Hey there, fellow bakers! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite dessert recipes with you today. These Strawberry Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional chocolate brownies, bringing together the sweet-tart flavor of fresh strawberries with the richness of a perfectly baked brownie. And just wait until you try them with my creamy frosting option – pure heaven!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Brownies
I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and let me tell you, it’s become a staple at my family gatherings. What makes these brownies special isn’t just their gorgeous pink hue – it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Key Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup fresh strawberry puree (about 2 cups fresh strawberries)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely diced fresh strawberries
For the Creamy Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree
- Pinch of salt
Essential Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberry Puree
- Wash and hull fresh strawberries
- Place them in a food processor
- Blend until smooth
- Strain if desired to remove seeds
- Measure out 1 cup for brownies and 2-3 tablespoons for frosting
Making the Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Strawberry gelatin
- Baking powder
- Salt
- In a separate bowl, combine:
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Strawberry puree
- Vanilla extract
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Fold in diced fresh strawberries.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Preparing the Creamy Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Beat in vanilla extract, strawberry puree, and salt until well combined.
- If needed, adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or puree.
Assembly and Finishing
- Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Use parchment paper overhang to lift brownies from pan.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Room temperature ingredients are crucial for the best texture
- Don’t skip the parchment paper – it makes removal so much easier
- For cleaner cuts, refrigerate frosted brownies for 30 minutes before cutting
- Use fresh strawberries when possible – the flavor is unbeatable
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Brownies too dense | Overmixing batter | Mix just until ingredients are combined |
| Uneven baking | Oven hot spots | Rotate pan halfway through baking |
| Frosting too runny | Too much puree | Add more powdered sugar gradually |
| Brownies too dry | Overbaking | Check doneness 5 minutes before recommended time |
| Strawberries sinking | Pieces too large | Dice strawberries into smaller pieces |
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2-3 days | Store in airtight container |
| Refrigerator | 5-7 days | Bring to room temp before serving |
| Freezer (unfrosted) | Up to 3 months | Wrap well in plastic and foil |
| Freezer (frosted) | Up to 1 month | Freeze uncovered first, then wrap |
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fresh whipped cream and additional strawberries
- Serve slightly warm (unfrosted) with vanilla ice cream
- Add a drizzle of white chocolate for extra decadence
- Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color
- Perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, or any special occasion
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Based on 24 servings:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 26g |
| Protein | 3g |
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing. You might need to add a bit more flour to compensate for extra moisture.
Q: How do I know when the brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be slightly pulled away from the pan.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had great success with Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour brands.
Q: Why did my frosting curdle?
This usually happens when ingredients aren’t at room temperature. Make sure both your cream cheese and butter are properly softened before mixing.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
Absolutely! Use an 8×8 inch pan and reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with these delicious twists:
- White Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
- Add 1 cup white chocolate chips to the batter
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over frosting
- Lemon-Strawberry Version
- Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the batter
- Replace vanilla extract with lemon extract
- Strawberry-Cream Cheese Swirl
- Swirl cream cheese mixture into batter before baking
- Reduce frosting amount by half
- Double Berry Delight
- Add 1/2 cup fresh raspberries to the batter
- Garnish with mixed berry compote
I hope you enjoy making these Strawberry Brownies as much as I do! Don’t forget to tag me in your creations on social media – I absolutely love seeing your versions of my recipes!
