There was a time, not long ago, when my pantry was nearly bare and my grocery budget was stretched tighter than a drum. I had a craving for something sweet, but didn’t want to spend money on fancy ingredients or complicated recipes. That’s when I discovered the magic of using a humble box of cake mix and a handful of pantry staples to whip up an incredible treat: Super Easy Strawberry Brownies. This recipe has become my go-to whenever I need a cheap, cheerful dessert that tastes way more decadent than it actually costs.
What I love about this recipe is its absolute resourcefulness. The base is a simple strawberry-flavored cake mix (often under $2 at discount stores or on sale), and with just a bit of oil, eggs, and a dash of vanilla, you’ve got a thick, chewy brownie that’s bursting with flavor. The frosting only requires a spoonful of cream cheese and strawberry preserves—no need for special ingredients or expensive berries out of season. The best part? Every ingredient is shelf-stable or fridge-friendly, so you’re not running to the store for something you’ll only use once.
If you’ve ever worried that “budget baking” means sacrificing taste or indulgence, let this recipe prove you wrong. With a little creative thinking and a willingness to work with what you’ve got, you can make a dessert that feels like a splurge without busting your budget. This is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder that the best meals (and sweets!) come from using what you have, wasting nothing, and savoring every bite.
How to Make Amazing Super Easy Strawberry Brownies on a Budget
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Your Frugal Shopping List (The Ingredients)
- 1 box strawberry-flavored cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (can substitute melted butter or another neutral oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese (or substitute, see below)
- 1 tablespoon strawberry preserves (any berry jam works!)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)
The Smart-Cooking Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup and removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix with a spatula or on low speed just until it comes together into a thick batter—don’t overmix.
- Spread batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 18-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Cool completely.
- While brownies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, cream cheese, strawberry preserves, and milk in a bowl until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread the frosting over completely cooled brownies. Let the frosting set before slicing into squares. If you have fresh strawberries or leftover preserves, add a little on top for extra flair!
‘Shop Your Pantry’ Ingredient Swaps
Don’t have cream cheese? No worries! Substitute with Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, or even a dab of softened butter. No strawberry preserves on hand? Any berry jam or even a spoonful of applesauce will add moisture and flavor to the frosting. If you’re out of vanilla extract, try almond extract or just skip it—your brownies will still shine thanks to the cake mix. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and skip the cream cheese or use a vegan alternative. The real trick is using what you already have, so you’re saving money and avoiding unnecessary trips to the store.
How to Stretch This Meal to Feed More People
Hosting a crowd or feeding a bigger family? Easily double this recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Cut the brownies into smaller squares, and serve with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make each portion feel special and satisfying. You can also turn these brownies into a trifle by layering cubes with whipped cream and more preserves—great for using up crumbly ends or slightly overbaked brownies while stretching your dessert even further.
Zero-Waste Storage: Use Every Last Bit
After serving, keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5. If you have extra frosting, spread it on toast, pancakes, or swirl into oatmeal for a sweet boost. Stale brownies? Crumble them up for ice cream toppings, mix into yogurt parfaits, or freeze in zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Every crumb counts—waste not, want not!
Money-Saving Tips for Making This Dish
Watch for cake mix sales and stock up when they’re under $1. Substitute oil with melted butter or even applesauce for a slightly healthier, more affordable swap. Buy eggs in bulk or on sale, and use store-brand cream cheese or yogurt to save even more. If fresh strawberries are expensive, skip them—your preserves or jam will provide plenty of berry flavor. And remember: portion control means more servings from the same batch, so cut smaller squares for snacks or lunchbox treats.
Cooking with What’s In-Season (and On-Sale!)
Strawberries are a spring and summer bargain, so if you find them cheap, slice and add as a topping or stir into the batter for extra fruitiness. In fall, swap in apple butter or pear preserves for the frosting. Any berry or fruit jam that’s on sale will work—raspberry, cherry, or blueberry all make for a tasty twist. Being flexible with what’s in-season or marked down is a key to frugal, flavorful baking!
Your FAQ’s Answered:
What’s the approximate cost per serving for these strawberry brownies?
Depending on where you shop, the total cost for all ingredients is typically under $5, and the recipe makes 9 generous servings. That puts your cost per brownie at around $0.50 or less—a serious bargain compared to bakery prices. Shopping store brands or using sale items can lower the cost even further.
Is it cheaper to use boxed cake mix or make brownies from scratch?
Boxed cake mix is often cheaper, especially when you catch it on sale or use store brands. While scratch baking can sometimes be more cost-effective if you buy ingredients in bulk, the convenience and consistent results of cake mix make it a budget-friendly staple for quick desserts like these brownies.
Can I make these brownies without eggs to save money?
Absolutely! Eggs can be replaced with budget-friendly alternatives like 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or even yogurt per egg. These swaps not only save you money but also keep the brownies moist and tender. Use what’s most affordable or already on hand to maximize savings.
How can I use leftover cake mix if I don’t want to make a full batch?
Leftover cake mix is gold! Use it for mug cakes, pancakes, or mix into yogurt for a quick parfait. You can also use half the box to bake a smaller batch of brownies, or combine with softened butter and oats for a fruit crumble topping. Always store leftover mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
What’s the best way to buy ingredients for less?
Shop sales, use store brands, and plan your baking around what you already own. Stock up on cake mix, oil, and powdered sugar when they’re marked down. Buy eggs and dairy in bulk if you use them often, and always check the clearance rack for discounted jams or seasonal products. A well-stocked pantry saves money in the long run!
Can I freeze these brownies to avoid waste?
Yes, these strawberry brownies freeze beautifully! Once the frosting has set, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap or parchment and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds for a quick treat anytime—no waste, just sweet savings.
Super Easy Strawberry Brownies
Equipment
- 8x8-inch pan
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 box strawberry-flavored cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon strawberry preserves
- 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by lightly spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper for easy extraction.
For Brownies:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir gently with a spatula or mix on a low speed until just combined; avoid over-mixing as the batter will be thick.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared dish. Bake for 18 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
For Frosting:
- While the brownies cool, prepare the frosting by whisking together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, strawberry preserves, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth and easy to spread.
- Once the brownies have cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top. Allow the frosting to set before cutting the brownies into squares. Serve alongside fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
