These easy strawberry brownies are a sweet treat that combines rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, making them extra special. They’re gooey, fudgy, and oh-so-delicious!
Who can resist the taste of chocolate and strawberries together? I love serving these at parties, and they always disappear fast! 🍓 Just bake, top with strawberries, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to your brownies. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with coconut oil or margarine.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is key for sweetness. For a healthier twist, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but remember sweetness might vary.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries blended into a puree are best for flavor. You can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available—just thaw before blending.
Food Coloring: If you want vibrant pink brownies, food coloring is optional! You can omit it for a more natural look, or use beet juice for coloring.
Fresh Strawberries: These are perfect for garnish. If they’re out of season, feel free to use thawed frozen strawberries or even raspberries for a twist!
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Fudgy and Delicious?
Getting the right texture in brownies is crucial and can sometimes be tricky. Here are my tips to nail it:
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour. Mixing too much can lead to tough brownies instead of fudgy.
- Check the brownies a couple of minutes before the recommended time. Remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely before adding the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting into the brownies.
Happy baking! Enjoy your delicious strawberry brownies!
Easy Strawberry Brownies with Fresh Fruit
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (fresh strawberries blended)
- Pink or red food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. Overall, you can expect to spend around 45 minutes to an hour before you’re ready to serve these delicious brownies!
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Make the Batter:
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each one. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Mix in the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
4. Add Strawberry Flavor:
Now, fold in the strawberry puree gently. If you’re looking for a bright pink color, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. When they’re ready, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
While the brownies are cooling, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches a slightly thick but pourable consistency.
7. Glaze and Garnish:
Once the brownies have completely cooled, pour the glaze over the top and spread it evenly with a spatula. Top with fresh sliced strawberries to make them look beautiful and delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before cutting the brownies into squares. Then, serve and enjoy these sweet, fudgy treats topped with fresh fruit!
FAQ for Easy Strawberry Brownies with Fresh Fruit
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain excess moisture before pureeing for the brownie batter and for garnish.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to one week, but they might lose some texture in the fridge.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil or Margarine?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted margarine. Keep in mind that using oil might make the brownies a bit less rich, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Achieve a More Intense Strawberry Flavor?
For a stronger strawberry flavor, you can increase the amount of strawberry puree in the batter to 1/2 cup. Additionally, adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract can enhance the overall flavor profile.
