These strawberry brownies are a yummy twist on traditional brownies! They are moist, chewy, and packed with fresh strawberries for a sweet touch. Perfect for sharing or devouring all by yourself!
Whenever I make these, my kitchen quickly fills with a delicious berry scent. I often pick a few strawberries to snack on while baking—who can resist? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: These are essential for flavor! If fresh strawberries are hard to find, you can use frozen ones as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before puréeing.
Unsalted Butter: I always opt for unsalted because it lets you control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter works well.
Granulated Sugar: This helps with sweetness and gives the brownies structure. Coconut sugar or Stevia can be alternative sweeteners, but they may alter the texture slightly.
All-Purpose Flour: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend. I find almond flour adds great texture, though you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
Red Food Coloring: This is optional, mainly to make the brownies look more appealing. Natural beet juice or powder can be a great substitute if you prefer. It gives a nice hue without the artificial additives.
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Getting the baking time right is key to achieving moist brownies. The tip is to check the brownies earlier than the time indicated; start checking at around 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done.
- Preheat your oven properly to avoid uneven baking.
- Use a toothpick to test for doneness – remember, a few crumbs are okay!
- Let the brownies cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to avoid crumbling.
Delicious Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, puréed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Red food coloring (to enhance color)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus time to cool. So, total, you’re looking at around 45-60 minutes before you can enjoy these yummy strawberry brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy brownie removal later. This ensures your brownies won’t stick!
2. Mix the Strawberry Base:
In a large bowl, combine the puréed strawberries and softened butter. Mix them together until you get a nice smooth mixture. Then, add in the granulated sugar and beat it all until it becomes fluffy and light. This will take just a minute or two!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now it’s time to incorporate the eggs! Add them one at a time into your strawberry mixture, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to give your brownies that lovely flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure everything is evenly mixed and your brownies will rise nicely!
5. Mix Everything Together:
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is incorporated—don’t overdo it! If you’re using red food coloring, that’s the time to add a few drops for a pop of color. It’s optional, but it’s fun!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the brownies are baking, let’s whip up the glaze! In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Set it aside for later use.
8. Cool and Glaze:
Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool slightly in the pan. Then, move them to a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze on top while they are still warm; it will soak up some of that sweetness!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the brownies to cool completely, then slice them into squares. Serve them up and enjoy the delicious strawberry goodness you just created!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen strawberries before puréeing them to remove excess moisture. This way, your brownies won’t turn out too soggy. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or microwave them on low power for a few seconds until soft.
What Can I Substitute for Granulated Sugar?
If you’re looking to substitute granulated sugar, you can use coconut sugar or a granulated sugar alternative like Stevia or erythritol. Just keep in mind that these substitutes might change the texture and sweetness slightly, so follow the conversion guidelines provided on the package.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make these brownies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
