Strawberry Lemon Brownies
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There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and lemons, isn’t there? When the sweet, juicy essence of strawberries marries with the bright, zesty kick of lemons, the result is pure bliss. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with these delightful Strawberry Lemon Brownies. Perfect for sunny afternoons, picnics, or even as a light dessert at a dinner party, this recipe captures the essence of summer in every bite. With their vibrant color and irresistible flavor, these brownies are not just visually appealing; they’re a hit amongst family and friends.
What Makes This Recipe Special
You might be wondering why you should give this recipe a try. Well, here are just a few reasons to add these Strawberry Lemon Brownies to your baking lineup:
- Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and baking time of around 30 minutes, you can whip these up even on busy weeknights.
- Kid-Approved: The bright colors and sweet flavors make these brownies a hit with kids (and adults alike!). They’re perfect for school bake sales or parties.
- Versatile Dessert: Whether you’re having a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply needing a sweet treat, these brownies fit the occasion.
“These Strawberry Lemon Brownies are a game changer! They’re the perfect blend of sweet and tart, and they disappear faster than I can make them.” – Happy Baker
Preparing Strawberry Lemon Brownies
Making Strawberry Lemon Brownies is a straightforward process, filled with delightful flavors and vibrant colors. Let’s walk you through the steps of bringing this tasty dessert to life.
- Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to get it warming while you mix your ingredients.
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This not only helps with easy removal but also makes cleaning up a breeze.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, chopped fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and eggs. Beat until smooth and well blended.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: After cooling for about 10 minutes, remove the brownies from the pan. Create a lemon glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice, pour it over the brownies, and let them cool completely before slicing.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to bring these delicious brownies to life:
- 1 (15.25 oz) box of strawberry cake mix (I used Betty Crocker)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (add extra drops if needed for desired glaze consistency)
Feel free to swap the strawberries for your favorite berry or use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to create these sweet treats:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the Baking Dish: Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and a light coat of cooking spray.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the box of strawberry cake mix, chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or fork to mix until it’s smooth.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into your baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
- Cool: Allow cooling for about 10 minutes before removing the parchment to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency if necessary.
- Glaze and Cut: Pour the glaze over cooled brownies, let it set, and then cut into squares.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Strawberry Lemon Brownies are delicious on their own but can be elevated even further. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a refreshing contrast, try pairing them with a simple fruit salad or a glass of iced lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life. If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for a sweet treat anytime!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Egg Temperatures: For best results, use room temperature eggs; they mix better into the batter.
- Strawberry Prep: Make sure your strawberries are very fresh, as they add the juiciness that balances the sweetness of the cake mix.
- Perfect Glaze: If your glaze is too thick, whisk in a drop of lemon juice at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you might consider:
- Berries Galore: Swap in raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity flavor.
- Zesty Additions: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the brownie mix for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled brownies for added richness.
Your Questions Answered
- How long do they take to prepare? The prep time is around 10 minutes, with a baking time of 18-20 minutes.
- Can I use other types of cake mix? Yes, feel free to experiment with other flavors—vanilla or lemon cake mixes would work nicely!
- How long do leftovers last? Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days or in the fridge for a week.
Now, get ready to enjoy the delightful blend of strawberries and lemon in these fabulous brownies—your taste buds will be thanking you!
Strawberry Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and eggs. Beat until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling for about 10 minutes before removing the brownies from the pan.
- Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust for consistency as needed.
- Pour the glaze over cooled brownies, let set, and cut into squares.
