These strawberry brownies are a sweet treat that combines rich chocolatey goodness with fresh strawberries. They are gooey, delicious, and perfect for any dessert lover!
Who knew brownies could get a fruity twist? I love how the strawberries add a nice tartness. They’re so good, I sometimes eat them for breakfast—don’t judge me! 🍓
Making these brownies is super easy. Just mix, bake, and enjoy. They’re sure to impress anyone who gets a taste, even if you “accidentally” eat half the batch yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is crucial for a smooth batter. You can substitute with margarine or coconut oil, but butter gives the best flavor.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar creates a great texture. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia, but the taste may change.
Strawberry Extract & Puree: The strawberry extract enhances the berry flavor. For a more natural option, use extra strawberry puree. If fresh strawberries are in season, you could also chop them finely.
White Chocolate Chips: These add a nice creaminess. You can swap with dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or omit them entirely if you’re not a fan.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture in Brownies?
Getting the right consistency for brownies is essential for that fudgy texture we all love. Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugars well. This adds air for a lighter texture.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time to keep the batter smooth.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mix until it’s just combined to keep them moist.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs; overbaking can lead to dry brownies.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need a little time to let the brownies cool before serving. Overall, you can enjoy these strawberry brownies in roughly an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will help your brownies come out easily once they’re baked.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, take the softened butter and combine it with both granulated and brown sugars. Using a mixer, cream these together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will give your brownies a wonderful texture!
3. Add the Eggs and Extracts:
Now, add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, making sure to mix well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla and strawberry extracts as well, and keep mixing until everything is nicely combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Fold in the Goodies:
Next, gently fold in the strawberry puree. If you want a bit of extra sweetness and flavor, you can add the white chocolate chips now. They’re optional, but they make the brownies a little extra special!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Now it’s time to bake! Place it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re ready, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the brownies are baking, let’s whip up the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. If you want your glaze to have a little pink color, now’s the time to add the food coloring!
8. Glazing the Brownies:
Once the brownies are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, while they’re still warm, spread the glaze over the top. This will make them look delicious and add even more flavor!
9. Cool and Serve:
Finally, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. When you’re ready, serve them up and enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Brownies!
Enjoy every bite of your delightful creation!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture before pureeing to prevent your brownies from becoming too wet. You can speed up the thawing by placing them in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag!
Can I Substitute the White Chocolate Chips?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can substitute with dark or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor. You could also leave them out entirely for a pure strawberry brownie experience!
Is There a Dairy-Free Option for the Butter?
Yes! You can substitute the unsalted butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in the same amount. Ensure any chocolate chips used are also dairy-free if you’re making the brownies completely dairy-free.
