Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share something truly special. What are some of my favorite things to bake? When spring is in the air, especially when it’s warm and sunny. Imagine fudgy, rich brownies, but then imagine swirls of sweet, bright strawberry goodness running through your mouth. Is it a good idea to chew every single If you like chocolate-covered strawberries, get ready to have your mind blown. Is it possible to whip up a batch of chocolates faster than you think? Can you say “seconds”? What’s not to love about brownies?
What is a strawberry brownie?
Strawberry Brownies are fudgy chocolate brownies amped up with fresh or frozen strawberries. I like to think of them as classic brownies, but with a sweet, fruity twist that just screams dessert. What is essentially taking your favorite brownie recipe and giving it a serious upgrade? Why is strawberry not just a topping? What’s swirled right into the batter, creating pockets of sweet, slightly tangy flavor that perfectly complement each other. What is the best way to enjoy chocolate? I sometimes add balsamic vinegar to the strawberry swirl – it intensifies the flavor in a way that isn’t overpowering. How can you not believe?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways I love these Strawberry Brownies… First and foremost, the FLAVOR is out of this world. The fudgy chocolate combined with the sweet, slightly tart strawberry swirl is a match made in dessert heaven. It’s the perfect balance of richness and freshness. The strawberries help keep the brownies moist and delicious.
Second, they are surprisingly SIMPLE to make. Don’t let the swirl intimidate you; it’s much easier than it looks. Plus, the recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. I’ve been making these for years, and I’ve streamlined the process to make it as foolproof as possible. Honestly, I’ve made these on a weeknight after a long day, and it’s always worth the effort.
Third, these brownies are relatively cost-effective. Strawberries can be a little pricey depending on the season, but frozen strawberries work just as well. Is it true that some are more affordable than others? And the rest of the ingredients are pretty standard brownie fare. I always keep frozen strawberries in my freezer just for this recipe (and smoothies, of course).
Is there a better way to describe them than Can you serve them as a simple dessert, dress them up with ice cream, or even pack them in your freezer? Is it healthy to crumble bananas over yogurt for breakfast? I know, they’re like the brownie version of Chocolate Covered strawberries, but easier to eat, I guess.
How do I make strawberry brownies?
Quick Overview
Making these Strawberry Brownies is easier than you might think! You’ll whip up a batch of your favorite Brownie Batter, prepare a quick strawberry puree, swirl it all together, and bake until fudgy perfection. The key is not to overmix the batter and to get that beautiful swirl just right. And trust me, even if your swirl isn’t perfect, they’ll still taste amazing! The best part is that the pureed strawberries help keep the brownies moist and delicious, even days after you’ve baked them!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
• 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, but highly recommended)
For the Glaze:
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I sometimes line it with parchment paper with a little overhang, which makes removing the brownies easier. Don’t skip the greasing and flouring, though, or you might end up with stuck brownies (trust me, I’m a baker). I’ve been there!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Is there any lumps of cocoa powder? Is there any bitterness in your food?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter and vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The key here is to make sure your butter isn’t too hot; otherwise, it might cook the eggs. I usually let it cool for a few minutes before adding the eggs.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the Brownie Batter. This will result in a tough brownie. A few streaks of flour are okay. I usually switch to a spatula at this point to avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a food processor or blender, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. Set aside. If you are using frozen strawberries, you may need to thaw them first. Taste and adjust the sugar as needed.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I make Brownie Batter? Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry puree over the batter. How do you swirl the strawberry puree into the brownie batter? Don’t over-swirl, or you’ll lose the beautiful marbling effect. I like to create a figure-eight pattern for the swirl.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Do you want to overbake a chicken? Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting. How do you prepare the glaze for brownies? In a large bowl, beat the Cream Cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the brownies are completely cool, frost them with the glaze. Slice into squares and serve. What are some of the best ice creams to enjoy chilled? What’s a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best strawberry brownies? What are some of the best ideas for learning from experience?
For Breakfast:What are some good ways to serve brownies with coffee? The sweetness of brownie complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly. I sometimes microwave brownies for a few seconds for an extra decadent morning treat.
For Brunch: Serve the brownies as part of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mimosas. A dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
As Dessert: Top the brownies with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Fresh strawberries or raspberries make a beautiful garnish.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a brownie with a glass of cold milk or a cup of herbal tea. This is my go-to late-night snack when I’m craving something sweet and comforting.
My family always loves these with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a classic combination that never fails to please. Sometimes, I’ll add a few fresh strawberry slices on top for extra visual appeal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Brownies
Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best Strawberry Brownies ever:
Strawberry Prep: If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them slightly before pureeing. This will help them blend more easily. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of strawberries. Some varieties are sweeter than others, so adjust the sugar in the puree accordingly.
Mixing Advice: As I mentioned earlier, be careful not to overmix the brownie batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough brownies. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few streaks of flour.
Swirl Customization: Have fun with the swirl! You can create different patterns by using a knife, skewer, or even a chopstick. Experiment with different amounts of strawberry puree to create different levels of marbling. I’ve even tried using a zigzag pattern for a fun, playful look.
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can substitute with a gluten-free blend. I’ve tested this with a 1:1 gluten-free flour, and it worked perfectly. You can also use different types of sugar, such as brown sugar, for a more molasses-like flavor. Just make sure to adjust the amount accordingly, as brown sugar is sweeter than granulated sugar.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the brownies while they’re baking. Every oven is different, so the baking time may vary. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil.
Glaze Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the glaze. You can add a touch of lemon zest, almond extract, or even a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. I’ve also tried using a strawberry cream cheese for an extra burst of strawberry flavor. To make chocolate glaze you can add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder into the glaze recipe. This makes the perfect combination with the Strawberry Brownies.
One time, I accidentally added too much salt to the brownie batter. I thought I had ruined the whole batch, but I decided to bake them anyway. To my surprise, the salt actually enhanced the flavor of the chocolate and strawberries! It was a happy accident that taught me not to be afraid to experiment in the kitchen.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store these delicious Strawberry Brownies to keep them fresh:
Room Temperature: You can store the brownies at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Just make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. However, keep in mind that the glaze may harden slightly in the fridge.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the brownies, it’s best to wait to glaze them until after they’ve been thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming too soft or watery.
I usually store my brownies in the fridge because I love the way they taste when they’re cold. Plus, it helps them last a little longer (if they’re not devoured first!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, folks! My absolute favorite Strawberry Brownies recipe. I truly believe that this recipe is a winner because it’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of fudgy chocolate and sweet strawberry is simply irresistible. And the best part is that you can customize it to your liking by adding different flavors or toppings.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other brownie recipes. I have a classic brownie recipe, a chocolate brownie recipe, and even a peanut butter brownie recipe. And if you’re looking for more strawberry-inspired desserts, I have a strawberry shortcake recipe, a strawberry pie recipe, and a strawberry smoothie recipe. But nothing compares to the unique flavor of the Strawberry Brownies.
Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how your Strawberry Brownies turn out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too. Don’t forget to rate this recipe and share it with your friends and family. Let’s spread the strawberry brownie love!
Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour spooned and leveled
- 0.75 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Dutch-processed
- 0.5 tsp Baking Powder
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.75 cup Unsalted Butter melted
- 1.5 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Fresh Strawberries chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- In a separate large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Beat until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
