These strawberry brownies are a tasty twist on a classic treat! They are rich, chocolatey, and packed with fresh strawberry goodness. Your taste buds will be dancing!
You can’t go wrong with a fudgy brownie topped with vibrant strawberry slices. They are perfect for sharing, or not—we all know the struggle of keeping them for yourself! 😂
I love how easy these brownies are to make. Just mix, bake, and add those juicy strawberries on top. It’s a sweet treat that feels fancy but is super simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your brownies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, feel free to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried it, and the texture remains delightful!
Strawberry Puree: You can use fresh strawberries by blending them until smooth, or frozen strawberries thawed and blended. I often opt for frozen since they’re usually available all year round and still have great flavor.
Unsalted Butter: This helps create a rich flavor and texture. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well. I’ve used both and they still taste fantastic!
Sugar: You can swap granulated sugar for brown sugar for a slightly deeper flavor. In my experience, brown sugar adds a bit of moisture too, making the brownies extra fudgy.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for the glaze. If you don’t have it, you can blend granulated sugar in a blender until it’s fine. I’ve done this in a pinch, and it gives a great result!
How Can You Make Sure Your Brownies Are Fluffy and Not Dense?
The key to fluffy brownies lies in the mixing and baking times. Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, making the brownies rise. When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
- Set a timer for 25-30 minutes and check early. Don’t wait for the toothpick to come out completely clean; a few moist crumbs is perfectly fine for fudgy brownies.
- Letting the batter rest for a few minutes before baking can also help. This allows the flour to hydrate properly and can improve the texture.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: pink food coloring for enhanced color (if desired)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes of baking time. After baking, you should allow another 10-15 minutes for cooling in the pan and then let them cool completely before adding the glaze. In total, plan for about 1 hour including cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take an 8×8 inch baking pan, grease it lightly, and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some parchment paper hanging over the sides—this will help you lift the brownies out later!
2. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the strawberry puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the creamed butter and sugar. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit lumpy; it will come together with the dry ingredients!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. If you want a brighter color, add a few drops of pink food coloring at this point and stir it in!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Place it in 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 good to go!
6. Let Them Cool:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After cooling slightly, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the brownies are cooling, it’s time to make the glaze! In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, sprinkle in some more powdered sugar.
8. Glaze the Brownies:
Once the brownies are completely cool, pour the glaze over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so every bite is delicious! Let the glaze set for a few minutes before cutting the brownies into squares.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious strawberry brownies are ready to be served! Enjoy them as a treat, and remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Strawberry Puree?
Yes! You can blend fresh strawberries to create your own puree. Just make sure to measure out 1/2 cup after blending. If using fresh strawberries, you may want to strain the puree to remove any seeds for a smoother texture.
What If I Don’t Have All-Purpose Flour?
No problem! You can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or use a mix of almond flour and coconut flour (1/2 cup each). Just keep in mind that different flour types might slightly change the texture of the brownies.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day in advance and store them at room temperature. Just wait to glaze them until the day you plan to serve them for the best texture and flavor. If you’re refrigerating, let them come to room temperature before glazing.
