These strawberry brownies are a fun twist on a classic treat! With rich chocolatey goodness and sweet strawberry bits, they make for a delightful dessert.
They’re perfect for sharing with friends or family! I love how easy they are to whip up—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Plus, who can resist a sweet strawberry surprise in their brownie? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness in your brownies. If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil as a substitute, but the texture might be slightly different.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness and structure. For a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or brown sugar, which will add a little moisture and a deeper flavor.
Strawberry Puree: You can use fresh strawberries or frozen ones. If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen ones are a great choice. Just remember to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in the batter.
Strawberry Jam: If you don’t have strawberry jam, try using any fruit jam or even nut butter for a twist. Just double-check the flavors to ensure they pair well with your brownies.
Eggs: They bind the mixture and add moisture. If you need an egg-free alternative, use applesauce or flaxseeds blended with water in a 1:1 ratio. Each egg can be replaced with 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Getting brownies just right can be tricky. Keep these tips in mind for perfect results:
- Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to the right temperature to ensure even baking.
- Testing for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Too dry means they are overbaked!
- Cooling Time: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This helps set their texture and makes them easier to cut.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Pink food coloring (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to bake. Allow some extra time for the brownies to cool before adding frosting, so you can enjoy them at their best!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper so your brownies won’t stick.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes—just keep mixing until it looks nice and creamy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor. It should all come together smoothly!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Add Strawberry Goodness:
Now, fold in the strawberry puree and strawberry jam until they’re fully incorporated. If you want your brownies to have a little more color, you can add a few drops of pink food coloring here and mix gently.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re ready, stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they’re done!
7. Cool Down:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key here; you want them to set nicely before frosting!
8. Make the Frosting:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until you have a smooth frosting. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Frost the Brownies:
Once your brownies have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Let it set for a few minutes for easier cutting.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to cut the brownies into squares and enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies. They’re perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen strawberries work great! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This will help ensure that your brownies don’t become too watery.
What If I Don’t Have Strawberry Jam?
No problem! You can substitute the strawberry jam with additional strawberry puree or even another fruit jam like raspberry or apricot for a different flavor profile. Just keep the quantity the same for consistency!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just ensure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum for the right texture. Follow the same measurement in the recipe!
