These strawberry brownies are a fun twist on classic brownies, mixing rich chocolate with sweet, juicy strawberries. They’re fudgy and oh-so-delicious!
Honestly, the strawberries add a lovely freshness that makes you feel a little bit fancy while enjoying a cozy treat. 🍓 I can’t resist having one (or two) with my afternoon tea!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for balancing the sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work nicely, keeping the texture rich.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the right sweetness and texture. For a healthier option, use coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute like Stevia, but keep in mind it may affect the final texture.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries are ideal for puree, but frozen strawberries work too. Just thaw and blend them. If you don’t have strawberries, raspberry or blueberry puree could also be fun alternatives!
Baking Powder: It helps the brownies rise. If you’re out, a mixture of baking soda (1/4 tsp) and vinegar (1/2 tsp) can work in a pinch.
Pink Food Coloring: This is optional, but if you want a natural dye, try beet juice or strained raspberry juice to enhance the pink color without artificial additives.
How Do You Ensure Your Brownies Bake Evenly?
Baking brownies well means keeping an eye on time and temperature. To achieve the best results, here are a few tips:
- Make sure your oven is preheated properly. An oven thermometer can help check accuracy.
- Use a light-colored baking pan for even cooking. Dark pans can cause the edges to cook too fast.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick: it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs for fudgy brownies.
- Let them cool completely before cutting; this helps them set and makes slicing easier.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pink food coloring (optional, to enhance color)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree
- 1 tablespoon milk (or as needed for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Be sure to let the brownies cool for a bit after baking before adding the glaze. Overall, you can enjoy this delicious treat in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab a 9×9-inch baking pan. Grease it well with butter or cooking spray, and then sprinkle some flour over it to prevent sticking. Set it aside.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until they are nicely combined. Next, break in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree. If you want your brownies to have a lovely pink hue, now is the time to add a few drops of pink food coloring.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined—don’t overmix!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are fine!).
5. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. While they cool, you can prepare the glaze! Just whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and milk in a small bowl until it’s smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you’re happy with the consistency.
6. Finish Up and Serve:
After the brownies are cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top. Cut them into squares and serve! Enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Strawberry Puree?
Yes, you can! Simply blend fresh strawberries until smooth to make your own puree. To yield about 1/2 cup of puree, you’ll typically need around 6-8 medium strawberries. Make sure to strain it if you want a smoother texture without seeds.
How Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness with a toothpick!
What Can I Use Instead of Pink Food Coloring?
If you want to avoid artificial food coloring, consider using beet juice or pureed raspberries for a natural option. These will give a lovely pink hue while adding even more strawberry flavor!
