These strawberry brownies combine rich chocolatey goodness with fresh strawberry flavor. They’re chewy, fruity, and just plain fun to eat!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a treat that packs a fruity twist? I can’t stop at one! Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’re in for a special treat. 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your brownies. For a gluten-free version, you can swap it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works surprisingly well and retains the texture.
Granulated sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness and structure. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using coconut sugar or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid in the recipe if using syrup.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives moisture and richness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter can work beautifully here.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are delightful, but frozen strawberries make a great substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing. You could also try raspberries for a different twist!
Powdered sugar: This is used in the glaze for sweetness and a smooth finish. If you want a healthier glaze, you can use blended dates or a sugar substitute like erythritol for a low-calorie option.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting the perfect brownie texture is crucial! Here are a few tips to help you out:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make brownies dense and chewy instead of light and fudgy.
- Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your brownies! Start checking for doneness at around 25 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Cool Before Cutting: Let the brownies cool for at least 10 minutes before glazing and cutting. This helps them set and makes slicing easier!
Delicious Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of baking time. Plus, you’ll want to give the brownies a little time to cool and let the glaze set, so plan for about 1 hour from start to finish to enjoy your tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a moment to grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to ensure your brownies come out easily later. You can use a little butter or cooking spray for this!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this will help make your brownies nice and airy!
3. Mix in the Eggs and Strawberry Puree:
Next, add the eggs into the bowl one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Once that’s done, stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, giving it another good mix to combine everything smoothly.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Remember, it’s okay if there are a few lumps—overmixing can make the brownies tough!
5. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Now, pour the brownie batter into the greased baking pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula so that it bakes uniformly. Your kitchen should start smelling delightful already!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs), they are ready to come out!
7. Make the Glaze:
While your brownies are cooling, let’s make the glaze! In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. This glaze will make your brownies even more tempting!
8. Frost the Brownies:
After the brownies have cooled for about 10 minutes in the pan, spread the glaze evenly on top. This sweet touch will perfectly complement the strawberry flavor!
9. Cut and Serve:
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes for easier cutting. Then, cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies with friends or family, or keep them all to yourself!
Enjoy making and sharing these sweet Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even mashed bananas. Just make sure to keep the amount similar to maintain the brownie’s moisture level.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Strawberries?
No problem! Frozen strawberries work just as well. Just thaw them first, then puree. If the mixture seems too watery, you can strain the puree to remove excess liquid before adding it to the batter.
How 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 them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing!
Can I Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts?
Yes! Adding chocolate chips or nuts is a great way to enhance the flavor and texture. Stir in about 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate chips or chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking for an added crunch.
