These strawberry brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat! With soft, fudgy chocolate and sweet strawberry pieces mixed in, they’re a great way to enjoy summer flavors.
When I make these brownies, I love how they smell while baking—like a chocolate-strawberry dream! Perfect for dessert or a snack, who can resist? 🍓
They’re super easy to whip up, and everyone enjoys them. I like to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is what gives the brownies their structure. If you need a substitute, you can use a gluten-free blend or almond flour, but the texture might vary slightly. I usually stick to all-purpose for the best results.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This ingredient provides a rich chocolate flavor. You could use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste. Just avoid sweetened cocoa, as it can throw off the brownie balance!
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in my baking. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe by a pinch.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring a delightful fruity flavor. If they’re not in season, consider using frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) or even raspberry puree for a different twist.
Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, powdered sugar is essential for smooth consistency. If you don’t have any, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine, but it may not dissolve as easily.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Brownies?
A big part of great brownies is mixing the ingredients properly. Make sure you cream the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy; this adds air to the batter for a lighter texture. When you stir in the dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Use a rubber spatula for better control when mixing.
- Check the doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
- Let them cool in the pan and then move them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 20-25 minutes to bake. After baking, allow around 10 minutes for cooling and some more time for the glaze to set, making the total time about 45-50 minutes. Just think of all the sweet strawberry goodness waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it so that the brownies won’t stick. You can use butter or a non-stick spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined, then set the bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take a couple of minutes, but it’s worth the effort for those soft brownies!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully combined. You should have a nice smooth mixture by now.
5. Stir in the Strawberry Puree:
Now it’s time to add the star of the show! Gently fold in the strawberry puree until it’s well mixed with the other ingredients. The color should start looking lovely and pink!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture you set aside earlier into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want our brownies to stay soft and chewy.
7. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
8. Cool and Glaze:
Once out of the oven, let your brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re cooling, let’s make the glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzleable.
9. Finish and Serve:
Once the brownies are completely cool, pour the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few moments, then cut your brownies into squares. They’re now ready to be enjoyed—grab a plate and dig in!
Enjoy your Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Simply thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This helps prevent the brownies from becoming too watery.
What If I Don’t Have Unsweetened Cocoa Powder?
If you don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder, you can substitute it with Dutch-process cocoa powder, which has a similar flavor but may alter the color slightly. Just avoid using sweetened cocoa, which will make your brownies too sweet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that it’s a 1:1 replacement for best results. Also, make sure the cocoa powder is gluten-free.
