These strawberry brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat! Soft, chocolatey, and topped with fresh strawberries, they are perfect for any sweet tooth.
I love serving these to friends because they’re so pretty and delicious. Plus, who can resist the combination of chocolate and strawberries? Yummy! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry Puree: This is the star of the brownies! Fresh strawberries are perfect. If strawberries are out of season, try frozen strawberries—just thaw and puree them. You can even substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to use margarine or coconut oil. I’ve used both before and they work great!
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the brownies. For a healthier option, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but remember that this may alter the texture slightly.
Milk or Water (for frosting): You can use any milk here, including almond, soy or oat milk, for a dairy-free version. I usually go for milk because it makes the frosting creamier!
Vanilla Extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have extract, you can use vanilla powder or even a little almond extract for a different but tasty profile.
How Do I Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
The texture of your brownies can make a big difference! Follow these tips for the best results:
- Mix the wet ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough brownies.
- When adding the dry ingredients, be gentle. Stir until just combined to keep them thick and fudgy.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good! If it’s clean, they might be overbaked.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup strawberry puree (about 8-10 fresh strawberries)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional, for a brighter pink color)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry brownie recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need some time for them to cool, about 10-15 minutes, before adding the frosting. In total, you can expect to spend around one hour making these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it lightly to prevent sticking. This will make it easy to remove the brownies after baking!
2. Make the Strawberry Puree:
Take your fresh strawberries and put them in a blender or food processor. Blend until they’re smooth. You’ll need 1 cup of that yummy strawberry puree, so measure it out and set it aside for later!
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix everything together really well! Next, crack in the eggs—one at a time—and add the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything is smooth and combined. Now, stir in the strawberry puree until it’s well blended.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix them together gently. Now, gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you insert a toothpick in the center, and it comes out clean. That’s the point of deliciousness!
6. Prepare the Frosting:
While the brownies are baking, let’s whip up the frosting! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth. If you want your frosting to have a vibrant pink color, feel free to add a few drops of food coloring. It’s fun!
7. Cool and Frost the Brownies:
Once the brownies are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. After they’ve cooled down, drizzle or spread the frosting on top. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now comes the best part! Cut the brownies into squares and serve them up. Enjoy your amazing strawberry brownies with friends and family. They’ll love you for it!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen strawberries for the puree. Just thaw them first, then drain any excess liquid before blending. This ensures the puree is not too watery, which could affect the texture of your brownies.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Brownies?
If you’d like your brownies less sweet, try reducing the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup. Keep an eye on the baking time as a little less sugar may slightly alter the texture, making them a bit denser.
What’s the Best Way to 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 freeze them for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before putting them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I Make the Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures 1:1. Just be sure to check the blend for any added ingredients or flours to ensure a good texture!
