These strawberry brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat! With rich chocolate and sweet strawberries, they are both chewy and fruity in every bite. Yum!
Making them is simple—I just mix the batter, fold in some fresh strawberries, and bake. It’s hard to resist sneaking a piece while they cool! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of the show! Pureeing fresh strawberries adds a lovely flavor and color to the brownies. If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones—just thaw and puree them first.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the brownies. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well, but it may slightly change the flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with the brownie texture. You can replace up to half with brown sugar for a richer taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar can also be used.
Eggs: They provide moisture and a nice structure to the brownies. For vegan options, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals 1 egg) or even unsweetened applesauce.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the brownies. For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture.
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Don’t Overmix?
One of the important steps in making brownies is mixing the batter just right. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies. To avoid this, combine ingredients gently once you add the flour. Stop as soon as there are no dry streaks left—it’s okay if a few lumps remain!
- Mix wet ingredients until combined, and then combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry to wet, using a spatula to fold rather than stir vigorously.
- Pay attention to the batter; the goal is to blend without losing its fudgy texture.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need about 10 minutes for cooling. So, you’ll be enjoying your Strawberry Brownies in about 1 hour total—perfect for a quick and delightful dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For easy removal later, grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Brownie Batter:
In a medium bowl, combine the pureed strawberries, softened butter, and granulated sugar. Mix them together until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the strawberry mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to give it a lovely flavor.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will make sure your brownies rise nicely and have a great texture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the strawberry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Pour the Batter into the Pan:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan.
7. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
8. Prepare the Icing:
While the brownies are baking, you can prepare the icing! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If you’d like a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk; for a thicker one, add more powdered sugar.
9. Cool the Brownies:
Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Add the Icing:
Once cooled, drizzle or spread the icing over the top of the brownies and let it set. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Slice and Serve:
Cut the brownies into squares and serve them up. If you like, garnish with some additional strawberries on top. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for this recipe! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This will help maintain the right consistency in your brownie batter.
What If I Don’t Have Unsalted Butter?
No worries! You can use salted butter instead; just omit the added salt in the recipe. This will still give you a delicious flavor in your brownies.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them where they’ll last about a week. To enjoy them later, you can even freeze the brownies; just wrap them tightly and they’ll keep for about 2-3 months!
Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour with a Gluten-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. This way, everyone can enjoy your tasty strawberry brownies!