These yummy strawberry brownies combine chocolatey goodness with fresh strawberries for a perfect treat. Topped with a creamy frosting, they’re sure to make you smile!
Who can resist that light pink frosting on top? I can never eat just one of these brownies—they’re just too tasty. And hey, it’s a nice way to sneak in some fruit too! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the brownies, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that this might change the texture a bit!
Granulated sugar: Regular sugar adds sweetness, but you can swap it for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you’re watching your intake. Personally, I like the slight caramel flavor coconut sugar brings.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Cocoa powder gives the brownies their chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa or even carob powder for a unique taste, but do note it’ll alter the flavor profile.
Fresh strawberries: Using pureed strawberries adds moisture and a lovely fruity taste. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you could use frozen ones (thawed), but the flavor might be a bit different. 😄 I prefer fresh for the vibrant taste!
Lemon juice: This adds a hint of brightness to the brownies. If you don’t have lemon, lime juice works too. Using a splash of vanilla extract can also complement the strawberries nicely if you’re out of lemon.
How Can I Make Sure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies can be tricky, but there are some simple tips to ensure they come out just right. The key is to keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time.
- Check for doneness at around 20 minutes; insert a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan; this helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
- If you prefer fudgier brownies, remove them from the oven while they’re slightly underbaked. They’ll continue cooking as they cool!
How to Make Strawberry Brownies with Creamy Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (for a hint of flavor)
For the Creamy Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, and you’ll need around 20-25 minutes for baking. After baking, let the brownies cool completely, so factor in some extra time for that. Overall, it’s a quick and fun treat to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To avoid any sticking, grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will make removing the brownies super easy later!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. It’s important to get these dry ingredients mixed well so your brownies have a nice, even texture.
3. Preparing the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, pureed strawberries, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until you have a smooth blend. This is where the delicious strawberry flavor comes from!
4. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the brownies tough.
5. Baking the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re ready, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
6. Cooling the Brownies:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This is an important step, as it gives them a nice texture and makes frosting easier!
7. Making the Creamy Frosting:
While the brownies cool, get started on the frosting. Beat the softened unsalted butter in a mixing bowl until it’s smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to mix. Then, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until it reaches your desired spreadable consistency.
8. Frosting the Brownies:
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the creamy frosting generously over the top. It’s okay to be a little generous here; who doesn’t love frosting?
9. Serving Your Strawberry Brownies:
Now, slice your brownies into squares. If you’re feeling extra fancy, garnish with fresh strawberry slices. Your delicious strawberry brownies are now ready to be served and enjoyed!
Can I Substitute the Fresh Strawberries?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. You can also use store-bought strawberry puree if you’re short on time!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free strawberry brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum to help with the texture. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them!
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. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag; they will stay good for up to 3 months.
Can I Use a Different Type of Frosting?
Sure thing! If you prefer a different flavor, cream cheese frosting or whipped cream can be a delightful alternative. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the sweetness to match your taste preferences!
