These strawberry brownies are a tasty twist on the classic treat! With a rich chocolate base, they’re topped with fresh strawberries for a burst of sweetness.
Whenever I make these, my friends can’t resist! They’re easy to whip up, and I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—pure happiness! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This flour is perfect for baking brownies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture may vary a bit.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies depth. If you can’t find it, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a more mellow flavor, but be mindful that it can alter the acidity balance in your recipe.
Strawberry purée: Fresh strawberries offer a lovely flavor. If they’re not in season, frozen strawberries work great too! Just thaw and puree them. Alternatively, you can use other fruit purees like raspberry or blueberry for a twist.
Unsalted butter: This recipe calls for unsalted butter to control the salt levels. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter, just omit the added salt in the recipe.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
One common challenge is knowing when brownies are done baking. You want them set but still moist inside. When you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean, as this means they might be overbaked.
- Keep an eye on the time; start checking at the 25-minute mark.
- Use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure about your oven’s temperature accuracy.
- Remember that brownies continue to cook a bit more once removed from the oven due to residual heat.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (fresh or frozen)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let the brownies cool for a bit before glazing them. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour for the whole process. Get ready for a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper so your brownies come out easily.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Use a mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will add nice air to your brownies.
4. Add Eggs and Flavors:
Beat in the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree until it’s all well combined. Yum!
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix. If you like, add a few drops of pink food coloring to brighten up the batter!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
7. Make the Glaze:
While your brownies are cooling, let’s make the glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a tiny bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.
8. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the brownies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top like a sugary decoration. Let it sit for a few minutes so the glaze sets a little.
9. Cut and Enjoy:
Now, cut your delicious strawberry brownies into squares and serve! Enjoy the fruity chocolate goodness!
Can I Substitute the Strawberries with Other Fruits?
Absolutely! You can replace the strawberries with pureed raspberries, blueberries, or even bananas. Just ensure the fruit is pureed well to maintain the texture of the brownies. Keep in mind that different fruits may alter the flavor slightly!
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
For gluten-free brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. These blends usually contain ingredients that help mimic the properties of regular flour, so your brownies will still be delicious and chewy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing!
Can I Use Oil Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. This will give your brownies a slightly different texture but can still yield a moist and tasty treat!
