Strawberry Brownies are a sweet, fruity twist on classic chocolate brownies. These treats blend rich, fudgy brownie layers with fresh strawberries that add a juicy pop to every bite. The combination of chocolate and strawberry creates a fun and delicious flavor that feels like a special dessert for any occasion.
I love making these when strawberries are in season because they taste extra fresh and bright. One handy tip is to gently fold chopped strawberries into the batter to keep them from sinking to the bottom, so you get little surprises of strawberry magic throughout. It’s a nice way to sneak some fruit into a dessert, and everyone seems to enjoy the burst of flavor.
For serving, I like to pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little dollop of whipped cream. It makes the dessert feel even more special and balances the rich chocolate nicely. These strawberry brownies always bring a smile, and they’re perfect for sharing with friends at a picnic or a casual get-together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Melted butter gives brownies their rich, dense texture. You can swap it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. It adds a slight coconut flavor but works well.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring juiciness and a fresh flavor. If fresh aren’t available, frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) work fine for the frosting and drizzle.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the chocolate base. You can substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother taste, just reduce baking powder slightly as it’s less acidic.
Powdered Sugar: Used in the frosting for smooth sweetness. If you want it less sweet, reduce the amount a bit and adjust strawberry puree to keep texture.
How Do You Get a Soft, Fudgy Texture in Strawberry Brownies?
For fudgy brownies, the key is mixing ingredients gently and watching baking time closely. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined—overmixing can make brownies cakey.
- Bake until a toothpick shows moist crumbs, not wet batter; underbaking slightly keeps them soft.
- Using melted butter instead of solid butter helps create that dense, fudgy texture.
Cooling brownies fully before frosting prevents the frosting from melting and helps slices hold their shape beautifully. These tips will give you luscious, tender strawberry brownies every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan – perfect size for even brownies and easy slicing.
- Mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients and one for dry keeps things organized.
- Whisk or spoon – for mixing batter smoothly without overworking it.
- Spatula – great for spreading the frosting evenly on cooled brownies.
- Blender or food processor – handy to make smooth strawberry puree for frosting and drizzle.
- Sharp knife or small heart-shaped cookie cutter – to slice strawberries into pretty shapes for garnish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries with raspberries for a tangy twist that pairs well with chocolate.
- Add white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness and texture contrast.
- Mix chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunch boost.
- Stir in a dash of cinnamon or chili powder to add warmth or a spicy kick to your brownies.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownies:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (for topping and garnish)
For The Strawberry Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Strawberry Drizzle:
- ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to sweeten the drizzle)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20–25 minutes to bake. Allow extra time for the brownies to cool fully before frosting and serving—about 30 minutes. So all together, plan for around 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Mix Your Brownies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, stir together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—try not to overmix! Pour this batter evenly into your prepared pan.
2. Bake and Cool the Brownies:
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Once baked, take brownies out and let them cool completely in the pan to room temperature. This cooling step is important so that frosting spreads nicely and doesn’t melt.
3. Make Frosting and Assemble:
While brownies cool, whip up the strawberry frosting by beating together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree until you have a smooth, spreadable consistency. Adjust the amount of puree if needed. Spread this frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Next, prepare the strawberry drizzle by stirring together strawberry puree and sugar (if you like it sweeter). Drizzle this over the frosted brownies for a pretty finish. Finally, slice fresh strawberries into thin slices and carefully cut them into heart shapes using a small knife or cookie cutter. Place a heart-shaped strawberry on top of each brownie square as a charming garnish.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut your lovely strawberry brownies into squares and serve. These treats combine rich chocolate with the fresh, fruity taste of strawberries—a perfect sweet snack or dessert that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could affect the brownie texture and frosting consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Brownies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm gently before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Make the Brownies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Bake the brownies and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated and frost just before serving to keep the frosting fresh and pretty.
What Can I Substitute for Strawberry Puree in the Frosting?
If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use strawberry jam (smooth it out first) or even raspberry puree for a slightly different but delicious flavor twist.
