These strawberry brownies are a tasty twist on a classic dessert! With rich chocolatey goodness and fresh strawberries, they’re sure to impress friends and family.
Who knew brownies could be fruity? I love how the strawberries add a burst of flavor and look so pretty too. Serve them warm with ice cream for an extra treat! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to your brownies. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with margarine or coconut oil, but I recommend sticking with butter for the best flavor.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Together, these sugars give sweetness and moisture. You can try using coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option—just note it may change the texture slightly.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries give the best flavor, but frozen ones work too! If strawberries aren’t available, you can switch to raspberry or blueberry puree for a fun twist.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste or a gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten. Just make sure it’s designed for baking!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Moist Brownies?
Moist brownies are key, and getting that right is all about balancing the ingredients and baking time. To keep them moist:
- Don’t over-mix the batter after adding the dry ingredients—just mix until combined.
- Check for doneness at 25 minutes; brownies continue to cook after you remove them from the oven.
- Let them cool for about 10-15 minutes before glazing; this helps set the top and enhances moisture.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries (optional for texture)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Once baked, let the brownies cool for about 10-15 minutes before glazing them. Overall, you’ll spend around an hour enjoying this delicious treat from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to make it easy to remove the brownies later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until you have a smooth mixture. Let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Whisk in Eggs and Vanilla:
After letting the butter mixture cool slightly, whisk in the eggs and the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Add Strawberry Puree:
Fold in the strawberry puree and the chopped fresh strawberries if you’re using them. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the brownies are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with enough milk to make a smooth, drizzle-able frosting. Adjust the milk to get your desired thickness.
8. Glaze the Brownies:
Once the brownies have cooled for about 10-15 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a little before cutting the brownies into squares.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies! Serve them up and share with friends or keep them all to yourself!
Feel free to adjust the amount of strawberry puree based on how strong you want the strawberry flavor to be. Enjoy baking!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Puree?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen strawberries before blending them into puree. This will help maintain the right consistency for your brownies.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar. For a closer flavor match, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses before using it as a substitute.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover 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 make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other fruits! Options like raspberries, blueberries, or even mashed bananas can complement the strawberry flavor nicely. Just make sure not to overdo it, as too much moisture can affect the brownie texture.
