If you are craving a delightful twist on classic brownies, you have to try this Strawberry Brownies Recipe. It beautifully combines the rich, fudgy texture of traditional brownies with the fresh, bright flavor of strawberries, creating a dessert that’s both luscious and fresh. These strawberry-infused brownies bring a burst of juicy sweetness into every bite, making them perfect for any season and impressing friends and family alike with their vibrant taste and gorgeous color.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but flavorful ingredients is the key to nailing this recipe. Each element plays an essential role in balancing sweetness, texture, and that irresistible strawberry appeal.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create that fudgy brownie base.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the strawberries.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and bind everything beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the brownies a deep chocolate flavor and a gorgeous dark hue.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Ensures your brownies hold together with a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight lift to keep the brownies moist yet airy.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, mashed: Injects fresh, natural strawberry flavor and moisture.
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves: Intensifies the strawberry taste while adding sticky sweetness.
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): For pockets of melty chocolate that complement the strawberry beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step is critical because it prevents sticking and ensures your brownies come out perfectly intact for easy slicing.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This combination lays the foundation for the fudgy texture that makes strawberry brownies so indulgent.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly to blend everything into a silky batter. These ingredients bring necessary moisture and depth of flavor that uplift the entire dish.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix — you want to keep the batter light to ensure tender brownies.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries and Jam
Gently fold in the mashed fresh strawberries along with the strawberry jam. This is the magic moment where fruity juices meld into the chocolate batter, creating luscious ribbons of strawberry flavor throughout your brownies.
Step 6: Pour and Prepare to Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. If you love a little extra chocolate, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top. They add bursts of sweetness and a lovely texture contrast against the soft brownie base.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When done, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures your strawberry brownies are fudgy, not dry or overcooked.
Step 8: Cool Before Cutting
Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan. This resting time helps them set for clean, pretty squares that slice without crumbling. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Top your strawberry brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of elegance. Fresh strawberry slices make for a beautiful and tasty garnish that reinforces the fruity theme.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside vanilla ice cream for a classic combination, or add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or strawberry coulis for an extra-special presentation. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or herbal tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not cut them into bite-sized squares and serve them as part of a dessert platter? Layer them with fresh fruit and other treats for a colorful and inviting spread at your next gathering. You can also try using them as a base for a decadent strawberry brownie cheesecake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your strawberry brownies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, they stay moist and fresh, ready to be enjoyed whenever a sweet craving hits.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll remain delicious for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you want to warm leftovers, pop a single serving in the microwave for about 15 seconds or place them in a low oven for 5-7 minutes. Warm strawberry brownies offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s simply irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before mashing to avoid adding too much extra moisture to the batter, which could affect the texture.
Are these brownies very sweet?
They have a balanced sweetness that comes from the sugar and strawberry jam. The cocoa powder adds a slight bitterness that complements the fruity notes perfectly.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
You can replace the melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil for a slightly different texture. Butter, however, gives a richer flavor that’s hard to beat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and your strawberry brownies will be just as tasty and tender.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. This ensures the brownies stay fudgy without being undercooked.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a brownie where rich chocolate and fresh strawberry come together in perfect harmony. This Strawberry Brownies Recipe is a guaranteed mood-lifter, simple to make, and wonderfully impressive. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to become your new favorite dessert – so grab your ingredients, invite someone sweet to share, and enjoy every luscious bite!
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Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Strawberry Brownies, combining rich cocoa with fresh strawberries and strawberry jam for a fruity twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly sweet and tender, these brownies are enhanced with optional mini chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, mashed
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Optional
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution.
- Mix Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl, stirring gently until fully combined and smooth without overmixing.
- Add Strawberries and Jam: Gently fold in the mashed fresh strawberries and strawberry jam to infuse the batter with fruity flavor and moisture.
- Prepare Batter: Pour the prepared brownie batter into the greased or parchment-lined pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Add Chocolate Chips: If using, sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter to add extra bursts of chocolate.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares for serving. This ensures clean slices and optimal texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness in the brownies.
- Parchment paper lining makes removing the brownies from the pan much easier and reduces sticking.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the brownies tender.
- Mini chocolate chips are optional but add a nice texture and deeper chocolate flavor.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
