If you’re looking for a dessert that bursts with bright, fresh flavors and a surprising twist on a classic treat, this Strawberry Lemon Brownies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine moist, tender brownies infused with juicy strawberries and tangy lemon juice, topped with a luscious lemon glaze that adds the perfect zing. It’s sweet, tart, and utterly irresistible—a dessert that feels like summer in every bite and makes your kitchen smell heavenly. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or cozying up with a special treat, these brownies deliver delight with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple yet packs incredible flavor thanks to a handful of essential ingredients you likely have on hand. Each one brings something special to the table—whether it’s the moist texture, the fruity brightness, or the sweet-tart balance that makes these brownies so memorable.
- 15.25-ounce strawberry cake mix: This adds the strawberry flavor and a fluffy, tender crumb without any fuss.
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (chopped): Fresh berries give bursts of juicy texture and amplify the natural strawberry notes.
- 1/3 cup lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens the batter with a refreshing, citrusy tang that wakes up your taste buds.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs create structure and help bind all the ingredients together for that perfect brownie consistency.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is used for the glaze, providing just the right sweetness and smoothness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus extra if needed): Combined with powdered sugar, this turns into a zesty glaze that beautifully finishes the brownies.
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your brownies will bake evenly. Then, line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Getting this part right makes all the difference when it comes time to remove your brownies intact and beautiful.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix with chopped fresh strawberries, 1/3 cup lemon juice, and the eggs. Use a hand mixer or even a sturdy fork to blend everything until smooth and well incorporated. This step is where the magic happens—fresh berries and zesty lemon join forces to create a batter full of vibrant flavor and luscious texture.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye near the end, as you want the brownies tender but not overbaked—this will keep them moist and soft with that irresistible bite.
Step 4: Cool and Remove
Once baked, allow your brownies to cool for about 10 minutes right in the pan. Then gently lift them out using the parchment paper. This cooling period is crucial because it helps the brownies firm up just enough to hold their shape when cut, without losing any of their fudgy texture.
Step 5: Make and Pour the Glaze
While the brownies cool further on a rack, whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth and glossy. If the glaze is too thick, add a few extra drops of lemon juice for that perfect pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze generously over the brownies and let it flow over the edges. This bright, tangy layer is what elevates these from ordinary to spectacular.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra visual and flavor pop, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh strawberries or a few lemon zest curls on top of the glazed brownies. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also give a pretty, snow-kissed look. These simple garnishes make your dessert look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance their zesty sweetness. A small bowl of mixed berries on the side enhances the strawberry-lemon theme beautifully while adding a refreshing contrast to the rich, soft brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on skewers, alternating with strawberry halves and lemon wedges. You can also use decorative parchment cups or bright, summery plates to highlight the fresh, lively flavors. Presenting your Strawberry Lemon Brownies Recipe this way will surely impress your guests and spark compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover brownies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and fresh, allowing you to enjoy their lovely texture and flavor a little longer. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is a better option to maintain that glaze’s shine.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. The lemon glaze may soften but the flavor remains fabulous.
Reheating
If you want warm brownies again, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly warm in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This brings back that fresh-baked feeling and pleasantly soft texture, making each bite feel just like the first.
FAQs
Can I use other cake mix flavors instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix gives this recipe its signature fruity flavor, experimenting with vanilla or lemon cake mixes can create delicious variations. Just keep the fresh strawberries and lemon juice to maintain that lovely balance of flavors.
Do I need fresh strawberries, or can I use frozen?
Fresh strawberries work best for texture and freshness, but if you have frozen berries on hand, thaw and drain them well before mixing to avoid excess moisture. This helps keep your brownies from becoming too soggy.
Is the lemon glaze necessary?
The glaze adds a wonderful tangy sweetness that complements the strawberry brownie beautifully. However, if you prefer, you can skip the glaze or replace it with a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
Can I make these gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix, this recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check all other ingredients to keep them safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How thick should the glaze be?
The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a few extra drops of lemon juice. If it’s too thin, sprinkle in a little more powdered sugar. The perfect glaze will coat the brownies nicely and harden slightly as it cools.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Lemon Brownies Recipe enough for anyone who loves a dessert that’s refreshing, bright, and full of personality. It’s easy to make, stunning to serve, and utterly delicious from the first bite to the last crumb. Whether a casual snack or your next show-stopping treat, these brownies bring joy and sunshine to your table. So grab your ingredients and start baking—I promise you won’t regret it!
Print
Strawberry Lemon Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, using strawberry cake mix for a fruity, moist base topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfectly sweet and with a fresh strawberry flavor, they make an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 15.25 ounces strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus a few extra drops if needed for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the brownies evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, chopped fresh strawberries, 1/3 cup lemon juice, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or fork to blend everything until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the brownies are set. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out by the edges of the parchment paper.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add a few extra drops of lemon juice if needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Glaze the Brownies: Pour the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled brownies, letting it drip over the edges for a beautiful finish.
- Final Cooling and Serving: Place the glazed brownies on a cooling rack until the glaze is fully set. Once cooled, cut into nine squares and serve.
Notes
- Fresh strawberries add a nice texture and natural sweetness, but you can substitute with frozen if needed—just thaw and drain excess moisture.
- Adjust lemon juice in the glaze to reach your preferred thickness—it should be smooth and slightly runny for easy pouring.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the brownies moist and tender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For extra zing, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the brownie batter or glaze.
