These strawberry brownies are a sweet treat that combines rich chocolate with fresh strawberries. The fruity flavor makes them extra special and oh-so-tasty!
Honestly, who doesn’t love the combo of strawberries and chocolate? I like to serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—pure happiness on a plate! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is key for controlling the saltiness of your brownies. If you only have salted, just cut back on added salt in the recipe. I find melting it gives a lovely richness to the brownies.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness and texture. Brown sugar is a great substitute for half of it, adding a deeper flavor. Just remember that it might change the texture slightly!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are perfect for this recipe. If they’re out of season, you could use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the classic brownie flavor. If you want a less intense chocolate taste, you could swap in Dutch-processed cocoa, but it may make them a bit lighter in color.
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies. The key is to mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time; beat just until blended.
- Gradually add the dry mixture, using a spatula to fold gently—don’t stir!
- Finally, fold in the strawberries with care, keeping the air in the batter.
This gentle approach helps keep your brownies light and fudgy!
Delicious Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Fruit Ingredient:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for the topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you should plan for a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can dig in. It’s well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper. This helps ensure the brownies come out easily.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. This mix will make your brownies rich and sweet.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition so that everything blends nicely. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and taste.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This will give your brownies a wonderful chocolate flavor and help them rise just right.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—avoid overmixing so your brownies stay nice and fudgy!
6. Fold in Strawberries:
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. These will add a delightful fruity twist!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
8. Add Sugar Topping:
Sprinkle the ¼ cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the batter. This will create a slightly crunchy and sweet topping when baked. Yum!
9. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled, slice into squares. The smell will be irresistible!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the brownies with additional fresh strawberries if you like. Enjoy every delicious bite of these rich, strawberry-infused brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid to avoid extra moisture in your brownies. Frozen fruit may also be softer, so handle them gently when mixing into the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a little longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Replace the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can substitute oil for butter, using about ¾ of the amount called for (i.e., ¾ cup of oil for 1 cup of butter). This will make your brownies a bit more moist, but the flavor may slightly change since butter adds richness.
What If I Don’t Have Baking Powder?
If you don’t have baking powder, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. This will help your brownies rise and stay fluffy!
