These Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, combining rich chocolate with a luscious strawberry flavor. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion, these brownies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and fudgy texture – These brownies are moist and dense, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Delicious strawberry flavor – A sweet, fruity contrast to the deep chocolate base.
- Easy to make – Requires simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- Great for special occasions – The pink strawberry topping makes these perfect for romantic celebrations or gifting.
- Customizable – Easily adapt the recipe with different add-ins and toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Salt
- Strawberry jam or puree
- Powdered sugar
- Cream cheese (optional, for frosting)
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Melt butter and chocolate chips together in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth.
- Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt and fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before adding the strawberry topping.
- For the topping, mix strawberry jam or puree with powdered sugar. Add cream cheese for a creamier texture if desired.
- Spread the topping over the cooled brownies and add a few drops of pink food coloring if you want a vibrant pink hue.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Version: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier brownie.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch.
- Strawberry Swirl: Swirl in strawberry puree into the brownie batter before baking for an extra fruity touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days for maximum freshness.
- Freezer: Freeze brownies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a warm, gooey texture.
FAQs
How do I make these brownies extra fudgy?
Use a little less flour and avoid overbaking. A slightly undercooked center will firm up as the brownies cool.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
Yes, you can puree fresh strawberries with a little sugar for a homemade strawberry topping.
What type of chocolate works best for these brownies?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate gives the best balance of sweetness and depth.
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes, you can use a boxed mix as a shortcut and simply add the strawberry topping.
Do I have to use food coloring?
No, it’s optional. The strawberry topping has a natural pink hue, but food coloring enhances it.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free butter and chocolate, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
How do I cut perfect brownie squares?
Chill the brownies for at least 30 minutes and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking pan and increase the baking time slightly.
How can I make them less sweet?
Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet and reduce the sugar slightly.
Are these brownies good for gifting?
Absolutely! Package them in a decorative box for a sweet homemade gift.
Conclusion
Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and sweet strawberry flavors. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to impress. Try them out and enjoy a delightful homemade treat!
PrintStrawberry Sweetheart Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and sweet strawberry flavor. Made with real strawberries and topped with a luscious strawberry glaze or frosting, these brownies are a dreamy dessert for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just because!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
Notes
- For extra decadence, drizzle with melted white chocolate or add fresh strawberry slices on top.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- You can use freeze-dried strawberries blended into powder for a more intense strawberry glaze.
Nutrition
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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