Strawberry Brownies Recipe with Creamy Frosting Option! | Fantabulosity

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

  1. Wash and hull fresh strawberries
  2. Place them in a food processor
  3. Blend until smooth
  4. Strain if desired to remove seeds
  5. Measure out 1 cup for brownies and 2-3 tablespoons for frosting

Making the Brownies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Strawberry gelatin
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  1. In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Strawberry puree
  • Vanilla extract
  1. Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix!
  2. Fold in diced fresh strawberries.
  3. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Preparing the Creamy Frosting

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Beat in vanilla extract, strawberry puree, and salt until well combined.
  4. If needed, adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or puree.

Assembly and Finishing

  1. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  2. Use parchment paper overhang to lift brownies from pan.
  3. Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies.
  4. 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

ProblemCauseSolution
Brownies too denseOvermixing batterMix just until ingredients are combined
Uneven bakingOven hot spotsRotate pan halfway through baking
Frosting too runnyToo much pureeAdd more powdered sugar gradually
Brownies too dryOverbakingCheck doneness 5 minutes before recommended time
Strawberries sinkingPieces too largeDice strawberries into smaller pieces

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage MethodDurationNotes
Room Temperature2-3 daysStore in airtight container
Refrigerator5-7 daysBring to room temp before serving
Freezer (unfrosted)Up to 3 monthsWrap well in plastic and foil
Freezer (frosted)Up to 1 monthFreeze 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:

NutrientAmount
Calories285
Total Fat14g
Saturated Fat8g
Cholesterol55mg
Sodium125mg
Total Carbohydrates38g
Dietary Fiber1g
Sugar26g
Protein3g

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:

  1. White Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
  • Add 1 cup white chocolate chips to the batter
  • Drizzle melted white chocolate over frosting
  1. Lemon-Strawberry Version
  • Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the batter
  • Replace vanilla extract with lemon extract
  1. Strawberry-Cream Cheese Swirl
  • Swirl cream cheese mixture into batter before baking
  • Reduce frosting amount by half
  1. 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!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top