Imagine sinking your teeth into a dense, fudgy brownie, only to discover bursts of juicy strawberries within. These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, blending the rich chocolatey goodness we all crave with the fresh, bright flavor of strawberries. The combination creates a symphony of taste that tantalizes your palate, making every bite a sweet little moment of joy.
Picture a sunny afternoon when you want to impress friends or treat yourself after a long week. Whipping up these brownies is not only quick and easy, but the mouth-watering aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting at the oven.
In this article, you will learn how to make these irresistible Strawberry Brownies from scratch, including tips for getting that perfect texture and flavor balance. Ready to indulge? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Brownies
Indulge your sweet tooth with these delightful brownies that bring together rich chocolate and fresh strawberries in every bite!
- Quick to make — With just a few steps, you can whip up these delicious treats in under 30 minutes.
- Kid-approved — The combination of chocolate and strawberries makes these brownies a favorite among children and adults alike!
- Fresh and fruity — Enjoy the delightful burst of strawberry flavor, adding a refreshing twist to traditional brownies.
- Impressive for guests — Serve these beautiful brownies at your next gathering and watch your friends rave about them!
- Minimal cleanup — Made in one bowl, this recipe means less time scrubbing dishes and more time indulging.
- Perfect for sharing — Ideal for potlucks or parties, everyone will want a piece of this berry-infused delight.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted, or can substitute with coconut oil)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Strawberry Layer
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or non-dairy milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 9×9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (for easy removal)
- Rubber spatula (for folding ingredients)
- Wire cooling rack (optional but helpful for cooling brownies)
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup (175g) of chopped dark chocolate and 1/2 cup (115g) of unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
- Mix the sugar and eggs. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar and 2 large eggs until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Combine chocolate and egg mixture. Gradually pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, stirring constantly until fully incorporated.
- Sift the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup (65g) of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Sift together to ensure there are no lumps.
- Mix the batter. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some flour streaks should be visible.
Add the Strawberries
- Prepare the strawberries. Rinse and hull 1 cup (150g) of fresh strawberries. Cut them into small pieces, about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in size.
- Fold in strawberries. Carefully add the chopped strawberries to the brownie batter, stirring gently until they are evenly distributed.
Bake the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the pan. Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake the brownies. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Brownies
- Use fresh strawberries — Fresh berries yield the best flavor and moisture. Opt for ripe, in-season strawberries for maximum sweetness.
- Cool brownies completely — Allow the brownies to cool in the pan to set before cutting. This prevents them from crumbling and helps maintain their texture.
- Don’t skip the baking powder — A leavening agent is essential for achieving that perfect brownie rise. Measure accurately for best results.
- Experiment with chocolate types — For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. You can also mix in white chocolate chunks for a fun contrast.
- Use almond extract — Enhance the flavor profile by adding ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a gourmet touch.
- Make-ahead option — Brownies can be made up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.
Variations to Try
- Nutty strawberry brownies — Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Spicy twist — Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a surprising kick that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Mint chocolate strawberry brownies — Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract to give a refreshing minty flavor to the brownies.
- Gluten-free option — Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
How to Store Strawberry Brownies
Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy your strawberry brownies within a couple of days, they can be stored at room temperature in a covered container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: For longer freshness, store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Strawberry brownies freeze well! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
To reheat, microwave the brownies for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. Enjoy while warm for the best flavor!
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the brownie batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This way, you can have freshly baked brownies with minimal effort!
Nutrition Information
Estimated values per serving. Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.
| Serving Size | 1 slice |
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
How do I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free strawberry brownies, substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients like baking powder are also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness regularly.
Why did my brownies turn out too cakey?
If your brownies are too cakey, it may be due to overmixing the batter or baking them for too long. Make sure to mix just until combined and watch the baking time closely.
What should I serve with these brownies?
These strawberry brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake them right before you plan to serve for the best results.
Final Thoughts
These delightful Strawberry Brownies are a must-try for anyone seeking a unique twist on a classic dessert. With their fudgy texture and sweet bursts of strawberry, they’re perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time.
We encourage you to give this recipe a shot and share your results with us! Leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out, and don’t forget to share the love by posting your creations on social media with friends. Happy baking!