These chewy strawberry brownies are a fun twist on your classic chocolate treat! Made with ripe strawberries, they are fruity and fudgy at the same time. Yum!
Whenever I make these, I can’t stop at just one slice! I love to pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—they make a perfect dessert combo. 🍓🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of the recipe, providing flavor and moisture. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries — just be sure to thaw and puree them first, draining off any excess liquid.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your brownies, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead. Keep in mind, texture may vary slightly.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the brownies and helps with texture. For a healthier alternative, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but start with smaller amounts as they can be sweeter.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor. You can swap it with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or use a plant-based butter for a vegan alternative.
Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Essential for the creamy frosting texture. If you don’t have it, you can blend granulated sugar into a fine dust until it resembles powdered sugar, but it might have a slightly grainy texture.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting the brownie texture just right can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you out:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your brownies tough.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your brownies while baking. A toothpick should come out clean but moist, as a little fudginess is great!
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow your brownies to cool in the pan for a bit before adding frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting right off.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making delicious strawberry brownies every time! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 8-10 medium strawberries)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: pink food coloring for a vibrant touch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Once baked, you’ll need another 10 minutes to cool the brownies before frosting. So, in total, you can whip up these delightful treats in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, let’s get your oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removal easy later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh pureed strawberries, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, crack in the two eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it’s nice and smooth—this will help create that lovely, chewy brownie texture!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the brownies tough, so be careful!
6. Pour Into the Baking Pan:
Pour that delicious brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
7. Bake and Test:
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Stick a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your brownies are ready!
8. Make the Frosting:
While the brownies are baking, let’s whip up the frosting! In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth. If you want a fun touch, add some pink food coloring!
9. Cool the Brownies:
Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Frost and Serve:
When your brownies have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Now, cut them into squares, and they’re ready to serve! Enjoy your colorful and delicious strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This will help maintain the right texture for your brownies. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or quickly in the microwave.
What Can I Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just ensure the mix contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure of regular flour. For a healthier option, you could also use almond flour, but the texture may be denser.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, which will extend their shelf life to about a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for optimal taste!
Can I Make a Larger Batch?
Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch, you can double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as they may take a bit longer to cook through. Start checking for doneness at around 30-35 minutes.
