These strawberry brownies are a yummy treat with a rich chocolate base and sweet strawberry flavor. Topped with fresh strawberries, they look as good as they taste!
Honestly, the chocolate and strawberry combo is like a party in your mouth! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Perfect for any gathering! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor, allowing you to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly, but you can switch to brown sugar for added moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. For a non-refined option, try coconut sugar or honey.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries blended into a puree are great, but if you can’t find strawberries, use other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Just adjust the quantity slightly as some berries have different water content.
Milk: Whole milk gives a richer flavor, but you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version. Skip the milk if you want the brownies to be more dense and fudgy.
How Do You Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Achieving the right brownie texture is all about mixing and baking time. To get those chewy and soft edges, don’t overmix once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix until just combined. A few lumps are okay; they will bake out.
- When baking, check the brownies a couple of minutes before the time is up. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Letting the brownies cool completely in the pan helps set their texture before you cut them.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Pink food coloring (optional, for more vibrant color)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful strawberry brownies recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Just a little patience while they cool, and you’ll have a yummy treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish. This will help the brownies come out easily once they’re baked!
2. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating the right texture in your brownies.
3. Add Eggs and Strawberry Puree:
Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree until everything is well combined. The batter should have a lovely pink hue!
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring your brownies rise nicely.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with a little dry mix, then some milk, mixing gently in between. You want to stop mixing when everything is just combined to keep your brownies soft and moist.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Put it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
7. Cool and Prepare Icing:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. While you wait, let’s make some icing! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar with the milk until smooth. If you want a pinker icing, add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix until it’s just right.
8. Ice the Brownies:
Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the icing evenly over the top. Let it set for a little while so it firms up before cutting your delicious treats into squares.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Your strawberry brownies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at a gathering, pack them in lunch boxes, or just enjoy them with a cup of tea. Yum!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Puree?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen strawberries, just make sure to thaw them completely first and drain any excess liquid. This will ensure your brownies don’t become too watery. You can puree the thawed strawberries in a blender for a smooth consistency.
How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free strawberry brownies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the right texture. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same!
Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
Yes! Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Brownies?
Definitely! If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. Just keep in mind that this may also slightly alter the flavor, so adjust according to your taste preference!
