These easy strawberry brownies are a delightful treat! They combine rich chocolate with sweet, juicy strawberries for a burst of flavor. Plus, they’re super simple to make!
You can’t go wrong with chocolate and strawberries, right? I love serving these with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s the perfect way to brighten any day! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich flavor, but you can use coconut oil or margarine if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute or coconut sugar. They work well but may impact the texture a bit.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These give amazing flavor and color. If you can’t find them, fresh strawberries can work too! Just chop them finely and reduce the liquid slightly in the batter.
All-Purpose Flour: While regular flour is perfect, you can use gluten-free flour blends to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive folks.
How Can You Ensure Your Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies can be tricky. You want them to be moist but not undercooked. Here’s how to get it right:
- Preheat your oven—this ensures even baking.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
Trust me, patience pays off! Enjoy the process and your delicious strawberry brownies!
Easy Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into small flakes
- Pink food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh strawberry puree or strawberry juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 25–30 minutes of baking time, with an additional time to cool and set the glaze. In total, expect about 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later, or lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until it is well combined and smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly disperse the dry ingredients and ensures the brownies will rise properly during baking.
4. Bring It All Together:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Then, gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. If you want your batter to have a vibrant pink hue, add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix until blended.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Make the Strawberry Glaze:
While the brownies are cooling, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh strawberry puree (or juice), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more puree or powdered sugar.
7. Glaze and Serve:
Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the glaze evenly over the top using a spatula. Allow the glaze to set for a bit before cutting the brownies into squares for serving.
Enjoy your sweet, tender, and lightly fruity strawberry brownies—they’re perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Strawberry Brownies
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
Yes, you can! If using fresh strawberries, make sure to chop them finely and reduce the liquid slightly in the batter. You may also want to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Can These Brownies Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the brownies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just add the glaze right before serving to keep it fresh!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness, but they may become a bit denser.
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying again.
