Strawberry Brownies
Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate treat, combining rich, fudgy brownie layers with bursts of fresh strawberry flavor. These brownies are soft and gooey with a…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate treat, combining rich, fudgy brownie layers with bursts of fresh strawberry flavor. These brownies are soft and gooey with a lovely hint of fruit sweetness that makes them feel a little lighter and very special. You get the best of both worlds—a chocolatey base mixed with bright, juicy strawberries that keep every bite interesting.
I love making these when strawberries are in season because the natural sweetness really shines through. One tip I’ve found helpful is to gently fold in fresh strawberry pieces or swirl in strawberry jam before baking to keep that fresh flavor from fading. It’s such a fun way to surprise your taste buds since the strawberries add a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the chocolate beautifully.
This recipe is a favorite for sharing with friends or for a cozy weekend treat. I often serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a simple but tasty dessert. Whether you’re making them for a picnic, a birthday, or just because, these strawberry brownies always bring a smile and a little extra joy to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Butter gives these brownies a rich, fudgy texture. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but the flavor will be a bit different.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add juiciness and a bright flavor. If fresh aren’t available, frozen strawberries work too—just thaw and drain before adding to avoid extra moisture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the chocolate base. If you don’t have cocoa powder, melt semi-sweet chocolate and mix it in instead, but reduce sugar a bit to balance sweetness.
White Chocolate Chips (Optional): These add creaminess and sweetness. You can skip them or swap for regular chocolate chips or chunks if you prefer.
How Do You Keep Strawberries from Making the Brownies Too Watery?
Strawberries contain a lot of water, so the key is to prevent them from making the brownies soggy.
- Chop strawberries into small pieces to distribute moisture evenly.
- Gently fold them into the batter so they stay intact and don’t release too much juice.
- If using frozen berries, thaw and pat dry to remove excess liquid before adding.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the strawberries are added to keep the texture intact.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking pan – the perfect size for thick, even brownies.
- Parchment paper – makes it easy to lift brownies out without sticking.
- Medium saucepan – to melt butter and mix sugar smoothly.
- Mixing bowls – great for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps gently fold in strawberries without crushing them.
- Toothpick – handy for checking when the brownies are done baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped dark chocolate chunks for extra rich chocolate bites throughout.
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or cherries for a different tart fruit flavor.
- Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or chili powder for a warm, spicy twist.
- Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch and texture contrast.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for added sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves (optional, to intensify strawberry flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and about 25 to 30 minutes for baking. Then, allow the brownies to cool fully, which takes around 30 minutes. So in total, you’ll need roughly 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or simply grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding until just combined. Try not to overmix.
4. Add Strawberries and Optional Ingredients
Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips if you’re using them. These add sweetness and fresh bursts of flavor.
5. Assemble the Brownies
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. If you like, add spoonfuls of strawberry jam over the batter. Then pour and spread the remaining batter on top, taking care not to disturb the jam too much.
6. Bake and Cool
Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy the strawberry brownies as they are or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before folding into the batter. This helps prevent soggy brownies.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or add a small amount if needed for texture.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Strawberry Brownies?
They’re delicious on their own or warmed slightly and topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Serving with fresh strawberries on the side is a lovely touch too!