Indulge in the ultimate blend of rich chocolate and vibrant strawberry with these incredibly fudgy **Strawberry Brownies**. Each bite offers a delightful burst of fresh strawberries combined with the concentrated flavor of freeze-dried strawberries, all enveloped in a deeply chocolatey base. Topped with a luscious, bright pink strawberry glaze, these brownies are a true celebration of flavor, reminiscent of gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries but in a delightfully chewy, brownie form. We also incorporate a touch of natural honey to perfectly enhance their sweetness, creating a dessert that’s both sophisticated and utterly irresistible.
This delectable post is brought to you in partnership with Wholesome, a brand committed to organic, fair trade, and delicious sweeteners. All opinions and experiences shared are genuinely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Stephanie’s Sweet Treats possible!
I have received compensation from Wholesome Sweeteners, Inc., for my participation in this campaign, showcasing their wonderful products in this recipe.
These aren’t just any brownies; they are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats, promising the rich, decadent experience of chocolate brownies elevated by the sweet and slightly tart essence of strawberries. Whether you’re planning for a romantic Valentine’s Day surprise, a charming baby shower, a vibrant spring gathering, or simply want to brighten someone’s day, these **fudgy strawberry brownies** are an ideal choice. They effortlessly capture the hearts of both devoted strawberry lovers and avid chocolate enthusiasts, making this **strawberry brownie recipe** an instant new favorite for any occasion.
Craving more strawberry goodness? Be sure to explore some of our other delightful strawberry dessert recipes, including a light and airy Strawberry Mousse Cake, perfectly sweet Strawberry Glazed Donuts, and charming Blueberry Strawberry Pies. Each offers a unique way to enjoy the season’s bounty!
Why This Strawberry Brownie Recipe Stands Out
Our **Strawberry Brownies** aren’t just a simple dessert; they are carefully crafted to deliver an unforgettable taste experience. Here’s what makes this recipe truly special and why it will quickly become your go-to for a perfect chocolate and strawberry treat:
- The Quintessential Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Experience: This recipe masterfully balances the deep richness of chocolate with the bright, fruity notes of strawberry. By incorporating both fresh and freeze-dried strawberries into the brownie batter, along with a vibrant strawberry glaze, every element works in harmony to replicate that beloved chocolate-covered strawberry sensation, but in a soft, chewy brownie form. It’s a sophisticated flavor profile that truly delights.
- Irresistibly Fudgy Brownie Perfection: Say goodbye to dry, cakey brownies! Our recipe is engineered for ultimate fudginess. With a precise ratio of melted butter and oil, combined with eggs beaten to perfection, these brownies achieve that coveted dense, moist, and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. They are so satisfyingly rich, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one.
- A Burst of Strawberry with Every Bite: The secret to their intense strawberry flavor lies in using *two* forms of strawberries. Fresh diced strawberries provide juicy pockets of fruit, while freeze-dried strawberries, integrated into both the batter and the glaze, deliver a concentrated, natural strawberry punch without adding excess moisture. This dual approach ensures a prominent and authentic strawberry taste throughout.
- Signature Strawberry Glaze Finish: The optional, yet highly recommended, strawberry glaze is the crowning glory of these brownies. It not only enhances the vibrant strawberry flavor but also adds a beautiful, glossy finish, making these brownies visually appealing and perfectly balanced in taste. It prevents the chocolate from entirely dominating, ensuring a true chocolate-strawberry symphony.
- Effortless Baking for Everyone: Despite their gourmet appeal, these **homemade strawberry brownies** are surprisingly easy to make. We’ve meticulously broken down each step into clear, simple instructions, ensuring that bakers of all skill levels can confidently create this sweet treat. From ingredient prep to the final glaze, you’ll find the process straightforward and enjoyable.
Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Strawberry Brownies
The quality of your ingredients is key to achieving truly spectacular brownies. Here are some detailed notes on the specific ingredients that make these **fudgy strawberry brownies** so exceptional. For a comprehensive list with precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Large Eggs (Room Temperature): This is a crucial step! Pull your large eggs out of the refrigerator at least two hours before you plan to start baking. Room temperature eggs emulsify much better with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and contributing to the brownies’ signature fudgy texture and shiny top crust.
- Oil (Canola or Vegetable): Using a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil is essential for achieving that ultra-fudgy, moist interior. Unlike butter, oil remains liquid at room temperature, which contributes to a softer, chewier crumb that stays fresh longer.
- Powdered Sugar: We highly recommend Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Powdered Confectioners Sugar for the glaze. Sifting this powdered sugar is non-negotiable! Powdered sugar often contains clumps that, if not removed, can lead to a gritty or uneven glaze texture. Sifting ensures a perfectly smooth and velvety finish.
- Strawberries (Fresh, Frozen & Freeze-Dried): This recipe utilizes strawberries in multiple forms to maximize flavor and texture.
- Fresh or Frozen Diced Strawberries: For the diced strawberries mixed into the batter, you can use fresh, ripe strawberries or frozen strawberries that have been thawed and thoroughly drained. These provide juicy pockets of real fruit.
- Ground Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These are a game-changer! Freeze-dried strawberries, when ground into a powder, provide an intense, concentrated strawberry flavor without adding any extra moisture to the batter or glaze. This is especially important for maintaining the brownie’s texture and preventing it from becoming cakey or soggy. You can easily grind them in a food processor or a spice grinder.
- Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Raw and Unfiltered Honey: We love incorporating this Fair Trade honey not only for its natural sweetness but also for its rich, nuanced flavor. It’s a raw and unfiltered honey, meaning it retains more of its naturally occurring pollen and distinct floral notes, which beautifully complement both the chocolate and strawberry flavors. Plus, you can feel good about using ethically sourced ingredients.
- Cane Sugar: For the brownie base, Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Cane Sugar is our top recommendation. Its larger crystals and subtle hints of molasses contribute to a slightly warmer, more complex sweetness and an exquisite chewiness in the final product. It helps create that signature crinkly top on your brownies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use standard all-purpose flour. Make sure to spoon and level it into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid over-packing, which can lead to dry, cakey brownies.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: A high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder is vital for a deep, rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a darker color and a milder, less acidic chocolate taste, while natural cocoa powder offers a fruitier, more intense chocolate flavor. Either works well, depending on your preference.
- Cornstarch: A small amount of cornstarch helps tenderize the brownies, contributing to their soft, fudgy texture.
- Salt: Don’t skip the salt! It’s essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, making the chocolate taste even richer.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A good quality pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to the chocolate flavor, rounding out the overall taste profile.
Smart Ingredient Substitutions
While this recipe is perfected with the ingredients listed, we understand the need for flexibility. Here are some common substitutions you might consider:
- Dairy-Free Option: This recipe can easily be made dairy-free! Simply substitute unsalted butter with your favorite plant-based butter (like a vegan butter stick) and use a dairy-free milk alternative (such as almond milk or oat milk) for the strawberry glaze. Ensure your chocolate chips (if adding any) are also dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free Option: I have not personally tested this recipe with gluten-free flour. However, many readers have success with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum) as a direct substitute. If you decide to try it, please let us know your results! It’s always best to measure gluten-free flour by weight for accuracy.
- Oil Alternatives: While canola or vegetable oil are recommended for their neutral flavor, you could experiment with other mild-flavored oils like melted coconut oil (ensure it’s refined if you don’t want a coconut flavor) or a light olive oil.
- Sweetener Alternatives: While Wholesome’s organic sugars and honey are highlighted for their quality and flavor, you can use other granulated cane sugar or liquid sweeteners in similar quantities if necessary. Note that this may slightly alter the final flavor and texture.
Step-By-Step Guide to Baking Perfect Strawberry Brownies
Get ready to create the most divine **fudgy strawberry brownies**! This recipe is straightforward, but for the best results, we recommend using an electric mixer – a stand mixer is ideal for ease, but a hand mixer will also work beautifully.
STEP 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Then, take a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan and spray it thoroughly with baking non-stick spray. Next, line the bottom of the pan with a sheet of parchment paper, ensuring it extends up two opposite sides of the pan. This creates convenient “handles” that will make lifting the cooled brownies out of the pan incredibly easy. Give the parchment paper another light spray for extra non-stick insurance.
STEP 2: Combine Dry Ingredients & Prep Strawberries. In a medium-sized bowl, use a fine-mesh sieve to sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Sifting is crucial here to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, uniform brownie batter. Set this bowl aside. In a separate small bowl, gently combine your diced fresh strawberries with 2 teaspoons of cane sugar and a small drizzle of Wholesome Organic Honey. This step helps draw out some of the strawberry juices and enhances their flavor.
STEP 3: Achieve Air-Light Eggs. Attach the whisk attachment to your stand mixer. Add the 2 cups of cane sugar, 3 large room temperature eggs, and the additional egg yolk to the mixer bowl. Beat these ingredients together on high speed for a full 5 minutes. This process is vital as it incorporates a significant amount of air, which contributes to the brownies’ chewy texture and helps create that desirable shiny, crackly top crust.
STEP 4: Gently Combine Wet and Dry. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Carefully add the melted unsalted butter, oil, the remaining honey, and the pure vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix on low speed until all these wet ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing here to prevent deflating the air you’ve just incorporated. Next, gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on the lowest speed until the dry ingredients are *just* incorporated, and no streaks of flour remain. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring everything is thoroughly mixed without overworking the batter.
STEP 5: Prepare the Brownie Base Layer. Once your batter is ready, separate out approximately one-quarter (1/4) of the brownie batter into a separate bowl. Carefully spread this smaller portion of batter evenly across the bottom of your prepared 9×9 inch pan. This initial layer, free of strawberries, will serve as a strong base, preventing the strawberries in the main batter from sinking to the bottom and compromising the structural integrity of your fudgy brownies.
STEP 6: Incorporate the Star Strawberries. Return to the bowl of diced fresh strawberries. You’ll notice some juice has collected; drain this liquid thoroughly. Then, add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the drained strawberries and toss gently to coat. This light dusting of flour helps prevent the strawberries from sinking during baking. Now, fold these floured fresh strawberries and the freeze-dried strawberries into the remaining three-quarters (3/4) of the brownie batter. Pour this strawberry-studded batter over the base layer in the prepared pan and gently smooth the top into an even layer with your spatula.
STEP 7: Bake to Fudgy Perfection. Place the pan into your preheated 325°F (160°C) oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Brownies are often best when slightly underbaked, so keep a close eye on them. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. If you see raw batter, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, then test again. The edges should be set, but the center might still have a slight jiggle, which indicates a perfectly fudgy interior.
STEP 8: Cool Completely. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and place the entire baking dish on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial! Attempting to cut or glaze warm brownies will result in a messy, crumbly outcome. Patience is a virtue here – allow them to cool down entirely, ideally for at least 2-3 hours, or even longer.
Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Glaze
While the **strawberry brownies** are phenomenal on their own, this vibrant strawberry glaze is truly the icing on the cake (or brownie!). It’s optional, but highly recommended, as it significantly enhances the fresh strawberry flavor, preventing it from being completely overshadowed by the rich chocolate. This glaze transforms a delicious chocolate dessert with a hint of strawberry into a true “chocolate-covered strawberry” experience.
STEP 1: Combine Glaze Ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, the finely ground freeze-dried strawberries (measured before grinding for best results), and the milk. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more very gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a pourable yet thick consistency. You want it thick enough to coat the brownies without running off completely, but thin enough to spread easily.
STEP 2: Glaze Your Brownies. Once the brownies are completely cooled (this is critical!), evenly pour the strawberry glaze over the top. You can use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it to the edges. That’s all there is to it!
For the cleanest cuts and a beautiful presentation, I highly recommend allowing the glaze to set and harden completely before slicing into your delicious **strawberry brownies**. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature, or a bit faster in the refrigerator.
Expert Baking Tips for Ultimate Brownie Success
Achieving bakery-worthy brownies consistently relies on a few key techniques. Keep these expert tips in mind to ensure your **strawberry brownies** turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: After you’ve beaten the eggs and sugar to incorporate air, it’s vital to mix in the remaining wet and then dry ingredients gently and minimally. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, cakey brownies rather than the desired fudgy texture. Mix only until just combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your eggs and any dairy products (like milk for the glaze) are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify more effectively with other ingredients, creating a smoother batter and a more consistent texture in your baked goods.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Always sift your flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt together. This step removes any lumps, ensures even distribution of ingredients, and aerates the mixture, contributing to a lighter, more uniform crumb.
- The Power of Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper, allowing it to overhang on two sides, is a game-changer. These “handles” make it incredibly easy to lift the entire slab of cooled brownies out of the pan, making cutting a breeze and preventing any sticking. Don’t forget to spray the parchment with non-stick spray too!
- Accurate Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary significantly. Consider using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly at 325°F (160°C). An oven that’s too hot can lead to overbaked, dry brownies, while one that’s too cool might result in underbaked centers.
- Know Your Doneness Cues: The toothpick test is a good guide, but also look for visual cues. The edges of the brownies should be set and slightly pulled away from the pan, while the center should still look slightly moist and perhaps have a tiny jiggle if gently shaken. This slight underbaking in the center is what guarantees a truly fudgy interior.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: This cannot be stressed enough! Warm brownies are soft and prone to crumbling. Allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack for several hours, or even chilling them, helps them set up properly, making them much easier to cut into clean, perfect squares.
- High-Altitude Baking Adjustments: If you’re baking at high altitudes, you may need to make slight adjustments. Often, adding an extra 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour can help strengthen the structure of the brownies and prevent them from sinking or becoming overly crumbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If your brownies have a sunken center, it generally indicates they were underbaked. While a slightly fudgy, moist center is desirable, a distinctly sunken middle means they needed more time in the oven. You’ll likely find these brownies to be extremely fudgy, almost gooey. To prevent this next time, ensure the toothpick test yields moist crumbs, not wet batter, and the edges are set. If it happens, you can sometimes bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes to firm them up, though the texture might already be compromised.
Hard or dry brownies are a classic sign of overbaking. The key to fudgy brownies is to pull them from the oven when they are still slightly underdone in the center. Remember, they continue to cook a bit as they cool. When performing the toothpick test, look for moist crumbs, not a completely clean toothpick. Also, overmixing the batter can develop too much gluten, leading to a tougher texture, and measuring too much flour can dry them out. Ensure you spoon and level your flour properly.
Yes, you absolutely can use an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan. Using a smaller pan will result in significantly thicker brownies. Be aware that the baking time will likely need to be increased, possibly by 10-15 minutes or more, so keep a close eye on them and perform the toothpick test frequently to check for doneness.
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for the diced strawberries in the batter. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid thoroughly before dicing and coating with flour. This prevents adding too much moisture to your brownie batter, which could affect the texture.
While you can technically omit the freeze-dried strawberries, they play a crucial role in providing an intense, concentrated strawberry flavor and a beautiful natural color without adding moisture. If you skip them, the strawberry flavor in your brownies and glaze will be much milder. For the best “chocolate-covered strawberry” experience, we highly recommend using them.
Delightful Recipe Variations
These **strawberry brownies** are fantastic as is, but a few tweaks can personalize them even further:
- Glaze Only Option: If you prefer a simpler brownie with just a touch of strawberry, you can certainly skip adding the fresh and freeze-dried strawberries into the brownie batter and just top the cooled chocolate brownies with the delicious strawberry glaze.
- Add Chocolate Chunks: For an extra layer of chocolatey decadence, fold in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chunks, or dark chocolate chunks into the brownie batter along with the strawberries.
- Nutty Crunch: Introduce a delightful textural contrast by folding in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Citrus Zest Boost: A little citrus can brighten berry flavors. Consider adding 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon or orange zest to the brownie batter along with the vanilla extract for a subtle, zesty lift.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For a truly decadent twist, prepare a small batch of cream cheese swirl (cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla) and swirl it into the brownie batter before baking.
Essential Tools for Baking These Brownies
Having the right tools can make your baking experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some special tools we recommend for these **strawberry brownies**:
- 9×9 Inch Baking Pan: We highly recommend using metal square pans for baking brownies. Metal pans conduct heat more efficiently and evenly than glass, which helps achieve that perfect fudgy texture and prevents overbaking the edges while the center remains gooey.
- Parchment Paper: Investing in premade sheets of parchment paper is a game-changer. They lie flat and fit most standard pans, making lining your baking dish a breeze compared to wrestling with rolls. This ensures easy removal and clean cuts.
- Baking Spray with Flour: A good nonstick baking spray that contains flour provides an extra layer of protection against sticking, ensuring your brownies release cleanly from the pan every time.
- Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is incredibly useful for evenly spreading the brownie batter in the pan, and it’s absolutely essential for achieving a smooth, uniform layer of strawberry glaze. Its angled blade makes it easy to maneuver and create a professional finish.
- Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer): While not strictly “special,” an electric mixer is highly recommended for properly aerating the eggs and sugar, which is crucial for the brownies’ texture. A stand mixer offers hands-free convenience.
- Fine-Mesh Sieve: Essential for sifting your dry ingredients and powdered sugar, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth batter and glaze.
Storing and Freezing Your Delicious Strawberry Brownies
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and fudgy texture of your **strawberry brownies**.
Store these delightful **strawberry brownies** in an airtight container, such as a cake carrier or a sealed food storage container. Place them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh and fudgy for up to 5 days. For an extra treat, warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving, which will restore their gooey center and rich aroma.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, these brownies are perfect for freezing! To freeze, first allow the brownies to cool completely and for the glaze to set. Then, cut them into individual brownie slices. For best results, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 30 days without losing their quality. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw individual slices at room temperature for an hour or two, or gently warm them in the microwave.
More Brownie Recipes to Indulge In
If you loved these, be sure to check out our other incredible brownie creations!
Explore More Strawberry Delights
Can’t get enough of strawberries? Discover more delicious recipes featuring this versatile fruit:
- Flaky Strawberry Danish
- Soft and Chewy Strawberry Cookies
- Elegant Strawberry Mousse Cake
- Sweet and Gooey Strawberry Rolls
- Classic Strawberry Sheet Cake
Loved this recipe? Please consider leaving a STAR REVIEW below! Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy these treats. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats with your beautiful creations. For more delicious ideas and inspiration, follow me on Pinterest. Happy baking!
Strawberry Brownies
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Ingredients
Strawberry Brownies
- 2 cups Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Cane Sugar
- 3 Large eggs, room temperature
- 1 Egg yolk
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Oil, canola or vegetable
- 2 TBSP Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Raw Unfiltered Honey
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 TBSP Cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Freeze dried strawberries
- 1 cup Diced strawberries
- 2 tsp Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Cane Sugar
- Drizzle of Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Raw Unfiltered Honey
- 1 TBSP All-purpose flour
Strawberry Glaze
- 1 cup Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Powdered Confectioners Sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup Ground freeze dried strawberries, measured before grinding
- 2 TBSP Milk
Instructions
Strawberry Brownies
- Preheat oven to 325°F, spray a 9X9-inch square pan with baking nonstick spray. Line the bottom and 2 sides of the pan with parchment paper. Spray again.
- In a medium bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside. In a small bowl combine diced strawberries, cane sugar, and a drizzle of honey.1 cup All-purpose flour, 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 TBSP Cornstarch, 1/2 tsp Salt, 1 cup Diced strawberries, 2 tsp Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Cane Sugar, Drizzle of Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Raw Unfiltered Honey
- Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, add the sugar, eggs, and egg yolk. Beat on high speed for 5 minutes.2 cups Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Cane Sugar, 3 Large eggs, 1 Egg yolk
- Add in the melted butter, oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix on low until combined. Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.1/2 cup Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup Oil, 2 TBSP Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Raw Unfiltered Honey, 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- Take off the mixer and use a rubber spatula to mix to make sure it is all combined. Separate out 1/4 of the batter. Spread the 1/4 of the batter in the pan. (This is to prevent the strawberries being on the bottom of the brownies).
- Drain the juice out of the bowl with the fresh strawberries. Add in the flour and mix. Add the fresh strawberries and freeze dried strawberries to the remaining batter. Pour the batter in the pan and spread smooth.1 cup Freeze dried strawberries, 1 TBSP All-purpose flour
- Bake for 40-50 minutes. The brownies are done baking when a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. If any batter comes out, bake for another 5 minutes.
- Place the pan on a cooling rack to cool completely.
Strawberry Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar, ground freeze dried strawberries, and milk. Pour glaze on top of brownies.1 cup Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Powdered Confectioners Sugar, 1/2 cup Ground freeze dried strawberries, 2 TBSP Milk
- For best results, wait for the glaze to harden before cutting into the brownies.
Notes
High altitude baking – Add an extra 1 TBSP of flour.
Pull out dairy ingredients 2 hours before baking.