These strawberry brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat! They are rich, fudgy, and packed with juicy strawberries throughout. Each bite feels like a little celebration! 🍓
Honestly, I can’t resist them – they’re like regular brownies but with a fruity surprise. I often serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum! What’s your favorite way to enjoy brownies?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best control over flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but I find that it alters the texture slightly. Always try to use softened butter for easier mixing!
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries are fantastic, but frozen berries work just as well. If you’re looking for a twist, you could use raspberry or cherry puree instead for a different berry flavor!
Granulated Sugar: While granulated sugar is perfect for sweetness, you can swap it for brown sugar for a slightly different flavor depth and chewier texture.
Glaze Ingredients: The glaze is optional, but it adds a lovely touch. If you run out of powdered sugar, just blend granulated sugar until it’s finely powdered. You can also use lemon juice instead of milk for a tangy glaze!
What’s the Best Way to Get a Light and Fluffy Brownie Batter?
The secret to light and fluffy brownies lies in how you cream the butter and sugar. Make sure to beat them together until the mixture is airy. This helps incorporate air, making your brownies rise better. Here’s how:
- In a large bowl, mix softened butter and sugar together with a hand mixer or spatula until the mixture is light in color and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. This step ensures they blend evenly into your batter.
Patience is key, so don’t rush this step! It really sets the foundation for your brownies’ texture. Happy baking!
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring (optional, for more color)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking. You’ll also need some time for the brownies to cool before adding the glaze, making the total time around 1 hour. But trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×9 inch baking dish so the brownies don’t stick later. This will help make clean-up a breeze!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add your softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Puree:
Now it’s time to add the eggs—do this one at a time! Mix well after adding each egg. Then stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This mix helps the brownies rise and stay fluffy. Once mixed, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. If you want a brighter pink color, you can add a few drops of red food coloring at this step!
5. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—yum!
6. Make the Glaze:
While the brownies are cooling, let’s prepare the glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth. It’s super easy and adds a delicious touch to the brownies.
7. Glaze and Serve:
Once the brownies have cooled completely, evenly spread the glaze over the top. Allow a little time for the glaze to set, then slice the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy every delicious bite of your strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before blending to a puree. This helps keep the brownies from becoming too soggy. You can even heat them in the microwave for a minute or two to speed up the thawing process!
How Can I Make These Brownies Fudgier?
If you prefer fudgier brownies, consider reducing the flour to 3/4 cup. This will give the brownies a denser texture while still maintaining a delicious strawberry flavor. You can also slightly underbake them, removing them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover strawberry brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with vegetable or canola oil to make the brownies a bit lighter. Use about 3/4 cup of oil to replace the 1 cup of butter. Note that the texture may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!
