Delicious Cake Mix Brownies

This strawberry brownie recipe transforms ordinary cake mix into a chewy, flavorful dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The combination of strawberry cake mix and pudding creates a unique texture that's both cake-like and fudgy, while white chocolate chips add pockets of creamy sweetness throughout.

The first time I made these for my niece's birthday party, they disappeared faster than any other dessert on the table. Now they're my go-to when I need something sweet, pretty, and guaranteed to please everyone.

Ingredients

• Instant strawberry pudding package: Adds moisture and intensifies the strawberry flavor. Look for a brand that uses real strawberry flavoring for best results.
• Milk: Works with the pudding to create the perfect brownie base. Whole milk creates the richest texture but any milk will work.
• Strawberry cake mix: Provides the structure and flavor foundation. Choose a quality brand for the best strawberry taste.
• White chocolate chips: Create pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the brownies. Premium brands melt better and taste richer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Space:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and prepare your baking dish by either greasing it thoroughly with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper. The parchment paper option makes for easier removal and cleanup later.

Create The Pudding Base:

In a large bowl, whisk the instant pudding and milk together vigorously until completely dissolved. This takes about 2 minutes of consistent whisking. The mixture should start to thicken slightly but remain pourable.

Incorporate The Cake Mix:

Add the entire box of strawberry cake mix to your pudding mixture. Use a hand mixer on low speed or mix by hand until completely combined. The batter will be thicker than cake batter but not as stiff as cookie dough. Make sure no dry pockets remain.

Add White Chocolate:

Fold in the white chocolate chips using a rubber spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This gentle folding motion preserves the air in your batter for a better texture.

Fill Baking Dish:

Transfer the strawberry brownie batter to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly into all corners. The batter will be sticky, so use your spatula to smooth the top as much as possible.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan and the center is set but still soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

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White chocolate is the secret ingredient that makes these brownies special. The first time I made these, I almost skipped adding them because I thought they might be too sweet. That would have been a huge mistake. The white chocolate melts slightly during baking and creates these incredible pockets of creamy goodness that perfectly complement the strawberry flavor.

Storage Tips

These strawberry brownies stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, though the texture becomes slightly more dense. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If strawberry cake mix is unavailable, use white or vanilla cake mix plus 1 package of freeze dried strawberries crushed into powder. For a less sweet version, replace white chocolate chips with semisweet chocolate chips or chopped nuts. The instant pudding can be substituted with vanilla pudding plus 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract if strawberry pudding is hard to find.

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Serving Suggestions

These brownies make a stunning dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries on top. For an elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar just before serving. They also work wonderfully as the base for a strawberry trifle layered with whipped cream and fresh berries, or cut into small squares for a stunning addition to dessert platters.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

Yes, you can substitute with other instant pudding flavors for a unique twist. Chocolate or vanilla works well too!

→ How do I store the brownies?

Store the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I use dark chocolate chips instead?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips add a richer flavor to the brownies and complement the strawberry taste beautifully.

→ Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

→ How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking for the best chewy texture.