These strawberry brownies are a sweet twist on the classic treat! They have rich chocolate flavors mixed with juicy strawberries, making them extra special.
Who knew brownies could get a fruity upgrade? Every bite is a fun surprise! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the brownies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just remember that texture may vary slightly.
Granulated Sugar: A must for sweetness! You can substitute coconut sugar for a less processed option. It will add a hint of caramel flavor.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries give great flavor, but frozen works just as well. If strawberries aren’t available, you can use other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist.
Unsalted Butter: You can switch to coconut oil or vegetable oil if you want a dairy-free version. These will change the flavor slightly but still yield delicious results.
Powdered Sugar: While needed for the glaze, you can use a sugar-free alternative if you’re watching your sugar intake. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking.
How Do You Ensure the Brownies are Moist and Dense?
The secret to soft and moist brownies lies in not overmixing the batter. Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tougher brownies due to excess gluten development.
- When mixing in the wet ingredients, gently fold them into the dry ingredients.
- Don’t skip the resting time before glazing; it helps the brownies set beautifully and creates that perfect chewy texture.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For The Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- 1 drop red food coloring (optional, for brighter color)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let the brownies cool a bit before adding the glaze, so plan for around 10 more minutes of cooling. Overall, you’re looking at about one hour from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will help your brownies come out easily once they’re baked!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and strawberry puree. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This is where your brownies start to get that delicious strawberry flavor!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and stir well until everything is nicely blended together. This will create a lovely, rich batter for your brownies.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is a quick step but important to make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour!
5. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix! We want our brownies to be tender and delicious.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so it fills every corner. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While your brownies are baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and red food coloring (if you’d like a pop of color!). Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
8. Glaze the Brownies:
Once your brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, pour the glaze over warm brownies and spread it evenly with a spatula. It will look so tempting!
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will help them set nicely, making them easier to serve!
Enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies! They’re perfect for a sweet treat anytime!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Puree?
Absolutely! You can make fresh strawberry puree by blending about 1 cup of chopped fresh strawberries until smooth. If you prefer chunkier brownies, you can also finely chop the strawberries and fold them into the batter. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Substitute Cocoa Powder for Some Flour?
Yes, you can replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder to create chocolate-strawberry brownies. Try substituting 1/4 cup of flour with 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for a delicious chocolatey twist!
What Should I Do If My Brownies Are Too Gooey?
If your brownies are too gooey, they might need a bit more baking time. Check for doneness around the 30-minute mark and continue baking in 2-3 minute increments until a toothpick comes out clean. Just be careful not to overbake as they can become dry!
