These Strawberry Brownies mix sweet chocolate with fresh strawberries, creating a yummy dessert that’s moist and delightful. They are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Whenever I make these, my family can’t resist grabbing an extra piece. And honestly, who can say no to that chocolatey goodness topped with bright strawberries? 🍓
What I love most is how easy they are to whip up! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. Great for parties or a cozy night in with a movie!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the right creaminess and flavor without adding extra salt. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but it may slightly change the texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps keep brownies moist. If you want to cut down on refined sugar, try coconut sugar or honey, but keep in mind that honey will add moisture.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and create a rich texture. For a vegan version, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
Fresh Strawberries: These are key for that strawberry flavor! If fresh berries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries, just make sure to thaw and drain them first. For a more intense flavor, try strawberry puree sold at stores.
Powdered Sugar: This is used for the frosting because it mixes easily to create a smooth finish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could blend regular sugar into a powder or use a sugar substitute like erythritol.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Moist and Chewy?
To achieve that perfectly moist texture in your brownies, pay attention to a few crucial steps. Mixing the ingredients properly while avoiding over-mixing is vital to keep them chewy. Here’s how:
- Mix the butter and sugar until just combined, then add eggs one at a time while mixing briefly.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies.
- When adding strawberries, fold them in carefully to keep the batter light.
- A toothpick test is key: insert it in the center— it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter to signal doneness.
Finally, letting them cool fully before frosting helps maintain that chewy texture while ensuring a smooth finish on top!
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 6-8 strawberries)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or as needed for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional, for frosting)
- Additional fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry brownies recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 25-30 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let them cool completely before frosting, which should take approximately 1 hour. Altogether, you’ll have these tasty treats ready in about 1 hour and 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it with butter or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier serving later on.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix these ingredients together until they are fully combined and smooth. Now, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Finally, pour in the vanilla extract and stir again.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, ensuring your brownies rise perfectly.
4. Bring It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the large bowl of wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. You don’t want to over-mix; it’s okay if a few flour streaks remain.
5. Add the Strawberries:
Now it’s time to fold in the pureed strawberries. Carefully add the strawberry puree to the brownie batter and gently mix so that the berry flavor is evenly spread throughout the mixture.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Frost:
After baking, let your brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This can take about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, prepare the frosting by mixing together the powdered sugar, milk, and optional strawberry extract. Stir until smooth, adjusting the milk for your desired consistency.
8. Serve Your Brownies:
Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish with extra fresh strawberries. Now it’s time to cut them into squares and enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can work in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Puree the thawed strawberries and proceed with the recipe as usual. This might alter the texture slightly, but they will still be delicious!
How Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any uneaten brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!
What Can I Use Instead of Cocoa Powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use unsweetened carob powder as a substitute. The flavor will be different, so it’s best for those who enjoy carob’s unique taste. For a sweeter option, you can also use Dutch-processed cocoa, but adjust the sugar levels accordingly since it may be sweeter.
Can I Make the Frosting Without Strawberry Extract?
Absolutely! If you don’t have strawberry extract, you can simply increase the fresh strawberry puree in the frosting for added flavor. Alternatively, use vanilla extract for a classic taste. Adjust the milk in the frosting to maintain a smooth consistency.
