These Easy Strawberry Brownies are a fruity twist on a classic treat! They are rich, fudgy, and packed with strawberry goodness—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Making these brownies is a breeze! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—because everything is better with ice cream, right? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re out, you can swap it with margarine or coconut oil, but the texture may change slightly.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These are great for intense strawberry flavor! If you can’t find them, fresh or frozen strawberries can work, but you’ll need to reduce the liquid in the mix or they could make the brownies too wet.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the go-to for most baking. For a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It may behave differently, so keep an eye on the baking time.
How Do You Make Sure Your Brownies Are Fudgy and Moist?
The key to fudgy brownies is not over-baking! Check them a minute or two early. Look for a slightly gooey center when you insert a toothpick; it should have a few crumbs, not dry batter. Once you take them out, let them cool in the pan to ensure they’ll hold their shape.
- Mix only until just combined once you add the dry ingredients; over-mixing can lead to dense brownies.
- Let the brownies cool completely before adding the glaze—this helps it set well.
- If using fresh strawberries, chop them into small pieces and toss in a bit of flour to prevent sinking to the bottom.
Easy 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
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed (or 1/3 cup strawberry powder)
- Pink food coloring (optional for enhanced color)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh strawberry juice or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of pink food coloring (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 20 minutes to bake. Allow some cooling time before adding the glaze, so set aside about 40 minutes total to enjoy these delicious brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until it’s smooth and well combined. This will be the base for your brownies!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
One at a time, crack in the eggs and mix well after each addition. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely flavor!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed before adding it to the wet ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. If you want a more vibrant color, you can add a few drops of pink food coloring here!
6. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly to all corners of the pan.
7. Bake the Brownies:
Into the oven they go! Bake for 18-22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the brownies cool, make the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, strawberry juice (or milk), vanilla extract, and a few drops of food coloring until smooth and well blended.
9. Glaze the Brownies:
Once the brownies have cooled in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, spread the glaze evenly over the top.
10. Slice and Serve:
Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then slice the brownies into squares and enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies!
They’re perfect for any occasion—enjoy every bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries! Just chop them finely and consider reducing any extra liquid in the recipe to prevent the brownies from becoming too wet. Toss the chopped strawberries in a bit of flour before mixing to help them suspend evenly in the batter.
What If I Don’t Have Vanilla Extract?
No worries! You can substitute it with almond extract for a different flavor, or simply leave it out. The brownies will still be delicious without it!
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly for the best freshness!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that is a 1:1 substitute to mimic the texture of regular flour, and keep an eye on the baking time as gluten-free blends can vary.
