These strawberry brownies are a sweet treat that combines rich chocolate and fresh strawberries. They’re soft, gooey, and oh-so-delicious, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion!
Who knew brownies could get even better? Just toss in some juicy strawberries, and you’ve got a dessert that feels fancy without much fuss. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a rich base for these brownies. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works best here for sweetness and texture. You could use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but be cautious—this may alter the final texture slightly.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries create a vibrant flavor. If fresh ones are unavailable, frozen strawberries are a great alternative. Just thaw and blend them for your puree.
Eggs: These provide structure and moisture. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, consider using applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Powdered Sugar for Frosting: Powdered sugar gives a smooth finish. If you prefer less sweetness, use a mix of powdered sugar and cocoa powder to create a chocolate frosting.
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Are Moist and Fudgy?
The key to moist, fudgy brownies lies in two main steps: mixing and baking. Avoid overmixing your batter after adding the flour to keep them dense and chewy. Gently fold in the strawberry puree to maintain that delicious fruity flavor without losing texture.
- Mix butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time.
- Combine dry ingredients and slowly mix with wet ingredients until just blended.
- Bake at the right temperature, and check with a toothpick for doneness; it should have a few moist crumbs.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking. You’ll want to allow the brownies to cool for a few minutes before frosting, so expect a total time of around 50-60 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well with butter or line it with parchment paper. This helps make sure your brownies come out easily!
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s a crucial step for that fluffy brownie texture!
3. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. Once all the eggs are in, stir in the vanilla extract to give it a lovely flavor!
4. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet mixture while mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Fold in Strawberry Puree:
Now, it’s time to add the strawberry puree. Gently fold it into the batter until it’s smooth and everything is beautifully blended. You should see a lovely pink color throughout!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place it in 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!
7. Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan. This will take about 10-15 minutes, just enough time to prepare the frosting!
8. Making the Frosting:
In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s nice and smooth. If the frosting seems too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar; you want a spreadable consistency!
9. Frosting the Brownies:
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the frosting generously on top using a spatula. Make sure to cover the surface evenly for that sweet finish!
10. Cut and Serve:
Finally, cut the brownies into squares. They are now ready to be enjoyed! Share with friends or keep them all for yourself—either way, you’re going to love these strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This helps maintain the right consistency in your brownies!
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free strawberry brownies, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour mix. This will give you a similar texture without the gluten!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
Can I Use Different Fruit Purees in This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the strawberry puree with other fruit purees like raspberry, blueberry, or even a mix of fruits. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and color of the brownies slightly!
