These strawberry brownies are a sweet treat that combines rich chocolate with fresh strawberries. They’re soft, fudgy, and oh-so-delicious!
Just imagine biting into chocolatey goodness with bursts of juicy strawberry. It’s perfect for sharing, but honestly, I might keep the whole batch to myself! 😋
I love how easy these brownies are to whip up. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! They make any day feel special, especially with a scoop of ice cream on top!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor and control over salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is best for sweetness and texture. If you want a healthier twist, you can use coconut sugar or brown sugar, but this may change the taste and texture slightly.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries are ideal, but frozen ones work just as well. If you can’t get strawberries, try using raspberry or blueberry puree for a different fruity flavor.
Pink Food Coloring: This is optional, mainly for aesthetics. If you want a natural alternative, you can add beet juice for the pink color without artificial ingredients.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Brownies?
Texture is key for brownies. You want them to be fudgy but also cooked through. Starting with softened butter is important for creating that light and fluffy mixture when creaming with sugar. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature—it helps it cream better with sugar.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour; mix just until combined for fudgier brownies.
- Check your brownies a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. They should still be a bit soft in the center.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup milk
- Pink food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant color)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and another 25-30 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need some time for the brownies to cool before frosting, so plan for about 1 hour total from start to finish. Perfect for a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it lightly, or you can line it with parchment paper to make removing the brownies easier later on.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—don’t skip this step, as it helps give your brownies a nice texture!
3. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract to add a lovely flavor to your brownies.
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will be your dry mixture that will help the brownies rise just right!
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamy butter and sugar mixture. Alternate this with the strawberry puree and milk, mixing just until everything is incorporated. If you want, add a few drops of pink food coloring to make them look even more fun!
6. Spreading the Batter:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. It’s ready for the oven!
7. Baking the Brownies:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking!
8. Making the Frosting:
While your brownies are baking, you can whip up the frosting. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Set it aside for later.
9. Cooling and Frosting:
When the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This will take about 20-30 minutes. Once cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
10. Serving:
Finally, cut the brownies into squares and they’re ready to serve! Enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies with a smile!
Can I Substitute Fresh Strawberries for Strawberry Puree?
Yes! If you want to use fresh strawberries, simply blend them until smooth to create your own puree. You’ll need about 1 cup of fresh strawberries to make 1/2 cup of puree. Just make sure to strain out any seeds if you’d prefer a smoother texture in your brownies.
What Can I Use Instead of Unsalted Butter?
You can substitute unsalted butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option. If you prefer using margarine, that works too, but be aware it might slightly alter the brownie texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free strawberry brownies, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just check that the blend includes xanthan gum, or add a teaspoon of it if it doesn’t, to help with texture.
