These strawberry brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat! They combine rich chocolatey goodness with sweet, juicy strawberries for a delightful flavor mix.
Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at one! The bright red berries peek through the rich brownie, making them not just tasty but super pretty too. Perfect for any dessert table!
I love to serve these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The warm brownies and cold ice cream create a yummy melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your brownies. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or gluten-free flour if you’re avoiding gluten. Just make sure to check the ratios for gluten-free options!
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries give a lovely flavor, but frozen ones work too—just thaw and blend. If you don’t have strawberries, try other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a fun twist!
Butter: While I love using regular unsalted butter for its rich taste, you can replace it with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version. Just remember to melt those substitutes as needed!
Red Food Coloring: This is for a vibrant look. If you want to skip it, that’s perfectly fine! The natural color from strawberries is enough to make these brownies delightful.
How Can You Ensure Your Brownies Stay Moist and Chewy?
The key to moist brownies is not to overmix the batter and to keep an eye on baking time. Here are simple steps to follow:
- After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. A few lumps are okay!
- Check for doneness at around 25 minutes. Every oven is different, so start checking a bit early.
- Let them cool before drizzling the glaze. This ensures they set nicely without drying out.
Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect texture in your strawberry brownies!
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Red food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant color)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract or additional puree (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in just about an hour, you can enjoy delicious strawberry brownies right from your oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step is essential for ensuring your brownies don’t stick!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into the mix, making your brownies soft and tender. Next, beat in the egg, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. If you want a more vibrant color, add some red food coloring until it’s just right.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This step ensures that there are no lumps and everything is evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your brownies from getting too dense!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they’re ready!
5. Prepare the Glaze:
While the brownies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and strawberry extract (if you’re using it) in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk as needed to reach your desired consistency for the glaze.
6. Cool and Glaze:
Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After they’ve cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top of the brownies. This adds a lovely touch of sweetness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Serve and enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies with family and friends! They’re perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat for yourself!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries can be used; just ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess liquid before pureeing. This will help maintain the right texture in your brownies without adding too much moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Strawberry Extract?
No problem! You can skip the strawberry extract or substitute it with additional strawberry puree to enhance the flavor. Just keep in mind that this might slightly alter the glaze’s consistency, so adjust the milk accordingly to keep it pourable.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Brownies?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even chunks of fresh strawberries for added flavor and texture. Just be careful not to overload the batter to maintain the brownie’s structure!
