These yummy strawberry brownies are a fun twist on the classic chocolate treat! Soft and fudgy, they’re packed with fresh strawberries that bring a burst of sweetness.
Honestly, who knew brownies could be so fruity? I love how easy they are to whip up. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a sweet bite of summer anytime! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries offer the best flavor for pureeing, but frozen ones work too. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with any berry, like raspberries or blueberries, for a fruity twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control over the sweetness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil or a mild-flavored vegetable oil can be a great substitute.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard here, but you might try brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor. If you’re reducing sugar, use a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for the frosting, but if you’re out, you can blend granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until fine. Just be sure to adjust the milk for consistency.
How Do I Make Sure the Brownies Bake Just Right?
The key to perfectly baked brownies is all in the timing and temperature. Make sure your oven is preheated. You want them to be baked just enough so that a toothpick comes out clean but not so long that they dry out.
- After pouring the batter into the dish, tap it gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Check for doneness at around 25 minutes. If the toothpick has a few moist crumbs, they are perfect. Don’t wait until it’s completely clean!
- Let them cool in the pan; this makes them easier to cut into squares later.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup strawberries, pureed (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- Optional: food coloring (for a deeper pink color)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus some time for cooling. Altogether, you can expect around 1 hour to enjoy your delightful Strawberry Brownies from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper so your brownies won’t stick. You’ll be thankful for this step later!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and pureed strawberries. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until everything is well combined. It should look nice and smooth!
3. Add Eggs and Flavor:
Now, pour in the vanilla extract and crack in the two eggs. Beat the mixture until it’s nice and smooth. This is what gives your brownies a lovely texture.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or the brownies may become tough!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Make the Frosting:
While the brownies are baking, it’s time to prepare the frosting! In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until it becomes smooth. If you need to adjust the thickness, feel free to add a bit more sugar or milk.
7. Cool and Frost:
Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This is important to avoid melting your frosting! Once they’re cool, spread the frosting over the top. If you want a deeper pink color, add a drop of food coloring and mix it in.
8. Cut and Enjoy:
Finally, cut your brownies into squares and serve them up! They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen strawberries before pureeing them. This will help maintain the right consistency in your brownies without making the batter too watery.
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
If you want to make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You may also want to add a bit of xanthan gum to help provide structure.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, consider placing them in the fridge for up to a week or freezing them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Brownies?
Yes, you can! If you prefer less sweetness, try reducing the granulated sugar to 3/4 cup, and taste the batter before baking to see if it meets your preference. Keep in mind that strawberry flavor may be less pronounced with less sugar.
