These easy strawberry brownies are the perfect mix of chocolatey goodness and fruity sweetness! With fresh strawberries mixed right in, they’re moist and full of flavor.
Honestly, who can resist a fudgy brownie topped with berries? I love to enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side. It’s like a little party in my mouth! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best taste, but you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute if you’re looking for a vegan option. It’s important to melt it first for a smooth batter!
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries are ideal for making your own puree. However, if they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries—just thaw and blend them up. You could also try other fruit purees like raspberry or peach.
Granulated Sugar: While granulated sugar is typical, you can substitute it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you’re seeking a low-sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute made for baking.
Milk for Glaze: Use any milk you like in the glaze. Almond milk and oat milk work perfectly for dairy-free options. Strawberry juice, if you have it, will enhance that berry flavor!
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Turn Out Perfectly?
To achieve perfectly moist and chewy brownies, pay attention to the mixing and baking times.
- Don’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients; this keeps your brownies tender.
- Check for doneness 2-3 minutes before the timer goes off. A slight moisture on your toothpick means the brownies will continue to cook in the pan.
- Let them cool completely for easier slicing; warm brownies can be crumbly. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts!
Keeping these tips in mind will help you create enjoying strawberry brownies every time! Happy baking!
Easy Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh strawberries blended)
- Red or pink food coloring (optional, for enhanced pink color)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or fresh strawberry juice (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful strawberry brownie recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake. Plus, allow about 30 minutes for cooling time before glazing. Overall, you should be looking at about 1 hour to enjoy these sweet treats from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, you can prepare your baking pan! Either grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper so the brownies come out easily.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, blend the melted butter and granulated sugar until everything is smooth. Then, crack the egg into the mix and add the vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps to ensure everything is evenly distributed in your brownie batter.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your brownies nice and chewy!
5. Add the Strawberry Puree:
Now, fold in the strawberry puree. If you want your brownies to have a more vibrant pink hue, you can add in a few drops of red or pink food coloring and mix gently.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and start checking for doneness with a toothpick around the 20-minute mark. You want it to come out clean with maybe a few moist crumbs attached.
7. Cool the Brownies:
Once done, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling time is essential for better slicing.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While your brownies are cooling, it’s time to make the glaze! In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar with either milk or fresh strawberry juice, as well as the vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and spreadable.
9. Glaze and Serve:
Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled brownies. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes. Then, once it’s firm, cut into squares and serve!
Enjoy your moist, sweet strawberry brownies topped with a delicious pink glaze that’s sure to impress!
FAQ about Easy Strawberry Brownies
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh strawberries, frozen ones work just as well. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before blending them into a puree.
How Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well before freezing!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Butter for a Dairy-Free Option?
You can use coconut oil, canola oil, or a vegan butter substitute. If you choose coconut oil, melt it just like you would butter for the recipe. This change will keep your brownies deliciously moist!