The Strawberry Brownies Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic brownie, bursting with the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries. These brownies combine fudgy chocolate goodness with luscious strawberry jam, creating a dessert that’s not only rich and indulgent but also refreshingly fruity. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something different, this recipe promises a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a fantastic way to surprise your friends and family with a familiar brownie, elevated by the charm of strawberry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a key role, from the rich chocolate base to the bright strawberry jam that lends a subtle tartness, creating an irresistible combination.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the structure and perfect chewiness that brownies are known for.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Salted butter (½ cup, room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for a velvety texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps create that classic brownie crust.
- Large eggs (4, room temperature): Bind the ingredients together and give the batter its smooth consistency.
- Chocolate syrup (16 ounces): Intensifies chocolate flavor with a glossy finish.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For a delicate sweetness in the frosting layer.
- Strawberry jam (¼ cup): The star ingredient that infuses the brownies with fruity freshness; you can substitute with raspberry or blackberry jelly if desired.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (10 ounces): Add delightful melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (9 tablespoons, cubed): Used to create a luscious, smooth frosting.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt — this will keep the brownies from turning overly sweet and provide balance. In a separate large bowl, cream the room temperature salted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which helps introduce air for lighter brownies. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the chocolate syrup and vanilla extract, blending until rich and smooth. Gradually fold in the flour mixture, careful not to overmix so your brownies remain tender.
Step 2: Add the Strawberry Twist
Pour about half of your chocolate batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. Spoon dollops of strawberry jam across the batter, then gently swirl it with a knife to create beautiful marbled patterns. Pour the remaining batter over the top and smooth it evenly. This marbling delivers subtle pockets of fruity surprise that contrast perfectly with the dense chocolate.
Step 3: Bake and Frost
Bake your creation for about 30 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. While the brownies are cooling, melt the semisweet chocolate chips with the cubed unsalted butter over a double boiler, stirring until silky and smooth. Remove from heat and mix in the powdered sugar until creamy. Spread this luscious frosting over the brownies when they’re completely cool to avoid melting. The frosting seals in moisture and adds a glossy, decadent finish that makes these Strawberry Brownies Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh strawberry slices on top can elevate the presentation instantly. You might also consider a light drizzle of melted white chocolate to contrast the dark frosting for extra visual appeal and sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert duo. Fresh berries or a small glass of cold milk work wonderfully too, balancing richness with refreshing simplicity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the brownies into heart shapes using cookie cutters for parties or gifts. Alternatively, layer chopped Strawberry Brownies Recipe pieces in a parfait with whipped cream and strawberries for an elegant dessert glass that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after a day, making them even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting, or freeze already frosted squares for a quicker treat—just expect the frosting texture to be a bit firmer.
Reheating
To revive a warm, gooey texture, microwave individual brownie pieces for about 15 seconds. This quick heat-up brings out the chocolate and strawberry flavors beautifully without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam in the Strawberry Brownies Recipe?
Fresh strawberries can be used, but they have a higher water content which might affect the texture. To avoid soggy brownies, consider reducing the amount or cooking fresh strawberries down into a compote first.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, or add a little separately.
Can I substitute the chocolate syrup with melted chocolate?
Yes, melted chocolate works well and will produce a richer flavor. Use about 6 ounces of melted dark or semisweet chocolate in place of the syrup for the best results.
How do I ensure the strawberry swirl doesn’t blend into the batter completely?
To create defined swirls, dollop the jam on the batter and use a knife or skewer in gentle, deliberate motions. Avoid over-stirring because that can cause the jam to fully blend and lose the visual effect.
What is the best way to get fudgy brownies rather than cakey?
Using room temperature butter and eggs and avoiding overmixing the batter helps keep the brownies dense and fudgy. The chocolate syrup and generous amount of butter in this recipe also contribute to that signature fudgy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a luscious dessert that combines the timeless charm of chocolate brownies with a bright burst of strawberry flavor, this Strawberry Brownies Recipe is a must-try. It’s a perfect bake for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself on any day. Once you experience the delightful contrast of rich chocolate and sweet berry, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary brownies. So grab your ingredients, get your apron on, and enjoy every bite of this wonderfully indulgent recipe!
Print
Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these rich and fudgy strawberry brownies that combine the classic chocolate brownie with a delightful swirl of strawberry jam and a luscious chocolate glaze. Perfectly chewy and moist, these brownies boast a smooth chocolatey base accented with sweet strawberry flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup salted butter (113 grams, room temperature, 1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 4 large eggs (200 grams, room temperature)
- 16 ounces chocolate syrup (453 grams, 1 can, such as Hershey’s)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
Topping
- ½ cup salted butter (113 grams, room temperature, 1 stick)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (113 grams)
- ¼ cup strawberry jam (85 grams, can substitute with jelly or use raspberry or blackberry)
- 10 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (283 grams, 1 package)
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter (127 grams, cubed, 1â…› sticks)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, setting them aside. In a separate bowl, cream together the ½ cup salted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the chocolate syrup and vanilla extract until smooth, then gradually mix in the flour and salt mixture to form a consistent batter.
- Bake the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry jam evenly on top of the batter and gently swirl it with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Prepare the Chocolate Glaze and Finish: While the brownies bake, prepare the glaze by melting together the 9 tablespoons unsalted butter and 10 ounces semisweet chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in ½ cup salted butter and powdered sugar until glossy and fully combined. Once the brownies have cooled slightly, pour the chocolate glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting before cutting into 20 squares and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute strawberry jam with raspberry or blackberry jam for a different fruity twist.
- Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Swirling the jam into the batter rather than mixing completely gives a prettier marbled effect.
- Refrigerate the brownies after glazing for about 20 minutes to let the topping firm up before slicing.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.
