If you love the combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, then these Strawberry Brownies are a must-try! This decadent treat combines the fudgy, dense texture of classic brownies with the sweet, fruity burst of strawberries, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. The brownies are infused with real strawberry flavor, thanks to a mixture of fresh strawberries and strawberry puree, which adds both sweetness and a refreshing fruity element. The result is a unique, mouth-watering dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also packs a delicious punch.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a family gathering, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these Strawberry Brownies are sure to impress. The vibrant color of the strawberries swirled throughout the brownies makes them a showstopper, while the combination of flavors will keep you coming back for more. Best of all, this recipe is easy to make, using common ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. With a rich chocolate base and the natural sweetness of strawberries, these brownies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Perfect Flavor Balance
The sweet strawberries and rich chocolate create a harmonious flavor profile that isn’t too heavy or too sweet, making it a perfect treat for everyone.
2. Moist and Fudgy Texture
Thanks to the addition of fresh strawberries and strawberry puree, these brownies have a soft, moist, and fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
3. Visually Stunning
The addition of fresh strawberries gives these brownies a beautiful pop of color, making them perfect for special occasions or gifting.
4. Easy to Make
This recipe comes together quickly, making it a great option for a last-minute dessert when you’re short on time.
5. Customizable
Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of white chocolate on top to customize these brownies to your liking.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Strawberry puree
- Semi-sweet chocolate (optional)
Variations
- Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolate flavor and texture.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy contrast to the soft brownies.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate on top of the brownies for a sweeter contrast to the strawberries.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Strawberry Frosting: Top the brownies with a creamy strawberry frosting for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries, remove the stems, and chop them into small pieces. Set aside a few whole strawberries for garnish if desired. Puree the remaining strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 6: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the strawberry puree, mixing gently to incorporate.
Step 7: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices on top if desired.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid dense brownies.
- Use Ripe Strawberries: The riper the strawberries, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be.
- Chill the Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them for cleaner, neater slices.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the brownies while baking. They should be set around the edges but slightly fudgy in the center.
How to Serve
These Strawberry Brownies are perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a delicious snack or dessert on their own, paired with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For extra indulgence, top with additional fresh strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing
To freeze the brownies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for an hour or warm them up in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Reheating
To reheat, place a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy it warm and gooey again.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
2. Can I make these brownies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs or other egg replacements such as unsweetened applesauce or yogurt.
3. What if I don’t have strawberry puree?
You can make your own strawberry puree by blending fresh strawberries, or you can substitute with strawberry jam or preserves.
4. Can I use dark chocolate in this recipe?
Yes, dark chocolate can be used instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a more intense flavor.
5. Can I use a different type of fruit?
Yes, you can swap strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different fruity twist.
6. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with only a few moist crumbs, they’re done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.
7. Can I double the recipe to make more brownies?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, but keep an eye on the baking time as it may take a bit longer.
8. How should I store brownies if I want them to last longer?
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate them for extended freshness.
9. Can I add whipped cream or ice cream on top of these brownies?
Yes, adding whipped cream or vanilla ice cream would be a great way to enjoy these brownies for a more indulgent treat.
10. Can I freeze the brownie batter?
It’s best to bake the brownies right away, but you can freeze the batter for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie recipe. With the perfect balance of chocolate and fresh strawberry flavor, they offer a sweet, fudgy, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with a cup of coffee, or gifting them to someone special, these brownies are sure to be a hit. Easy to make and customizable to your preferences, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves strawberries and chocolate!
PrintStrawberry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These decadent Strawberry Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownie layers with a delightful strawberry swirl. Perfect for spring or anytime you’re craving a sweet, fruity treat, these brownies are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon baking powder
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1 cup fresh strawberries, mashed
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1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
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1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
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Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
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Gently fold in the mashed strawberries and strawberry jam.
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Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
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If desired, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the batter for added flavor.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
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For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add more strawberry jam or fresh strawberries.
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These brownies can be topped with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
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You can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: 16 brownies
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: Baking