If you have a soft spot for rich, fudgy brownies with a bright twist of fruity flavor, you are going to adore this Strawberry Brownies Recipe. Imagine luscious chocolate brownies bursting with the natural tartness and vibrant color of freeze-dried strawberries, creating a treat that is both decadent and delightfully fresh. This recipe brings together deep chocolate notes and strawberry sweetness in a way that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light, perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a cozy weekend indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to create brownies with the perfect balance of velvety chocolate and fresh strawberry zing. Each component plays a key role in enhancing texture, flavor, or character to make the final dessert truly stand out.
- Butter (16 tbsp or 2 sticks): Adds richness and moisture to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- Semisweet chocolate (8 oz, chopped): Melts smoothly into the batter, delivering deep cocoa flavor with slight sweetness.
- Cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Intensifies the chocolate taste while contributing to a dense, chewy texture.
- Sugar (2 ¼ cups): Balances the bittersweet cocoa and sweetens the overall dish perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances and rounds out the chocolate and strawberry flavors.
- Salt (1 tsp): Elevates all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness, adding depth.
- Eggs (4): Bind ingredients together and provide structure for the fudgy texture.
- Flour (2/3 cup): Gives the batter its body, keeping brownies chewy but not cakey.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (1 cup): Ground finely to infuse tangy strawberry bursts throughout the batter.
- Additional semisweet chocolate (2 oz, chopped): For sprinkling on top to create gooey pockets of chocolate.
- Fresh strawberries (3, sliced): Garnish that adds fresh color and a juicy bite.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8-inch square baking pan. Lining it with parchment paper is a clever step that makes lifting out those luscious Strawberry Brownies easier and keeps their edges beautifully intact.
Step 2: Grind the Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Pop your freeze-dried strawberries into a small food processor or grinder and pulse them until they resemble a fine powder. It’s okay if some pieces are slightly bigger—this adds texture and fascinating bursts of strawberry flavor throughout your brownie batter.
Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter Together
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 8 ounces of chopped chocolate with the butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well each time until you have a silky, glossy mixture. This step is key to ensuring the chocolate is smooth and fully incorporated for maximum fudginess.
Step 4: Mix in Sugar, Cocoa, Vanilla, Salt, and Eggs
To this warm chocolate mixture, stir in your sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Use a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula to combine. Then, add the eggs one by one, beating each thoroughly into the mixture—this gradual addition helps the batter develop that perfect dense yet tender texture.
Step 5: Fold in Flour and Strawberry Powder
Gently add the flour and the finely ground freeze-dried strawberries to the batter. Stir just until all ingredients come together—overmixing can make brownies tough, and we’re all about that melt-in-your-mouth softness here.
Step 6: Pour Batter and Add Toppings
Spread the brownie batter evenly in your prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of chopped chocolate over the top, then scatter sliced fresh strawberries across the surface. This final flourish adds visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor after baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your brownies for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for edges that are firm and slightly crisp, pulling away from the pan’s sides, while the center remains softly set to the touch. This combination guarantees fudgy brownies with a touch of chew.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Chocolate Drizzle
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting them out with the parchment paper. Once cooled on a cookie sheet, feel free to drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence and shine.
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation by adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh strawberry slices on top add a refreshing contrast and eye-catching pop of color that makes serving these brownies a delightful experience.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of creamy yogurt for an irresistible combination of warm and cold, rich and cool. A light cup of coffee or tea also complements the chocolate and strawberry flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and skewer them with fresh strawberry halves for an elegant finger food option. You can also serve warmed with a drizzle of raspberry sauce for events or special occasions where presentation matters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Brownies tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will preserve their moist texture and strawberry flavor without drying them out.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap brownies individually or in portions with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm your Strawberry Brownies for a few seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low-temperature oven to refresh their gooey texture. Adding a small scoop of ice cream makes reheated brownies feel like a freshly baked indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred because they add flavor without extra moisture, which keeps the brownies fudgy rather than soggy. Fresh strawberries on top are perfect, but substituting them inside the batter might affect texture.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should look firm and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan, while the center remains a bit soft to the touch. This ensures a perfect chewy center rather than overbaking to dryness.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that suits baking to keep the texture intact. Just check that the blend has xanthan gum or a binder for the best results.
Is it necessary to grind the freeze-dried strawberries?
Grinding disperses the strawberry flavor evenly throughout the batter and ensures those delicious pockets of fruitiness instead of large, chewy bits. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Can I add nuts to this Strawberry Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans mix wonderfully in this recipe, adding a crunchy contrast to the smooth and tender brownie with strawberry bursts.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Strawberry Brownies Recipe will become one of your favorite go-to treats, offering a magic blend of chocolate indulgence and fresh, vibrant fruit flavor. Give it a try, and prepare to wow your friends and family with a dessert that tastes like a little celebration in every bite. Happy baking!
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Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
Description
These decadent strawberry brownies combine rich semisweet chocolate with the bright flavor of freeze-dried and fresh strawberries. A perfect treat for chocolate lovers looking to add a fruity twist to classic brownies. The brownies are fudgy in the center with a slightly crisp edge and a hint of fresh strawberry on top for an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 16 tbsp butter (2 sticks)
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 ¼ cups sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup freeze dried strawberries
Topping
- 2 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 fresh strawberries, sliced
- Optional: Additional melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Grind the freeze-dried strawberries: Place the freeze-dried strawberries into a small food processor, blender, or spice grinder. Pulse until they become finely ground, with a powder-like texture though some pieces may be slightly larger. Set aside.
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 8 oz chopped semisweet chocolate and butter. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients and eggs: To the melted chocolate mixture, add the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the mixture.
- Add flour and strawberry powder: Fold in the flour and the finely ground freeze-dried strawberries just until no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Assemble the brownies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining 2 oz of chopped chocolate on top, then scatter the sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the surface.
- Bake the brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should become firm and crisp and start pulling away from the sides of the pan, while the center should remain slightly soft to touch.
- Cool the brownies: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes to set. Then carefully remove them from the pan using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack or cookie sheet to cool completely.
- Optional chocolate drizzle: If desired, melt additional chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled brownies for extra decadence before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Grinding freeze-dried strawberries intensifies their flavor and evenly distributes strawberry flavor throughout the batter.
- Using parchment paper in the pan ensures easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Baking times may vary slightly based on oven; check doneness by texture.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly soft for fudgy brownies.
- Fresh strawberries on top add a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Optional melted chocolate drizzle elevates the presentation and richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
