What are some of the best strawberry brownies? I’m not kidding when I say these are dangerously good. Imagine a fudgy brownie, then imagine it swirled with sweet-tart strawberry. Is it easier to whip up these cookies than a batch of chocolate chip cookies? I’m always a hit, whether it’s bringing them to potlucks or just treating myself after an extremely long day. What’s this addictive combination of rich chocolate and bright berry that just sings? Is Strawberry Brownies a must have in your life?
What is a strawberry brownie?
Strawberry Brownies are essentially your classic, intensely chocolatey brownie elevated with a strawberry twist. Fresh, fruity twist. What is the difference between a strawberry swirl cheesecake and brownie? We’re talking a rich, dense brownie base, swirled beautifully with strawberry puree that’s easy to make. Adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Is it just about throwing some strawberries in the batter? What is the perfect balance between dark chocolate and tangy fruit? Can you use frozen strawberries or fresh strawberries? Why are strawberries not in season? Is this a crowd pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make? What are some of the best seasoned
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this Strawberry Brownies recipe is a winner. First and foremost: the flavor. You get this intense, fudgy chocolate experience that’s perfectly balanced by the sweet and slightly tart strawberry swirl. It’s not just sweet; it’s complex and interesting. And the ease? Honestly, these come together faster than you think. You’re basically making a simple brownie batter and a quick strawberry puree – nothing too complicated. What I love most about this is how easily customizable it is. You can tweak the sweetness, add different extracts to the strawberry puree (almond extract is *chef’s kiss*), or even throw in some white chocolate chips for extra decadence. These are also incredibly cost-effective. Strawberries and basic brownie ingredients are usually pretty affordable, meaning you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank. Plus, they’re seriously versatile. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, pack them in lunchboxes, or bring them to your next party – they’re always a hit! This reminds me a bit of my raspberry swirl cheesecake bars, but with the added satisfaction of knowing you’re biting into a perfectly fudgy brownie. They’re just…perfect. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good brownie? Especially one that looks as stunning as these do!
How do I make strawberry brownies?
Quick Overview
How do I make Strawberry Brownies? What is the best way to make brownie batter? How do you puree strawberries? What happens when you swirl the strawberry puree into the brownie batter before baking? It creates this beautiful marbled effect and infuses the brownies with that amazing strawberry flavor. The whole process is so simple, and the end result is a treat that looks and tastes like it took way too long. Is there more effort than it actually did? What’s the hardest part about frying them?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended)
I always use good quality butter. It really makes a difference in the richness of the brownies. What is the best vanilla extract?
For the Filling:
* 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on sweetness of berries)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
What is the best way to add lemon juice to strawberry? If your strawberries are tart, you might want to add a little more sugar.
For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze, you can use any kind of milk you prefer. I’ve used almond milk and it works great!
What are the steps for
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Is it possible to line a kitchen with parchment paper? Is it hard to lift brownies out of the pan once they’re cooled? What are some of the best steps to take in your life?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder. This ensures a smooth, even texture in your brownies.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter and vanilla extract. Set aside. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Is butter too hot for eggs? If you’re worried, let the butter cool slightly before adding the eggs.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Gently fold in the chocolate chips (if using).
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a blender or food processor, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the sugar as needed. If the puree looks too thin, you can cook it down in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. To thicken it up.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I make brownie batter? Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the strawberry puree over the batter. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the strawberry puree. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the strawberry puree into the brownie batter, creating marbled edges. Don’t over-swirl, or the strawberry flavor will be too evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Keep a close eye on them! Every oven is different, so start checking them around the 30-minute mark. I usually rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting. While the brownies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Once the brownies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
How do you slice brownies into squares? What are some good side dishes to serve with vanilla ice cream? Dollop of whipped cream.
What to Serve It With
These Strawberry Brownies are so versatile, they work for just about any occasion!
For Breakfast: A warm Strawberry Brownie alongside a cup of strong coffee is the perfect way to start a weekend morning. Serve it on a pretty plate with a few fresh strawberries for an extra touch.
For Brunch: Elevate your brunch spread by adding these brownies to the dessert table. Pair them with mimosas or a light sparkling wine for a sophisticated treat. A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
As Dessert:After a delicious meal, eat ‘a strawberry brownie’ for the perfect ending. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Add a few fresh raspberries on the side.
For Cozy Snacks: On a chilly evening, nothing beats a warm Strawberry Brownie and a glass of cold milk (or a cup of hot cocoa!). They’re also great for movie nights or casual get-togethers with friends. My kids love to grab one after school as a special treat. My mom always makes sure to pair these with a tall glass of milk. It’s a tradition!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Brownies
Okay, so here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to really nail these Strawberry Brownies:
Strawberry Prep: If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before blending them into a puree. This will prevent your brownies from becoming too soggy. You can also pat them dry with paper towels.
Mixing Advice: Be super careful not to overmix the brownie batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough brownies. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few streaks of flour.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirls! You can use a toothpick, a knife, or even a chopstick to create different patterns. Experiment with different swirling techniques to achieve your desired marbled effect. I like to make figure-eight patterns for a pretty, organic look.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have all-purpose flour on hand, you can use a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help bind the batter. I’ve also successfully used almond flour, but the texture will be slightly different (more cakey).
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the brownies while they’re baking. Every oven is different, so the baking time may vary. Start checking them around the 30-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not completely clean.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, try using heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a few drops of strawberry extract to the glaze for an extra burst of flavor. If you want a more tangy glaze, add a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Strawberry Brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well!
Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy. I usually cover them loosely with plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the brownies in an airtight container for up to a week. They might become a little drier in the fridge, so I recommend warming them up slightly before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the brownies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the brownies for more than a day, I recommend waiting to glaze them until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Brownies are truly special because they perfectly balance rich, fudgy chocolate with the bright, refreshing flavor of strawberries. They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, that beautiful marbled effect makes them look like you spent hours in the kitchen, even if you didn’t! If you’re looking for more brownie inspiration, be sure to check out my double chocolate chunk brownies. Honestly, I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment below with your thoughts and any variations you tried. Happy baking!
Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and strawberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
