These strawberry brownies are a perfect treat with a rich chocolate base and fresh strawberry topping! They are fudgy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious, making them a fun dessert everyone will love.
Let’s be real, chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven! I love cutting these into bite-sized pieces for the perfect sweet nibble during movie night.🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the brownie structure. You can swap it with a gluten-free blend if needed. I sometimes mix in whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but it alters the texture slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives that rich chocolate flavor. If you can’t find it, you could use Dutch-processed cocoa, which is smoother. Some prefer using dark cocoa for a deeper taste!
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar sweetens the brownies perfectly. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia. Just keep in mind that it might affect the texture.
Butter: Melted unsalted butter keeps the brownies moist. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well too.
Fresh Strawberries: Pureed fresh strawberries add moisture and flavor. If strawberries are out of season, you could use frozen ones—just thaw and drain them first. I love using raspberry puree for a different twist!
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies can be tricky, especially to get that perfect fudgy texture. Follow these simple steps for success:
- Preheat your oven thoroughly to 350°F (175°C) before putting the brownies in. This ensures even baking.
- Use the toothpick test! Insert it in the center after 20 minutes. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Allow them to cool in the pan to firm up. Cutting warm brownies can lead to a crumby mess!
Trust your instincts—baking times can slightly vary based on your oven or the pan you use!
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry brownie recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need some time for the brownies to cool before adding the frosting. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40-50 minutes before you can enjoy your sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, you can prepare your baking pan by greasing a 9×9 inch pan or lining it with parchment paper. This will help ensure that your brownies come out easily after baking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to mix these dry ingredients well so that everything is evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended; this will be your wet mixture. It’s important for the raspberries’ flavor to shine through!
4. Combine Both Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.
5. Pour Into the Pan:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so that it bakes nicely.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are ready. Once done, let them cool in the pan.
7. Prepare the Frosting:
While the brownies cool, it’s time to make the frosting! In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until it’s smooth. If you want a pretty pink frosting, add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix well.
8. Frost the Brownies:
Once the brownies are completely cool, evenly spread the frosting over the top. You can be as generous as you like with your frosting!
9. Cut and Serve:
Now, cut the brownies into squares and they’re ready to enjoy! Serve them up and watch your friends and family rave about your delicious strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor. Just be sure to puree them and adjust the sweetness if needed, as some fruits may be sweeter or tarter than strawberries.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make these brownies gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose can be used in a 1:1 ratio for all-purpose flour.
What Should I Do If My Brownies Are Too Dry?
If your brownies turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking. To avoid this, start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum baking time. If they’ve already cooled and are a bit dry, you can serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce over the top to add moisture back in!
