These strawberry brownies are a delicious twist on the classic treat! Made with rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, they’re fudgy and fruity all at once.
Honestly, who can resist a brownie with a burst of berry goodness? I love serving these warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—pure happiness! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: You’ll need pureed strawberries for flavor. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain some excess moisture before pureeing.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the brownies sweetness and helps them rise. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute with coconut sugar, but it might alter the final color slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil is a great alternative. It gives a lovely flavor and works just as well!
Cocoa Powder: This adds chocolate flavor to the brownies. If you want a richer taste, consider using dark cocoa powder. If you need a cocoa-free option, try using carob powder for a different twist.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together. If you want a vegan version, substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or mashed banana, but note that the texture may change a bit.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies are Extra Moist?
Moist brownies are a delight, and achieving that texture is a bit of an art. Here’s how to ensure your brownies turn out moist and delicious:
- Don’t overmix the batter. Combine until just mixed to avoid tough brownies.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Check a couple of minutes early; they’ll continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Let them cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and remain cohesive, giving you that fudgy texture.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 8-10 strawberries)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need some time for the brownies to cool before icing them. Overall, you should budget around 1 hour from start to enjoying these sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking dish to get it ready for your brownie batter.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the pureed strawberries, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Use a whisk or a fork to mix them together thoroughly until everything is well combined.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, crack in the eggs and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture well until it’s smooth and creamy. You want all the ingredients to blend nicely!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that your brownies have a great texture. Just give it a good mix until everything is evenly distributed!
5. Mix it All Together:
Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is combined. This helps keep your brownies nice and fluffy.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
7. Make the Icing:
While your brownies are baking, it’s time to prepare the icing! In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir it until it’s smooth and creamy.
8. Cool and Ice:
Once your brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they’re cool, drizzle or spread the icing over the top of your brownies for a sweet finish!
9. Slice and Serve:
Finally, cut the brownies into squares and they’re ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for sharing or for a sweet treat just for you. Enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This will prevent the brownies from becoming too watery. You can thaw them by leaving them in the fridge overnight or by microwaving them for a few seconds until softened.
Can I Substitute the Butter for Oil?
Yes, you can substitute the melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor and texture of the brownies, making them a bit denser but still delicious!
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature if you’ll eat them within a day or two. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them by wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! If you’d like to add a little crunch, feel free to stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Just make sure to gently fold them in with the dry ingredients to maintain the brownie texture!
