These strawberry brownies are a delightful twist on the classic treat! They combine rich chocolate with fresh strawberries for a sweet, fruity taste that’s hard to resist.
They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea. I love adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish—it’s like a little cherry on top without the calories! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh strawberries adds a wonderful flavor and color. If they’re out of season, you can swap for unsweetened strawberry puree from cans or frozen strawberries. Just thaw and puree them. I love the fresh taste, but sometimes the puree works well too.
Unsalted Butter: This gives the brownies a rich texture. You can replace it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, or use margarine. Just remember, melted butter will give a different texture—less cakey and more fudgy, which I find delightful.
Granulated Sugar: The recipe calls for regular sugar, but you can use brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor. Honey or maple syrup can work too, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid ingredients since they’re wetter than granulated sugar.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used here, but gluten-free flour blends make a great alternative if you’re avoiding gluten. I’ve tried this with almond flour, which gives a nutty taste, and it turned out lovely!
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Come Out Perfectly Moist?
Getting brownies just right can be tricky. The key is not to overmix or overbake. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make them tough instead of soft.
- Always check for doneness a few minutes early; use a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set and stay moist.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to bake. Allow some time for the brownies to cool completely before adding the glaze. Overall, you can expect to spend around 1 hour, including cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a 9×9-inch baking pan and grease it well or line it with parchment paper. Lining helps with easy removal later!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soft butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, crack in the eggs one by one, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the pureed strawberries until everything is nicely blended.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Grab another bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—don’t over mix!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
5. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This is important to achieve the right texture! While they cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk.
6. Serve the Strawberry Brownies:
Once cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the brownies. Now, cut them into squares and serve! Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This will help achieve the right consistency in your brownies.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Another Fat?
Absolutely! You can replace the unsalted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. Just keep in mind that using oil may make the brownies a bit denser.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For best taste, let them come to room temperature before serving again!
Can I Make These Brownies Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), and use a vegan butter or plant-based oil. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally vegan, but always check labels to be sure!
