These strawberry brownies are the perfect treat for chocolate lovers! They are rich, fudgy, and topped with fresh strawberries that add a pop of sweetness.
I love how the strawberries make every bite feel like spring on a plate! They’re super easy to make—just blend, bake, and enjoy with a scoop of ice cream for a yummy dessert!
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your brownies. You can substitute it with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option, or use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, but expect a denser texture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives brownies their rich chocolate flavor. If you want something intense, go for Dutch-processed cocoa. You could also use carob powder as a caffeine-free alternative.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar sweetens and adds moisture. You can replace it with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile, or use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh or frozen berries work well here. If strawberries are not in season, you can substitute with raspberries or even cherries for a unique twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Just make sure it’s melted for the correct texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Are Not Overmixed?
A common struggle in brownie making is overmixing the batter, which can lead to tough brownies. To avoid this, mix just until all ingredients are combined. It’s okay if there are some small flour streaks. This helps keep them fudgy.
- Combine wet ingredients smoothly before adding dry.
- Once the dry ingredients are added, use a spatula to gently fold everything together.
- Mix only until you don’t see dry flour, then stop!
What’s the Best Way to Test Brownies for Doneness?
To ensure your brownies are perfectly baked, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. If it’s wet, they need more time. The edges should look set, but the center can still look a bit shiny.
How to Make Delicious Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, thawed)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional, for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. After baking, allow about 10 minutes for cooling in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. So, overall, you’re looking at around 50-60 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take an 8×8 inch baking pan and grease it lightly with some butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help the brownies come out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together well to ensure it’s mixed evenly. This will help create a smooth brownie batter later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It should look well blended and shiny.
4. Add Eggs and Flavor:
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well incorporated, so each ingredient combines perfectly!
5. Incorporate the Strawberry Puree:
Now, stir in the strawberry puree until it’s fully combined. The batter will start to take on a lovely pink hue as the strawberries mix in!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until they are combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
7. Bake Your Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
8. Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, gently lift them out and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and strawberry extract (if using) until the mixture is smooth. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a tiny splash more milk or a bit more powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency.
10. Glaze and Serve:
Once your brownies are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set for a few minutes. Finally, cut the brownies into squares and enjoy your homemade strawberry treats!
Happy baking! Enjoy every bite of your yummy Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure the blend has xanthan gum included or add some to help with the texture. It may yield a slightly different texture but should still work well!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Strawberries for the Puree?
No worries! You can use frozen strawberries instead. Just thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and then puree them until smooth. This will give you that sweet strawberry flavor in your brownies.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
Can I Use Other Flavors for the Glaze?
Absolutely! You can swap the strawberry extract for any flavor you prefer, such as vanilla, almond, or orange extract, for a different twist. Just adjust the amount to taste, and consider using corresponding juice or puree for a complementary flavor in the glaze.
