These strawberry brownies mix rich chocolate and fresh strawberries for a tasty treat! The soft, fudgy brownie base is topped with fruity strawberry goodness that you won’t be able to resist.
I think the combination of chocolate and strawberries makes them feel like a sweet hug. Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in! I might even add some whipped cream on top—why not? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is essential for creamy texture. If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil or margarine, but the flavor will change slightly.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries are great for puree. If you have frozen ones, just thaw them first. If strawberries aren’t available, you could use raspberry puree for a different twist.
Granulated Sugar: While granulated sugar is standard, you can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just keep in mind the texture might vary.
All-Purpose Flour: For gluten-free brownies, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found these blends work well in keeping the texture fluffy.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
To get brownies just right, focus on these steps:
- **Creaming Butter and Sugar:** Make sure to beat them until fluffy; this is crucial for the right texture.
- **Mixing Ingredients Carefully:** After adding dry to wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
- **Check for Doneness:** Use a toothpick – it’s okay if a few moist crumbs stick; this keeps them fudgy!
- **Cooling Time:** Let the brownies cool before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and preserves that nice, creamy layer.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Additional strawberry puree (for frosting, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, allow an extra 10-15 minutes for cooling before frosting. So, overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour before you can enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. Grease the pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging out on the sides. This will help you lift the brownies out easily later on!
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, take the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. It’s all about getting lots of air into the mix!
3. Add in Eggs and Flavors:
Crack in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition so everything combines. Then stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree. You should have a smooth, creamy mixture at this point.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix! This will keep your brownies nice and fudgy.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, spread the batter evenly. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, stick a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
6. Make the Frosting:
While those brownies are baking, let’s whip up the frosting! In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If you’d like it extra strawberry-flavored, add a bit of additional strawberry puree and whisk again. Feel free to adjust the thickness with more milk or sugar if necessary!
7. Cool and Frost:
Once the brownies are done, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then carefully spread the frosting evenly over the top while they are still slightly warm for an extra melty treat. After frosting, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once fully cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper flaps, slice them into squares, and serve. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies with friends and family!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Puree?
Absolutely! You can blend fresh strawberries until smooth to create your own strawberry puree. Just make sure to measure out 1/2 cup after pureeing. If fresh strawberries are too chunky, you can strain the puree through a sieve for a smoother consistency.
What If My Brownies Are Too Dry After Baking?
If your brownies turn out too dry, it may be due to overbaking. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick around the 25-minute mark. If they’re too dry after baking, consider glazing with a bit of extra icing or serve them with whipped cream or ice cream to add moisture back into each bite!
How to Store Leftover Strawberry Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just note that refrigeration might change the texture slightly, so let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
Can I Freeze the Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze these brownies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
