These tasty Strawberry Brownies are a sweet twist on the classic treat! They combine fudgy chocolate brownies with fresh strawberries for a burst of fruit flavor.
Honestly, who can resist a brownie topped with juicy strawberries? 😍 I like to serve these warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special dessert!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the brownies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary a bit.
Granulated Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness and helps create a chewy texture. If you want a healthier alternative, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but adjust the quantity as needed since substitutes can be sweeter.
Unsalted Butter: I find that using unsalted butter allows better control over the saltiness of the brownies. If you’re out of butter, you can substitute with vegetable oil or even applesauce for a lower-fat version.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries give great flavor, but frozen ones are a good standby. If you can’t find strawberries, try using raspberry or blueberry puree for a different twist. You can also use store-bought fruit purees!
Pink Food Coloring: This is optional, but it can make the icing pop! If you prefer a natural approach, consider using beet juice for coloring without added chemicals.
How Can I Ensure the Perfect Texture for My Brownies?
The key to great brownies is in how you mix and bake them. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, while the right baking time maintains moistness. Follow these steps:
- Combine wet ingredients first until smooth, then add dry ingredients carefully.
- Mix just until everything is combined. A few lumps are okay – it prevents overmixing!
- Keep an eye on your brownies while baking. Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes.
- Let them cool completely in the pan to set properly before icing and cutting.
How to Make Delicious Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- Pink food coloring (optional, for deeper color in icing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus an additional 15-20 minutes for the icing to set. Overall, you’ll need about 1 hour to make these delightful Strawberry Brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take an 8×8 inch square baking pan and grease it. Then, line it with parchment paper to make it easy to pull the brownies out later.
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in your melted butter and add the granulated sugar. Mix them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Next, stir in the strawberry puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything is smooth and blended together nicely.
3. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is going to give your brownies a nice rise!
4. Bringing it All Together:
Now, gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix; we want those brownies to be chewy!
5. Baking the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Pop the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick stuck in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pan.
6. Making the Icing:
While the brownies are cooling, let’s make the icing! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until you have a smooth mixture. If you want a fun pink color, add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix until it’s just right.
7. Icing and Serving:
Once the brownies are cool, spread the lovely icing over the top. Let it set for about 15-20 minutes. Finally, cut your brownies into squares, serve them up, and enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberry puree with other fruit purees like raspberry, blueberry, or even peach. Just make sure the consistency is similar to strawberry puree for the best texture, and adjust the sugar if the fruit is sweeter or tarter than strawberries.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. This will help maintain the texture, but always check your labels to make sure everything is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer-lasting freshness, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I Make the Icing Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the milk in the icing with a non-dairy milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk. The icing might have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious and creamy!
