These strawberry brownies are a tasty treat combining rich chocolate and fresh strawberries. They’re fudgy, sweet, and perfect for berry lovers!
Trust me, the mix of chocolate and strawberries is a match made in dessert heaven! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the brownies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well as a substitute.
Sugar: The granulated sugar gives sweetness and helps with texture. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries make for the best flavor, but frozen strawberries are great in a pinch—just thaw and blend them. You can also substitute with other fruit purees like raspberry or peach for a fun twist!
Red Food Coloring: This is optional but enhances the color. If you want a natural approach, beet juice works as a lovely substitute.
Powdered Sugar: This sugar is for that smooth icing. If you want to avoid refined sugar, simply blend regular sugar until powdered or use a sugar alternative.
How Do I Make the Perfect Strawberry Brownie Batter?
The key to a smooth and flavorful brownie batter is mixing techniques. Start by making sure your butter is melted but not too hot, as it can cook the eggs. Mix the sugar until it’s fully incorporated, giving the brownies their sweetness and chewy texture.
- **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Melt the butter and mix it with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is mixed in well before the next.
- **Sift Dry Ingredients:** Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl to prevent clumps. Gradually mix this into your wet ingredients without over-mixing to keep the brownies tender.
- **Folding in Strawberry Puree:** Gently fold the strawberry puree into the batter—this helps keep air in the mix for lighter brownies.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)
- Red food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow the brownies to cool for about 10 minutes before icing and cooling completely. In total, you will need roughly an hour to make these tasty strawberry brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.
2. Make the Brownie Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Next, stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until it is well combined. Now, add the 4 eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Finally, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your brownies tender!
4. Add Strawberry Puree:
Gently fold in the 1 cup of strawberry puree into the brownie batter. Mix until the batter is smooth, and if you want brighter color, add a few drops of red food coloring. This step is optional but can enhance the look of your brownies!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean.
6. Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Icing:
While the brownies are cooling, you can make the icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. If the icing is too thick, just add a little more milk until it’s the consistency you like.
8. Ice and Serve:
After the brownies have cooled completely, spread the icing evenly over the top. Let it set for a few minutes, then cut into squares. Serve these delicious strawberry brownies to your friends and family—and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen strawberries first. You can speed up the process by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Once thawed, blend them until smooth for your puree.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Something Healthier?
Yes, you can use unsweetened applesauce or coconut oil as a substitute for butter. If using applesauce, replace the butter with 1 cup of applesauce to maintain moisture, but note that it may change the texture slightly. For coconut oil, use the same amount, melting it before incorporating it with the sugar.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Can I Omit the Icing?
Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can skip the icing. The brownies are still delicious on their own with the strawberry flavor. If you want an alternative topping, consider sprinkling powdered sugar on top for a touch of sweetness without the icing.
