! Come back again soon!
Rebekah @survivingtoddlerhood recently posted…Bloggers Brags Weekly Pinterest Party #38
Hey cuter lady! How cool!! Thanks for coming by and letting me know. 😉
Excited!!
What a great tip! Hello, my name is Misty, from The LadyPrefers2Save at http://theladypreferstosave.com, and I’m one of the new co-hosts for the Merry Monday Linky Party! Thanks for linking up at the Merry Monday’s Linky Party this week. Have an awesome weekend!
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Hi Misty, from the LadyPrefers2Save!! Thanks for stopping by. Very nice to meet you!
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Thank you for sharing your yummy recipe at CAL link party 🙂
Maz Kwok recently posted…Crafting Along # 52
My pleasure…thanks for having me and for dropping by here!
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These look sinful! Cannot wait to try them!
Michele @ Alwayzbakin recently posted…Raspberry Chocolate Chip Sherbert
Hope you get the chance! Let me know if you do 😉
Thank you for linking up to Creative K Kid’s Tasty Tuesdays. I have pinned your recipe to the Tasty Tuesdays Pinterest Board.
Keitha The Bajan Texan recently posted…Tasty Tuesdays with Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Hi!! Thanks for stopping by!!
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Mmmm yumm! Nice spin on strawberry cake! Can’t wait to try it out. Thanks for linking up to Snickerdoodle Sunday.
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Hope you get the chance!
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I’m soooo glad you caught that. I missed that when I proofed it ;( It’s 350○ like you thought. Thanks so much! And thanks for stopping by!
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These really look FANTASTIC !!
I loooooove strawberry and white chocolate 🙂
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Thanks again Winnie!! It’s something to make you all excited 😉
Appreciate you bunches!
Thanks for linking up at the Creative Spark Link Party! I hope you will stop by again today to link up! http://bit.ly/1kbGQ7W
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I should be there…thanks for swinging by here!
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Thanks for stopping by and checking it out Lisa!!
Have a great day!
Thanks for stopping by Dina!! Much appreciated!
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Intriguing… I am not a big strawberry fan, but I am sure my children will love them. Thanks for posting.
Meeghan recently posted…Smoothie Competition… come vote for us!
You can always change the cake mix to whatever flavor you like!! Thanks for stopping by and checking it out!!
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This looks great! I like the idea of how quick and easy it is. Thank you for posting this. 🙂
Gentle Joy recently posted…Project In Progress- Any Ideas?
Thanks!! I love easy more than anything. Appreciate you stopping by and checking it out!
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Strawberry anything and I’m interested! What a great idea and easy enough that even I could do it!
Thank you so much for linking up at Thank Goodness It’s Thursday. This is such a wonderful addition to get everyone’s taste buds going.
Sarah Nenni Daher recently posted…Thank Goodness It’s Thursday No. 31
Aww…thanks Sarah! I appreciate you stopping by and checking it out!
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I’m a huge fan of cake mixes. They just make life easier. The brownies look great!
Melissa @ Simply Sweets by Honeybee recently posted…Slice of Life Sundays: 7-20-14
Just makes it a little easier huh? Thanks for stopping by!!
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Thank you for this recipe.
I plan to make it at our next get-together.
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You’re welcome Michelle! Thanks for stopping by and if you get a chance, let me know how it went at your next get together!
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These look really good. If I use chocolate cake I would use chocolate pudding but what about the froasting do I make that the same? Has anyone tried making them chocolate? How were they?
Hi Marie,
The icing/frosting is universal, so yes, you could use it. Or you could sprinkle with powder sugar. I think either way would be great with chocolate!
Thanks for stopping by, much appreciated!!
Have a great day.
So quick and looks super delicious!
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Thanks, and thanks for stopping by and checking it out!
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I love anything strawberry. These sound really good! Thanks for sharing with Hump Day Happenings.
HI Jenna!! Thanks!! Appreciate you stopping by and checking it out!!
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on my to make list! Thanks for sharing.
Linda recently posted…Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Hi Linda!! Hope you enjoy them!! Thanks for stopping by and checking it out!!
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Sounds and looks very tasty, I just added this post to my bookmarks and will see if I get the ingredients to try it out. I think my family would love it.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for checking it out. I hope you get a chance to make them. My son-in-law kept eating one after the other. Every time he’d pass them, he’d grab one.
Have a great day!
Found this at “The Yuck Stops Here” linky party! Will make but I favor chocolate. Pinned:)
That’s the cool thing about these….pick your flavor! Appreciate you stopping by and checking it out!!
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What a GREAT idea! This is very clever and can easily be made with different cake mixes. Thanks for linking up at Wonderful Wed Blog Hop. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Thanks Carrie!! I’ve already thought of some others 🙂 Appreciate you stopping by!
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These look scrumptious and easy! I’ve pinned and stumbled. Thanks for bringing them to The Yuck Stops Here recipe link party! I hope to see you next week. In the mean while I’m going to check out your link party right now and add a recipe of my own! HUGS
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Thanks so much Cheryl! Can’t wait to see what you add to the party! Appreciate you stopping by and checking it out!
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So easy, Bobbi! Love it. I bet lemon would be delish as well!!
Elizabeth recently posted…Luscious Lemon Bars
Hi Elizabeth! I bet lemon would be good, my hubs would probably like it better. Thanks for stopping by and checking it out!
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If you use lemon cake mix, would you switch the white chocolate pudding mix to lemon pudding or do you always use white chocolate pudding mix no matter what flavor of cake mix you’re using to make the brownies?
Thanks,
Terri
You could use any pudding/cake mix combo you like. I think the lemon/lemon would be perfect 😉
Have a great day!!
These look absolutely amazing. I’ll be pinning these for later. Thanks for sharing.
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