These strawberry brownies are a sweet twist on a classic treat! They feature rich chocolate goodness topped with fresh, juicy strawberries for a burst of flavor.
Who knew brownies could be fruity? Whenever I make these, my friends can’t resist grabbing seconds. Pair with a scoop of ice cream for an even yummier dessert!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for this recipe as it keeps the sweetness balanced. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil or margarine can work as good substitutes.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is great, but feel free to use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. It might add a hint of chewiness, which some love!
Egg: If you’re looking for an egg-free version, you can swap in 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries are best for puree, but frozen ones will also do great once thawed. You can use other fruit purees like raspberry or blueberry for a fun twist.
Pink Food Coloring: This is optional! If you prefer a natural look, skip it or use beet juice for a more natural tint.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Brownies?
Achieving the right texture in brownies comes from careful mixing and baking. You want them to be fudgy and not too dry. Here’s how:
- Mix the wet ingredients until just smooth. Over-mixing can add too much air and change the texture.
- Combine the dry ingredients gently with the wet mixture. Stir just until you no longer see flour for a perfectly moist brownie.
- Be mindful of baking time. Check for doneness at the lower end of the time range to keep them fudgy. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Pink food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant color)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the brownies to cool for a bit, making the total time around 40-50 minutes before you can enjoy your strawberry brownies with icing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to keep the brownies from sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until they are well mixed. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This will ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Now it’s time to fold in the strawberry puree. If you’d like a brighter pink color, add a few drops of pink food coloring at this point.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out so it’s even. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You can check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, they are ready! Let them cool in the pan for a bit.
6. Make the Icing:
While the brownies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and strawberry puree in a bowl. Add enough milk to get a pourable consistency, and mix until smooth.
7. Ice the Brownies:
Once the brownies are cool, pour the icing over the top and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Let the icing set for a few minutes.
8. Cut and Serve:
Now that the icing has set, you can cut the brownies into squares. Enjoy this sweet and fruity treat with friends and family!
Enjoy your delightful and vibrant Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Strawberry Puree?
Yes! You can use fresh strawberries to make your own puree. Simply blend about 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries until smooth, then strain them to remove any seeds for a smoother texture. This will give your brownies a fresh flavor!
How Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
Leftover brownies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, where they can last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of coconut oil or margarine. If you need a dairy-free option, dairy-free butter is also a great alternative. Just be sure to melt it before mixing it in!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free strawberry brownies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, as it helps with texture. You may also want to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder and powdered sugar, are gluten-free as well.
