These strawberry brownies are a tasty twist on the classic treat! Made with fresh strawberries and rich chocolate, they are both fudgy and fruity, offering a wonderful balance of flavors.
Who knew brownies could get any better? I love serving these at parties because everyone gets excited about the strawberry surprise. Trust me; they disappear fast! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries give a great flavor, but frozen works just as well. You can even substitute with other fruit purees, like raspberry or blueberry, if you want a twist.
All-Purpose Flour: This is necessary for the brownie structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free flour blend which often works nicely in dessert recipes.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter, as it helps control the salt in the recipe. If you prefer, you can replace it with coconut oil or even vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or even coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Just keep the measurements the same!
Milk for the Glaze: You can use any type of milk here, including almond or oat milk for a dairy-free glaze. If you’re out of milk, water can also work in a pinch.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
The secret to a great brownie is all in the mixing and baking! Here are some simple tips to ensure your brownies turn out moist and delicious:
- When creaming the butter and sugar, go for a light and fluffy texture. It helps incorporate air for a soft brownie.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time thoroughly – this builds structure.
- Be careful not to over-mix once you add the dry ingredients. Just stir until combined for the best texture.
- Check the brownies at 20 minutes; they should be set but not overcooked. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: pink food coloring (for enhanced color)
For The Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20-25 minutes to bake. After that, just let the brownies cool and glaze them. Overall, you’ll need about 40-45 minutes to make these delightful strawberry brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This is an important step to ensure your brownies don’t stick!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar, and cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Using a hand mixer or a whisk will work just fine! This will help your brownies be nice and tender.
3. Add Eggs and Flavor:
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. This helps create a smooth batter. Then, stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined. The mixture should smell amazing already!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mix that will bring everything together and give your brownies the right texture. You want to make sure the dry ingredients are well mixed!
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! If you’d like, you can add a few drops of pink food coloring to brighten up your batter.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready! Let them cool completely in the pan.
7. Make the Glaze:
While the brownies cool, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, just add a little more milk until it’s the right consistency. You want it nice and pourable!
8. Glaze and Cut:
Once your brownies are cooled down, spread the glaze evenly over the top. Let it set for a bit so that it doesn’t run off when you cut them. Then, slice the brownies into squares and get ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies as a sweet treat or dessert! They’re perfect for any occasion.
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Puree?
Absolutely! If you want to use fresh strawberries, just blend them until smooth to make your own puree. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries to get the right amount of puree. Just remember to remove the stems before blending!
What Can I Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly. If using a gluten-free blend, make sure it contains xanthan gum for better structure. Also, start with a little less and adjust as needed for the right consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing!
Can I Make These Brownies Vegan?
Yes! To make them vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, let sit until gel-like), and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The rest of the ingredients can stay the same!
