Strawberry Brownies are the ultimate fusion of fruity vibrance and classic, fudgy brownie bliss. Imagine decadent, soft bars bursting with real strawberry flavor, a show-stopping pink hue, and crowned with a dreamy strawberry glaze. Every bite is pure joy—tender, sweet, and just the right amount of chewy. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your spring spread or wow your friends at your next get-together, Strawberry Brownies promise to steal the show and win hearts, one gorgeous piece at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Strawberry Brownies come together with a handful of everyday ingredients, each one bringing something special to the table—bold flavor, perfectly plush texture, or that irresistible pink hue. Let’s peek into your pantry and fridge, because these components are the secret behind that signature fruity magic!
- Fresh strawberries (200 g, pureed): The star of the show, delivering fresh, juicy flavor and gorgeous color.
- All-purpose flour (150 g): Provides structure for those dense, fudgy squares.
- Granulated sugar (200 g): Sweetens the batter and helps create that irresistible crackly top.
- Unsalted butter (120 g, melted): Adds richness and keeps the brownies moist.
- Eggs (2 large): Hold everything together and contribute to the brownies’ chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances both the strawberry and buttery flavors for extra depth.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
- Red food coloring (a few drops, optional): For that vibrant, playful pink—perfect for celebrations!
- Powdered sugar (100 g, for glaze): Creates that silky-sweet glaze that sets like a charm.
- Strawberry puree (2–3 tbsp, for glaze): Delivers a double dose of berry goodness in the frosting.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp, for glaze): Brings an extra layer of warmth to the glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grab an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy brownie removal later. Give it a light greasing too—nothing ruins a gorgeous batch of Strawberry Brownies more than sticking!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk your melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks glossy and well combined. Next, add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and fresh strawberry puree. Stir everything together until fully blended and a pretty pastel pink starts to emerge.
Step 3: Fold In the Dry Ingredients
Gently sift in the all-purpose flour and salt. Fold the mixture just until you can’t see any more flour—don’t overmix, or your Strawberry Brownies might lose some of that perfect fudgy texture! If you want a vibrant look, introduce a few drops of red food coloring at this stage and swirl it in.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour your lovely pink batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the center still has a few moist crumbs clinging to a toothpick. Let them cool completely in the pan—patience pays off here for clean slices later!
Step 5: Whip Up the Strawberry Glaze
While the brownies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, a couple tablespoons of strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. If your glaze seems too thick, add a touch more puree until you get a silky, pourable consistency. Drizzle generously over the cooled brownies for that Instagram-worthy finish.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once the glaze has set, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment edges. Slice into neat squares or bars—however you like! Arrange on your favorite serving platter and get ready for the oohs and aahs.
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Brownies extra tempting, try garnishing with fresh strawberry slices, a handful of pretty edible flowers, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Even a few pastel sprinkles will make these treats pop on a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Brownies play well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. For a more decadent spread, pair them with a bowl of mixed berries or a refreshing glass of cold milk. The combination of rich, fruity brownies with creamy companions is always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these into a centerpiece by stacking them with layers of glaze in between, or use small cookie cutters to make adorable shapes for parties. For an extra festive touch, serve them in cupcake wrappers or on a vintage cake stand alongside a few whole strawberries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Strawberry Brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Put a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and keep the glaze pristine.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, let the brownies set and slice them, then wrap each square individually in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, warm a brownie square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This will soften the center and revive the strawberry aroma perfectly. Don’t overheat, or the glaze may melt a bit.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen strawberries well before pureeing. This helps keep the Strawberry Brownies from getting too soggy, and the flavor will still be bright and vibrant.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Look for set edges and a center that’s no longer jiggly; a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as that fudgy texture is what makes Strawberry Brownies so irresistible.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger pan?
Yes, you can! Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time as needed (start checking after 35 minutes). Keep an eye on the color and center—bake just until set.
Is the food coloring necessary?
No, it’s totally optional. The natural strawberry puree gives a lovely blush on its own, but a few drops of food coloring amp up the pink for special events or themed parties.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You sure can! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend designed for 1:1 substitution. Just check that your blend contains xanthan gum for best results in holding the brownies together.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Brownies are simply too good to resist—bursting with fresh strawberries, perfectly rosy, and topped with an irresistible glaze. They’ll bring a little sunshine to any table, so don’t wait for a special occasion to bake a batch. Share them, savor them, and watch them disappear!