Strawberry Brownies
Strawberry Brownies are a fun twist on the classic chocolate treat, bringing in fresh and juicy strawberries that brighten up every bite. They’re soft and fudgy with little bursts of…
Tip: save now, cook later.Strawberry Brownies are a fun twist on the classic chocolate treat, bringing in fresh and juicy strawberries that brighten up every bite. They’re soft and fudgy with little bursts of fruity sweetness that make these brownies stand out from the crowd. If you love the combination of chocolate and fruit, this recipe is definitely for you.
I love making these during spring and summer when strawberries are at their best. Mixing chunks of strawberries into the batter keeps the brownies moist and adds a lovely lightness that balances the rich chocolate. A little tip I’ve found helps is using ripe but firm strawberries so they don’t get too mushy as they bake.
These brownies are just perfect for afternoon snacks, picnics, or even a casual dessert when friends come over. I like to serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make them feel extra special. They’re always a big hit, and I end up making a double batch so there’s plenty to go around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free version, coconut oil works well and gives a subtle flavor twist.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring bright, juicy flavor. If out of season, frozen strawberries are a good backup; just thaw and drain excess liquid first.
Cream cheese: This adds a rich tang to the strawberry topping. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or mascarpone, but cream cheese gives the best texture.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for that classic chocolate taste. Dutch-processed cocoa can be used but may slightly change the brownie’s texture.
How Do I Get the Perfect Swirl of Strawberry Topping on Brownies?
The strawberry cream cheese topping makes these brownies special but needs gentle handling to keep it from mixing completely into the brownie base.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth to avoid lumps.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla, then flour and milk to thin just enough for easy spreading.
- Fold in diced strawberries gently to avoid breaking them down too much.
- Spoon over brownie batter ready in the pan and spread evenly but gently, using a spatula.
- For a pretty look, save some diced strawberries to scatter on top before baking.
- Bake as directed, then cool fully to let the topping set before cutting.
Taking time with each step helps keep beautiful chunks of strawberry and a creamy topping that contrasts perfectly with fudgy chocolate brownies.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking pan – perfect size for thick, fudgy brownies and easy to line with parchment.
- Parchment paper – makes removing brownies from the pan quick and clean.
- Medium saucepan – to melt butter gently without burning.
- Mixing bowls – one for brownie batter and one for the strawberry topping helps keep things organized.
- Hand mixer or whisk – makes cream cheese topping smooth and lump-free.
- Spatula – great for spreading batter and topping evenly.
- Knife and cutting board – needed to dice strawberries evenly for a nice texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or cherries for a different fruity twist that pairs well with chocolate.
- Add white chocolate chips to the brownie batter for sweet, melty bursts throughout.
- Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and texture contrast.
- Stir a teaspoon of cinnamon or orange zest into the topping for extra warmth or brightness.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1-2 tbsp milk, as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the brownies to cool completely, which may take another 20-30 minutes, before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.
2. Make the Brownie Base:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and egg, and mix until combined. Stir in the flour. If the mixture is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it’s smooth but not too runny. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, saving a few to sprinkle on top if you like.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Spoon the strawberry cream cheese topping over the brownie batter in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and gently. Optionally, sprinkle the reserved diced strawberries over the top for decoration. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the brownie part comes out with a few moist crumbs (avoid inserting into the topping).
5. Cool and Serve:
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the topping set perfectly. Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and slice into squares. Enjoy these fudgy brownies with a creamy strawberry topping—perfect for a sweet and fruity treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Topping?
Yes, frozen strawberries work fine but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before folding them into the cream cheese mixture to avoid a watery topping.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Brownies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature or gently warm before serving for best flavor and texture.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend using a 1:1 ratio. Just be sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Topping Doesn’t Sink?
Beat the cream cheese topping until very smooth and fold in the strawberries gently. Spread the topping evenly on the thick brownie batter to help it stay on top during baking.
