These strawberry brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat! With rich chocolate flavor and sweet, juicy strawberries, they’re perfect for any occasion.
The combination of chocolate and strawberries is a winner! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side—heavenly! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of the brownie texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works surprisingly well!
Cocoa powder: I recommend using unsweetened cocoa for a rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out, Dutch-process cocoa can be used, but it may alter the final taste slightly.
Fresh strawberries: These are key for a fruity twist! If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen strawberries can work too—just thaw and drain excess moisture before pureeing.
Granulated sugar vs. powdered sugar: The granulated sugar provides sweetness to the brownies, while powdered sugar is for the frosting. For a healthier alternative, you could try using coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Almond extract: This adds a lovely flavor to the frosting, but feel free to skip it if you’re not a fan. Vanilla extract is a nice substitute!
How Can You Ensure Your Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies can be tricky—nobody likes a dry brownie! Here are some tips to get them just right:
- Preheat your oven and make sure it’s at the right temperature for even baking.
- Check for doneness at the lower end of the baking time, around 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Let them cool completely before frosting. This helps the brownies set and makes cutting easier.
Follow these tips, and you’re on your way to enjoying delicious strawberry brownies every time!
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 4-5 strawberries)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- Pink food coloring (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful strawberry brownie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, let the brownies cool for about 30 minutes before frosting. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper so your brownies don’t stick. This will make cleanup much easier!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk these together until they are well-mixed. This will help ensure your brownies have a nice, even texture.
3. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar together until they are fully combined. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir everything until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry mixture to the butter-sugar blend, folding it in gently until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix. Now, stir in the strawberry puree until everything looks evenly combined. If you want a cheerful pink color, feel free to add a few drops of pink food coloring!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, so don’t forget to check!
6. Cool and Frost the Brownies:
After baking, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by mixing the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and almond extract (if you’re using it) in a small bowl. Adjust with more milk until it’s thick but spreadable. Once the brownies are cool, spread the frosting over the top evenly.
7. Enjoy!
Cut the brownies into squares, and they are ready to be devoured! These strawberry brownies are a wonderful treat for any occasion. Enjoy your sweet creation!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This will help maintain the right texture in your brownies.
How 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 a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Substitute the Cocoa Powder?
If you want a different flavor, you can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder with Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Avoid using sweetened cocoa powder, as it will make your brownies too sweet!
How Do I Make the Frosting Thicker?
If you find your frosting too runny, simply add a bit more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired thickness. This will help it hold its shape better when spreading over the brownies.
