These strawberry brownies are a delightful mix of rich chocolate and sweet strawberries. They’re fudgy, gooey, and oh-so-tempting for any berry lover!
Honestly, the burst of strawberry flavor takes these brownies to a whole new level. You might find yourself hiding them from your family—I’ve done it! 😂
I love serving these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s a treat that’s super easy to make and always impresses. Enjoy the sweetness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling salt levels in your recipe. If you’re in a hurry, you can use margarine, but it may change the texture slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar creates a nice structure and sweetness. For a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute like Stevia, but keep in mind it may alter the texture.
Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and help the brownies rise. If you’re looking for a vegan option, use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup = 1 egg).
Pureed Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are great but frozen strawberries work just as well! If strawberries aren’t available, try other fruits like raspberries or cherries for a different flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Perfect for glazing! If you’re short on powdered sugar, blend granulated sugar until fine for a quick substitute. You can also make a glaze with alternative sweeteners if needed.
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Bake Evenly?
Baking brownies can be tricky if you’re not careful with the details. Here are my top tips for even baking:
- Preheat your oven to ensure the brownies rise properly from the start.
- Use a light-colored baking dish to avoid over-browning. Dark pans can result in uneven cooking.
- Use an oven thermometer to check if your oven temperature is accurate. Ovens can often be off by quite a bit!
- Check for doneness a few minutes before the highlighted baking time; you want the toothpick to come out clean but not dry.
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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pureed strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Optional: pink food coloring for enhanced color
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, plus some cooling time. In total, you should expect to spend about 1 hour before you can enjoy these yummy strawberry brownies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal once your brownies are baked!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or just a good old whisk and some elbow grease!
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Make sure it’s combined before adding the next egg. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious flavor!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Fold in the Strawberries:
Gently fold in the pureed strawberries. If you want a more vibrant pink color, now’s the time to add a few drops of pink food coloring—mix it in well!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Make the Glaze:
While the brownies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk, adding just enough to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Set it aside.
8. Finish and Enjoy:
Once the brownies are done, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, drizzle or spread the glaze over the top of the cooled brownies. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before cutting them into squares.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies with family and friends! They’re perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen strawberries completely before pureeing them. You can do this overnight in the fridge or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in warm water for quicker thawing. Drain excess liquid before pureeing for the best results!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, as it helps mimic the texture of regular flour. You might want to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them while baking!
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 about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for best results.
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Brownies?
Definitely! You can mix in other pureed fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor. Just replace part of the strawberry puree with another fruit puree, keeping the total amount of fruit the same (1 cup in total) to maintain the right texture.
