These strawberry brownies are a sweet treat that brings chocolate and strawberries together in a yummy way. They are rich, fudgy, and topped with fresh strawberry slices!
You won’t believe how easy these are to whip up! I love enjoying them warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side—it’s like a party on your plate. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: The star of this recipe! You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available—just thaw and strain them first to avoid excess moisture. I personally love the taste of local strawberries when they’re in season.
All-purpose Flour: This is a staple in brownie recipes for the right texture. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well too. It might change the texture slightly, but it’s worth trying!
Granulated Sugar: It’s the primary sweetener here. You can replace it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option. Just keep in mind that brown sugar will add a slight chewiness.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can substitute it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, which works great.
Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and structure. If you’re vegan or allergic, you can use flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting brownies just right can be tricky! You want them to be fudgy and moist, but not undercooked. Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix the wet ingredients until well combined, then gently add in the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so stick to mixing until you barely see the flour.
- Keep an eye on baking time! Start checking the brownies at 25 minutes. They should be set but still slightly soft in the center, as they continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Let them cool before slicing; this helps them firm up and makes it easier to cut clean squares.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 8-10 strawberries)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes for baking. After baking, let the brownies cool for another 10 minutes before adding the frosting. Overall, you’ll need about 50 minutes from start to enjoying your delicious strawberry brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it super easy to lift the brownies out later!
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until you have a smooth mixture. Next, add in the pureed strawberries, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and nice and colorful!
3. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to incorporate air into the flour, making your brownies fluffy.
4. Merging Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough!
5. Baking the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
6. Making the Frosting:
While your brownies are baking, let’s whip up some frosting! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Set it aside for now.
7. Cooling and Frosting:
Once your brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling, drizzle or spread the frosting over the warm brownies for a delicious finish.
8. Serving the Brownies:
Now, let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Serve them fresh and enjoy their vibrant strawberry flavor—perfect for any sweet craving!
These strawberry brownies are not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid excess moisture in the batter. If they’re too watery after thawing, you may want to strain them to achieve the right consistency.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you’d like to extend their life, you can freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 baking blend for the best results. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the specific blend you use.
What Toppings Can I Add to My Brownies?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, would add a nice crunch. You could also sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top before baking for an extra sweet touch. Fresh strawberries on top of the frosting can also make a wonderful presentation!
