These strawberry brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat! They are rich, fudgy, and packed with sweet strawberries, making each bite a little slice of paradise.
Honestly, who can resist the delicious combo of chocolate and juicy strawberries? 🥰 I love having these brownies warm with a scoop of ice cream on top – yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives the brownies a rich flavor. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just adjust the salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness and texture. If you want to lower the sugar content, you can substitute some with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but check using conversion guidelines as they can differ.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries work best, but frozen is a great alternative. Just thaw and blend them. You can also use other fruit purees, like raspberry or blueberry, if you’re looking for a different flavor.
Pink Food Coloring: This is entirely optional. If you prefer a natural coloring, try adding a little bit of beet juice or leave it out for a more rustic look!
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Turn Out Perfectly?
Getting the right texture for brownies is crucial! Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps them mix more smoothly.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. Mix just until combined to keep brownies fudgy.
- Keep an eye on the baking time! Oven temperatures can vary; check with a toothpick around the 25-minute mark.
- Let them cool fully before frosting for the best results. This helps the frosting set nicely.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
- Pink food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
For the Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful strawberry brownie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. Afterward, let the brownies cool for a bit before frosting them, bringing the total time to approximately 1 hour. It’s a quick and yummy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it lightly. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy brownie removal later on. Set it aside.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter (you can do this in a microwave or on the stove). Once it’s melted, add the granulated sugar and mix it well. Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, blending each egg before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if a few small lumps remain!
4. Add Strawberry Puree:
Next, gently fold in the strawberry puree until it’s all mixed in. If you want to make your brownies a bit pinker, add a few drops of pink food coloring and stir to combine thoroughly.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Now, pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean!
6. Prepare the Frosting:
While your brownies cool, get started on the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix it together until it’s smooth and creamy—not too runny, but easy to spread!
7. Frost and Serve:
Once your brownies have cooled completely (this is important!), spread the frosting evenly over the top. Let it set for a few minutes, then slice them into squares. Serve and enjoy your delicious, fruity strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Strawberry Puree?
Absolutely! You can blend fresh strawberries to make your own puree. Just wash, hull, and blend about 1 ½ cups of fresh strawberries until smooth. You may want to strain the puree to remove any seeds for a smoother texture in your brownies.
What If I Don’t Have Unsalted Butter?
If you only have salted butter, you can use it! Just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to prevent the brownies from being too salty. The final taste will still be delicious!
How Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of regular flour. You may need to adjust the baking time a bit, so keep an eye on them while they bake!
