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These pink strawberry treats take an ordinary cake mix and turn it into something special that's great for spring parties, Valentine's Day, or anytime you're craving something colorful. The fresh strawberry taste works so well with the sweet topping for a treat you can't put down.
I whipped these up for my kid's birthday when I needed something fast but impressive. Everyone went crazy for the bright color and sweet berry flavor, and now we make them for every celebration we have.
Ingredients
- Strawberry cake mix: Forms the base and gives that amazing pink color naturally
- Large eggs: Help everything stick together for that perfect fudgy bite
- Vegetable oil: Keeps everything soft and fresh-tasting for several days
- Vanilla extract: Cuts the sweetness and makes the strawberry taste pop
- Powdered sugar: Makes a silky topping that hardens beautifully
- Strawberry preserves: Boost the berry flavor in both taste and look
- Milk: Gets the topping just runny enough to pour
- Cream cheese (optional): Brings a bit of tang that works well with the sweet berry flavor
Making Your Treats
- Get Your Pan Ready:
- Turn your oven to 350°F and fix up your 8x8 pan with cooking spray or parchment paper. Leave paper hanging over the edges so you can lift everything out easily later.
- Put The Batter Together:
- Grab a big bowl and mix your strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla. You'll notice it's pretty thick, almost like you're making cookies. Don't mix too much or your treats might come out tough.
- Get It In The Oven:
- Push the thick mixture into your pan evenly. Use a spatula or slightly wet fingers to flatten the top. Bake for 18-22 minutes, but check at 18. Stick a toothpick in - you want a few moist crumbs for gooey results.
- Whip Up The Topping:
- While everything cools down completely, mix your powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, milk, and cream cheese if you're using it. Start with just a little milk and add more as you go until it's thick but pourable.
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The strawberry preserves really make all the difference here. I found out that using something fancy like Bonne Maman totally changes the taste. One time I brought these to a school fundraiser and they were gone in minutes flat. Parents were asking me how to make them before they even left!
Keeping Them Fresh
These pink treats stay good on the counter in a sealed container for 3 days. If you need them to last longer, put them in the fridge for up to a week, though they're best in the first 3-4 days. You can freeze them without the topping for up to 3 months too. Just wrap them really well in plastic and then foil before freezing. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge and add the topping right before serving for the best taste.
Mix It Up
The strawberry version is awesome, but you can switch things around too. Try using lemon cake mix with lemon topping for something citrusy, or chocolate cake mix with strawberry preserves for a chocolate-dipped strawberry feel. Want to get fancy? Toss in some white chocolate chips or sprinkle dried strawberry bits on top for extra crunch and a prettier look.
Ways To Enjoy
They taste great by themselves, but they're amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream on top. For a total strawberry experience, add some fresh sliced strawberries on the side. When you're hosting something special, cut them into tiny squares and stack them on a pretty tiered plate for holidays or parties.
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These strawberry treats will brighten up any party or celebration you're planning!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the cake mix for another kind?
Sure thing! Try vanilla, chocolate, or lemon for a twist. Just stick to the same proportions for all the other stuff.
- → Is cream cheese needed for the glaze?
Nope, it’s optional. It makes the glaze tangier and creamier, but skipping it works just fine too.
- → How do I store these bars?
Keep them in a sealed container at room temp for 2-3 days, or chill them for up to a week! You can freeze them (but skip the glaze) for about 3 months.
- → What about adding real strawberries to the mix?
Fresh strawberries might make the mix too wet. Chop them up small and mix into the glaze instead if you want to add a fresh twist.
- → How are these different from normal brownies?
These brighten things up with a fruity taste, bold pink color, and a softer texture, all while keeping that chewy brownie-like edge.
- → Will I need an electric mixer?
Not at all! This thick batter stirs just fine by hand with a spoon or spatula. Just mix everything thoroughly.