These Strawberry Brownies are a delicious twist on your favorite treat! They are rich, fudgy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, making them perfect for a sweet snack.
I love how the strawberries add a fun splash of color and taste. They also make the brownies a little fruity, so I can convince myself they’re semi-healthy, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: The star of this recipe! You can substitute with freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry puree if fresh ones aren’t available. Just adjust the amount as needed for the desired flavor.
Unsalted Butter: It’s best for controlling the salt level in your brownies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt. Alternatively, coconut oil works as a dairy-free substitute.
Granulated Sugar: This ingredient not only sweetens but helps create a nice texture. You can swap it with brown sugar for a richer flavor or use a sugar alternative like Stevia or coconut sugar if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Eggs: They add moisture and richness. For a vegan version, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg) or a commercial egg replacer.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Consistency in Brownie Batter?
Mixing the batter correctly is vital for perfect brownies. You want a smooth, well-combined mix without overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy; this introduces air, which helps with texture.
- Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well mixed before the next goes in.
- When folding in the dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. A little flour visible is fine; it prevents tough brownies.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownies:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For The Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- Pink food coloring (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty strawberry brownies recipe will take you about 15 minutes for preparation and around 25-30 minutes for baking. So in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes until you can enjoy these delicious treats. Don’t forget a little extra time for cooling and glazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a 9×9 inch baking dish and grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the brownies from sticking.
2. Cream Together Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a spatula to beat them together until your mixture is light and fluffy. This will make your brownies nice and soft!
3. Add Eggs and Flavors:
Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the pureed strawberries and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is where we get the structure for our brownies.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. If you like a bit of fun color, now’s the time to add a few drops of pink food coloring!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the brownies are baking, it’s time to whip up the glaze! In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Stir until you get a smooth and pourable consistency. Adjust with more milk if needed.
8. Cool and Glaze:
Once the brownies are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, pour the glaze over the top while they’re still warm so it soaks in just a bit.
9. Cut and Serve:
After the brownies have completely cooled, slice them into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies with friends or keep them all to yourself—you deserve it!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This will help maintain the right texture in your brownies.
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free strawberry brownies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture. Adjust baking time as needed; they might bake a little faster!
What’s the Best Way 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 or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag!
Can I Substitute the Unsalted Butter with Something Else?
Absolutely! You can use an equal amount of coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute to make these brownies dairy-free. Just melt the coconut oil before adding it to the mixture to ensure smooth blending.
