These strawberry brownies are a sweet twist on the classic treat! With fudgy chocolate goodness and fresh strawberries baked in, they’re simply mouthwatering and fun to eat.
Let’s face it, adding strawberries to brownies is a genius idea. Who doesn’t want a little fruity happiness with their chocolate? I like to top them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best for creating the puree. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them before pureeing. In a pinch, consider strawberry jam or preserves for a different flavor.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil keeps the brownies moist, you can swap it for melted coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version. I personally like using coconut oil for a subtle hint of flavor.
Sugar: The recipe calls for granulated sugar to balance sweetness, but you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor. If you’re cutting back on sugar, try using a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol, adjusting based on the product’s sweetness level.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but if you’re gluten-free, almond flour or coconut flour can be great alternatives. Just remember to adjust the quantity, as these alternative flours absorb moisture differently.
How Can You Ensure the Brownies are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies requires attention to time and temperature to achieve that perfect fudgy texture. Here are some key steps:
- Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking. This is crucial for even baking throughout.
- When using a toothpick to check for doneness, look for moist crumbs attached to the toothpick; if the toothpick comes out completely clean, the brownies might be overbaked.
- Letting the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes helps them set and makes cutting easier, preventing them from falling apart.
Delicious Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup strawberries, pureed (about 6-8 fresh strawberries)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Let the brownies cool for a bit before frosting them, so plan for around an hour in total from start to finish. It’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take an 8×8-inch baking pan and grease it well, then sprinkle some flour inside to coat it evenly. This will help your brownies come out easily once they’re baked.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine your strawberry puree, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed together nicely. This will form the sweet, fruity base of your brownies!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir everything together until it’s all well blended. This mixture will start to look deliciously smooth.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Once well mixed, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix, or your brownies might come out tough!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Now it’s time to pop it in the oven! Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
6. Cool and Frost:
When the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, you can mix up the frosting. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with just enough milk to make a spreadable consistency. Spread this frosting on top of your cooled brownies.
7. Slice and Serve:
Finally, cut the brownies into squares. They are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them fresh with a smile and maybe a scoop of ice cream on the side for an extra treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing to remove excess moisture. This will help your brownies maintain the right texture and avoid being too wet.
What Can I Substitute for Vegetable Oil?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If using applesauce, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance out the sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, where they’ll keep fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them; just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months!
Can I Omit the Frosting?
Yes, you can absolutely skip the frosting if you prefer a less sweet treat! The brownies are delicious on their own and can be enjoyed as is, or dusted with a little powdered sugar before serving for a simple presentation.
