These strawberry brownies are a sweet twist on a classic favorite! With rich chocolate flavor and fresh strawberries mixed in, they are fudgy and oh-so-delicious.
Honestly, you’ll be tempted to eat the whole batch! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—you can’t go wrong with that combo! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute, but the taste might differ a little.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar gives a nice sweetness, but you can swap some for brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar or a sugar alternative, keeping in mind these can affect texture.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries are wonderful, but frozen ones work just as well! Thaw and blend them before adding to the mix. If strawberries aren’t available, you could use other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a twist.
Powdered Sugar: This is used for frosting and gives a nice smooth finish. If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine. Just note, the frosting might be a bit grainy.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect. If it’s wet with batter, give them more time.
- Preheat your oven as stated. An oven thermometer can help check the exact temperature.
- Don’t open the oven door too soon. Let them bake undisturbed for about 20 minutes before checking.
- Cool the brownies completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting off.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll need time to let the brownies cool completely before frosting them, but you can get everything ready in the meantime. Altogether, allow about 1 hour, plus cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray so your brownies don’t stick.
2. Creaming the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s great to see it become nice and airy!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition so everything combines smoothly. Then add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and give it another good mix!
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and prevents lumps, which is key for great brownies. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix!
5. Fold in the Strawberries:
Next, gently fold in the strawberry puree. This will add a beautiful fruity flavor and color to your brownies. Make sure the puree is evenly mixed into the batter.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and do the toothpick test! If it comes out clean when inserted in the center, they’re ready!
7. Making the Frosting:
While the brownies are baking, let’s prepare the frosting! In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and free of lumps. It should be nice and creamy!
8. Cool and Frost:
Once the brownies are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once they’re cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Don’t rush this part; take your time to make it look good!
9. Cut and Serve:
Finally, cut the brownies into squares, and serve them up. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen strawberries before blending them into a puree. This helps maintain the right consistency of the brownie batter.
How Can I Make These Brownies Allergy-Friendly?
If you need to make these brownies dairy-free, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or coconut oil. For a vegan option, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a similar binding effect.
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 prefer to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips to the Batter?
Yes, adding chocolate chips will enhance the flavor! Just fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the strawberry puree for a delicious twist. You can use semi-sweet, milk, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference!
