These strawberry brownies are a tasty twist on the classic treat! With fudgy chocolate and fresh strawberries mixed in, you get the best of both worlds.
Every bite is like a party in your mouth! I love how easy they are to make; just mix, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is essential for controlling the salt level in the brownies. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter instead. I prefer unsalted, as it gives me the freedom to add salt as needed.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries give amazing flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries—just make sure to thaw and strain them first. You can also experiment with other fruits like raspberries or mashed bananas for a unique twist.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best here. If you want to reduce sugar intake, you could use coconut sugar, but it may change the flavor a bit. I’ve tried using less sugar by adding applesauce instead, which keeps brownies moist.
Eggs: Eggs add moisture and act as a binding agent. For a vegan version, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg). This method works great and keeps the texture soft!
Pink Food Coloring: This is optional but fun! If you want a more natural option, beet juice can add a pretty pink hue. I enjoy using natural colors whenever possible.
How Do You Ensure Your Brownies Bake Evenly?
Baking brownies perfectly is all about creating the right environment in your oven. Here are steps to ensure they come out great:
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing your brownies inside. A well-heated oven helps them rise and bake evenly.
- Grease your baking dish properly or use parchment paper for easy removal. This prevents sticking and helps achieve nice edges.
- Mix the batter until just combined; over-mixing can lead to dense brownies. A few lumps are okay!
- Check your brownies in the last 5 minutes of baking. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
These steps will help you achieve perfectly baked strawberry brownies every time! Enjoy your baking adventure!
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 fresh strawberries, pureed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional, for a deeper color)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and another 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, let the brownies cool down before adding the frosting. In total, you should be ready to enjoy these strawberry brownies in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well to ensure your brownies come out easily without sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixer or a whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take just a few minutes and will make your brownies nice and airy!
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the strawberry puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You should see a lovely pink color starting to form!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until they are well mixed. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt.
5. Bring It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. If you want a brighter pink color, now’s a great time to add a drop of pink food coloring!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Spread the brownie mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, allow them to cool in the pan.
7. Make the Frosting:
While the brownies are cooling, you can make the frosting. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth mixture. If you prefer a thicker frosting, just add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Finish and Serve:
Once the brownies have completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Then, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful strawberry brownies with friends or family!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen strawberries before pureeing them. If they’re too watery after thawing, you might want to reduce the amount of additional liquid in the recipe to ensure the brownies maintain the right texture.
How Can I Make These Brownies More Chocolaty?
If you want a chocolate twist, try adding 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You may need to slightly reduce the flour to maintain the right batter consistency, so consider reducing the all-purpose flour by 1/4 cup.
What’s the Best Way 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 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil before freezing!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Coconut Oil?
Yes, coconut oil can be used as a substitute! Use the same amount (1 cup) but ensure it’s in a liquid state before mixing. Keep in mind that it may impart a slight coconut flavor to your brownies, which can be delicious!
