Strawberry Brownies
Strawberry brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat, bringing together the rich, chocolaty goodness of brownies with the fresh, fruity burst of strawberries. These brownies have a soft,…
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Strawberry brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat, bringing together the rich, chocolaty goodness of brownies with the fresh, fruity burst of strawberries. These brownies have a soft, chewy texture with little pops of juicy strawberry throughout, making every bite interesting and delicious.
I love making these for when I want something sweet but also a bit different than the usual chocolate dessert. The strawberries add a nice balance that cuts through the richness, so they don’t feel too heavy. My little tip is to use fresh strawberries chopped into small pieces, so they spread nicely and give lots of flavor without making the batter too wet.
When I serve strawberry brownies, I usually warm them just slightly and pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a simple way to make the dessert feel special and extra comforting. These brownies always bring smiles, whether it’s for an afternoon snack or a casual get-together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: This gives brownies a rich and moist texture. You can swap it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but expect a slightly different flavor.
Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe berries for sweetness and juiciness. If fresh aren’t available, frozen strawberries can work; just thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid soggy batter.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives brownies their signature chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa is smoother and less acidic if you prefer that taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but gluten-free blends can be used for dietary needs. Just make sure it’s a 1-to-1 substitute for best results.
Strawberry Glaze: Made with fresh strawberry puree and powdered sugar, it adds a fruity sweetness. If strawberries are out of season, try raspberry or even a simple vanilla glaze instead.
How Do I Keep Strawberries from Making the Brownies Too Wet?
Fresh strawberries are juicy and can release moisture, which may make the batter too wet. Here’s what helps:
- Chop strawberries into small pieces so they blend evenly without huge wet spots.
- Gently fold them into the batter to avoid breaking them up too much and releasing juice.
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw completely and blot with paper towels to soak up extra water.
- Keep an eye on baking time. The brownies might need a minute or two extra if they feel softer due to moisture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy slicing of brownies.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need at least two for wet and dry ingredients to keep things organized.
- Whisk or wooden spoon – helps you mix batter smoothly without overworking it.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, which makes a big difference in baking.
- Blender or food processor – handy to puree fresh strawberries smoothly for the glaze.
- Spatula – great for folding in strawberries gently and spreading the glaze evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries to add a tangy twist that complements chocolate well.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and a nutty depth.
- Mix in white chocolate chips for little sweet bursts that contrast the dark brownie base.
- Try stirring in a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder for a warm or spicy kick.
Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree (blend about 4-5 strawberries)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 20-25 minutes to bake, and about 30 minutes to cool and glaze. In total, plan for around 1 hour from start to finish for the best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and shiny. In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the chopped strawberries carefully so they stay intact.
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies fudgy.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
While the brownies bake, mix together the powdered sugar, fresh strawberry puree, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more puree; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
5. Add the Glaze and Cool:
When the brownies come out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then spread the strawberry glaze evenly over the top. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your strawberry brownies and enjoy the moist, rich chocolate combined with fresh strawberry pieces and a sweet strawberry glaze. They’re perfect for a fresh, fruity twist on a classic dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries in Strawberry Brownies?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before folding them into the batter to avoid sogginess.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Brownies?
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make Strawberry Brownies Without the Glaze?
Absolutely! The glaze adds extra sweetness and fruity flavor, but the brownies are delicious on their own with the fresh strawberry chunks inside.
How Do I Know When the Brownies Are Done Baking?
Insert a toothpick near the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the brownies are perfectly baked and fudgy.
