These strawberry brownies are a tasty twist on the classic dessert! They’re rich, chocolatey, and filled with sweet, juicy strawberries that brighten up every bite.
Honestly, who can resist chocolate and strawberries together? I love cutting these brownies into fun shapes, and they always disappear fast. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for flavor control. If you run out, you can use margarine or even coconut oil for a dairy-free version, but keep in mind that this might change the taste slightly.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar contribute to the brownies’ moisture and sweetness. If you need a healthier option, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, though it could affect the texture.
Strawberry Purée: Fresh strawberries make the best purée, but frozen strawberries work well too! If you’re out of strawberries, you could use any berry purée or even applesauce for a different taste.
Food Coloring: The red food coloring is optional but really makes the color pop. If you prefer to skip it, no worries! The brownies will still taste fantastic.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Turn Out Perfectly Moist?
Keeping your brownies moist is all about measuring and mixing accurately. When creaming the butter and sugars, make sure to beat them until fluffy; this helps incorporate air and keeps them light.
- Always add eggs one at a time and mix well. This ensures even blending.
- Don’t over-mix once you add the flour. Gently fold until just combined. Overdoing it can lead to dense brownies.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs should stick!
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries)
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Strawberry Brownies recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to cool them for an additional 10 minutes before adding the glaze. In total, plan for about an hour to enjoy your delicious brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it lightly, and line it with parchment paper. Leave some parchment paper hanging over the edges—this helps with easy removal later on!
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well with a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs to the mixture, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a sweet flavor boost.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix—your brownies will thank you!
5. Fold in Strawberry Puree:
Now it’s time to add that lovely strawberry flavor! Fold in the strawberry puree and red food coloring (if you want to enhance the color). Make sure it’s mixed evenly throughout the batter.
6. Spread in Pan and Bake:
Pour your beautifully mixed batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean!
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the brownies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. This glaze will top your brownies perfectly!
8. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently lift them out using the parchment overhang and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. After they’ve cooled, drizzle the glaze over the brownies and let it set before cutting them into squares.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies, a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Puree?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen strawberries and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This will help you achieve the right consistency for your brownies. You can also blend them directly from frozen; just ensure to puree them well for a smooth texture!
Can I Substitute Coconut Oil for Butter?
Yes, you can substitute melted coconut oil for the unsalted butter! Use the same amount (1 cup) and make sure it’s liquid but not too hot. This will give your brownies a slightly different flavor but still delicious.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing!
What Can I Use Instead of Red Food Coloring?
If you prefer to skip the red food coloring, you can use beet juice or a little bit of cranberry juice as a natural alternative. Just start with a small amount and adjust until you reach your desired color!
