Strawberry Brownie Kabobs – Fun Party Dessert on a Stick

These Strawberry Brownie Kabobs are honestly one of my favorite things to bring to potluck gatherings. You get that rich chocolate from the brownie, the bright sweetness of strawberries, and the soft chew of marshmallows all on one stick. They look impressive but take maybe 20 minutes to put together once your brownies cool. If you need food to make for party events or you’re hunting for simple cute desserts that actually taste amazing, this is it.

I made these last month for my daughter’s class party, and they vanished faster than anything else on the table. The kids loved them, but honestly, the adults kept sneaking extras too. They’re portable, not too messy, and you can make a big batch without much effort.

Why This Recipe Works for Any Celebration

Strawberry Brownie Kabobs hit that sweet spot between homemade and stress-free. You’re using brownie mix as your base, so there’s no complicated baking involved. The assembly goes quick, and you can prep components ahead if you’re planning for a birthday or BBQ.

These work beautifully as food for class party events because they’re individually portioned. No cutting, no plates needed. Just grab and go. They also fit the bill for fun birthday party snacks since kids think anything on a stick is automatically cooler.

The chocolate drizzle adds a bakery-style finish, but you can skip it if you’re short on time. They still taste great either way. If you’re looking for food ideas to bring to a party, these travel well and hold up at room temperature for a couple hours.

Gathering Your Ingredients

You’ll need basic pantry items plus fresh fruit. Nothing fancy or hard to find.

1. 1 box brownie mix (plus whatever the box calls for – usually eggs, oil, water)
2. 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and dried
3. 1 cup large marshmallows
4. 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for drizzling
5. 10-12 wooden skewers

Pick firm strawberries without soft spots. You want berries that’ll stay on the skewer without falling apart. The marshmallows can be regular or mini, but I find large ones easier to work with for threading.

Building Your Kabobs Step by Step

Bake the Brownies First

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix the brownie batter following package directions, then spread it into a greased 9×9 inch pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, cut brownies into 1-inch cubes. You’ll get around 30-40 pieces depending on how precise your cuts are. Don’t stress about perfection here.

Prep Your Fruit

Rinse strawberries under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Hull the green tops with a small knife. If your berries are huge, you can halve them, but I usually leave medium-sized ones whole.

Thread Everything Together

Grab a skewer and start with a brownie cube. Push it gently onto the stick, then add a strawberry, followed by a marshmallow. Repeat the pattern – brownie, strawberry, marshmallow – until you’ve got 3-4 sets per skewer. Leave about an inch at the bottom for holding.

The order matters less than making sure everything sits securely. If a brownie crumbles, just eat it and grab another piece. It happens.

Add the Chocolate Finish

Microwave chocolate chips in a small bowl for 30 seconds, stir, then heat another 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. You can dip the top half of each kabob directly into the chocolate, or use a spoon to drizzle it over the top. I prefer drizzling because it looks fancier with less effort.

Place finished kabobs on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to set the chocolate. That’s it.

Smart Swaps and Variations

These Strawberry Brownie Kabobs are flexible. Swap strawberries for raspberries or pineapple chunks if that’s what you have. Use banana slices instead of marshmallows for a slightly healthier version.

Want to make them for BBQ food ideas desserts? Thread them ahead and drizzle with chocolate right before serving. White chocolate works beautifully too, especially if you add a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top.

For family party desserts with a twist, use flavored brownies like mint or peanut butter instead of plain chocolate. You can even swap brownie cubes for pound cake or angel food cake if someone prefers lighter flavors.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

Assembled kabobs keep in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. The strawberries release a bit of moisture over time, so they’re best enjoyed within 24 hours if you want peak freshness.

You can bake brownies up to 3 days ahead and store them wrapped tightly at room temperature. Cut and assemble the kabobs the morning of your event, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Freezing works if you skip the chocolate and fruit. Freeze brownie cubes on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and assemble fresh when needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t skip drying the strawberries. Wet berries make the chocolate seize up and turn grainy instead of smooth. If your berries seem overly juicy, let them sit on paper towels for 10 minutes before threading.

Cutting brownies too small makes them crumble off the skewer. Aim for 1-inch cubes minimum. Too large and they overwhelm the other ingredients, but tiny pieces just fall apart.

Overheating chocolate turns it into a thick paste. Use short microwave bursts and stir between each one. If it gets too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it back out.

What Pairs Well With These

Serve these as part of a dessert spread with other finger foods. They pair nicely with fruit salad, sugar cookies, or a simple vanilla cake. For food to eat on your birthday, these fit right in alongside ice cream or a chocolate fountain.

If you’re planning things to bring to potluck dinners, consider pairing them with savory items so guests have variety. They’re sweet enough to stand alone but not so rich that people can’t enjoy other desserts too.

FAQ

Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?

Absolutely. Any brownie recipe works as long as it’s fudgy rather than cakey. Fudgy brownies hold their shape better on skewers. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before cutting.

How far ahead can I make these for a party?

Make them the morning of your event for best results. If you need more time, assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the fridge. Add the chocolate drizzle a few hours before serving so it looks fresh.

What if I don’t have wooden skewers?

Use toothpicks for smaller portions, or plastic party picks if you have them. Metal skewers work but can be harder for kids to handle. Just match the skewer size to your ingredient portions.

Can these be made dairy-free or vegan?

Yes. Use a dairy-free brownie mix and vegan marshmallows, then drizzle with dairy-free chocolate chips. Most grocery stores carry vegan options now, and the taste difference is minimal.

Why is my chocolate drizzle hardening too fast?

Your kitchen might be cold, or the chocolate cooled down too much. Rewarm it in 10-second microwave bursts and work quickly. You can also thin melted chocolate with a bit of coconut oil to slow hardening.

Do kids really like these compared to regular brownies?

In my experience, yes. The skewer makes it feel special, and kids love the mix of textures. Plus, they’re less messy than handing a kid a regular brownie square and hoping for the best.