These strawberry brownies are a tasty twist on the classic treat! With a rich chocolate base and fresh strawberries mixed in, they’re both fudgy and fruity.
I love how these brownies are super easy to whip up. They’re perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, and believe me, they disappear fast at parties! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the brownies. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil, though they may slightly change the flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for sweetness. For a different touch, try brown sugar for a richer flavor or a sugar substitute if you’re cutting calories.
Strawberry Puree: You can use fresh strawberries or frozen ones. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, applesauce can be a good alternative for moisture, but the strawberry flavor will change.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour blend, which can yield similar results.
Pink Food Coloring: This is optional but adds fun! If you’d rather skip it, your brownies will still be delightful.
How Do I Mix the Ingredients Without Overdoing It?
A common pitfall is overmixing the batter, which can make brownies tough. After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. You might see some flour bits, but that’s okay! The folding in of the strawberry puree should help the batter come together without overworking it.
- Use a spatula to gently combine the mixtures. Think of it as folding in a delicate way.
- Once you see no more dry flour, stop mixing!
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or from frozen strawberries)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tsp milk
- Optional: pink food coloring for a bolder color
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow time for the brownies to cool before icing them. Overall, you’ll need about 1 hour (including cooling time) to enjoy these delightful strawberry brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This will help your brownies come out perfectly!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix them together well until they are fully combined and look smooth. It’s like making a sweet, creamy base for your brownies!
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs to the bowl one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a wonderful flavor to your brownies.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Once combined, slowly add this dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix! No one wants tough brownies!
5. Fold in Strawberry Puree:
Now, gently fold in the strawberry puree until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you want a more vibrant pink color, feel free to add a few drops of pink food coloring at this stage!
6. Pour into the Pan:
Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. It’s almost brownie time!
7. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking time might vary a bit, so check around the 25-minute mark.
8. Cool the Brownies:
Once the brownies are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
9. Make the Icing:
While your brownies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
10. Ice and Serve:
Once the brownies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the icing evenly over the top. Let it sit for a few minutes to set before cutting the brownies into squares.
11. Enjoy!
Now that your strawberry brownies are ready, serve them to your family or friends—or keep them all to yourself! Enjoy the delightful flavor and sweet strawberry goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Puree?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen strawberries, then blend them until smooth to make your puree. For best results, make sure to drain any excess water that may have accumulated during thawing to keep the brownies from getting too wet.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter with a vegetable or coconut oil in equal amounts. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different; brownies made with oil can be a bit denser. If you’d like a richer flavor, try using melted coconut oil!
How Should I 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 to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make these brownies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that your flour blend is designed for baking, as this will provide the best texture and structure. Adjust baking time if necessary since gluten-free flours can vary in absorbency.
