These strawberry brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat! They’re rich, fudgy, and filled with sweet strawberry goodness that adds a pop of flavor. Yum!
Whenever I make these, they disappear fast! I like to serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Who can resist that combo? 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry Puree: This is the star ingredient! Use fresh strawberries blended until smooth. If fresh ones aren’t available, unsweetened frozen strawberries work well too. Just thaw and blend them. You could replace it with other fruit purees like raspberry or cherry if you’re looking for a twist.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard for brownies, but if you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Each brings a unique flavor and texture to the brownies.
Unsalted Butter: It’s best for controlling salt levels in your recipe. However, you can swap it out for coconut oil or even applesauce to cut down on fat for a healthier version.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for the glaze, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can blend granulated sugar until fine to create your own. Just remember, it might not be as smooth!
How Can You Make Sure Your Brownies Are Perfectly Cooked?
To achieve perfectly baked brownies, pay close attention to the baking time. Brownies can quickly go from fudgy to dry. Start checking around 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Preheat your oven fully to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
- Make sure to mix your ingredients just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Let them cool completely before cutting; this makes them easier to slice and enhances the texture.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, unsweetened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- Food coloring (optional, to enhance the pink color)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 25 minutes for baking. Plus, you’ll need some time to cool the brownies before adding the glaze, bringing the total time to roughly 1 hour. But trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides; it’ll help you lift the brownies out later!
2. Combine Butter and Sugar:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until they’re well combined—this is where the sweetness comes from!
3. Mix in Eggs and Strawberry Puree:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to make sure everything is blended nicely. Now stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract for that delightful fruity flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. This is where you can add a few drops of food coloring if you want those brownies to sparkle with color!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter!).
6. Cool the Brownies:
Once they’re baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key here so you can add the glaze without it melting!
7. Make the Glaze:
Now it’s time for the sweet part! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk until you reach your desired consistency for drizzling or spreading over the brownies.
8. Glaze and Serve:
When the brownies are fully cooled and the glaze is ready, drizzle or spread it evenly over the top. Once the glaze has set a little, cut the brownies into squares. Enjoy your scrumptious strawberry brownies with friends or family!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour for This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour, but keep in mind that this may change the texture. If using almond flour, you might need to adjust the liquid slightly, as almond flour tends to be denser.
Can I Substitute the Strawberry Puree with Other Fruits?
Absolutely! You can use other fruit purees like raspberry, blueberry, or even mashed bananas. Just make sure to use unsweetened purees for the best flavor balance. Adjust the sweetness of the sugar if the fruit is naturally sweeter.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make the Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free, and you should be good to go. The texture may turn out slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
