Oh, you guys, let me tell you about my Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe. Just thinking about them brings me back to when the kids were little, and Valentine’s Day was all about construction paper hearts, glitter EVERYWHERE, and trying to find a class party treat that wouldn’t get rejected by the sugar-conscious moms. I was desperate! Store-bought just didn’t feel special enough, but elaborate baking was out of the question with two little ones underfoot. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of adding strawberries to brownies. It seemed crazy at first – like, would it even work? – but boy, am I glad I tried it.

The first time I made these, the smell alone was intoxicating. Imagine that rich, chocolatey aroma mixing with the sweet, slightly tart scent of fresh strawberries. It was heavenly! I remember pulling the pan out of the oven, and the tops were all crackly and gorgeous. Of course, I was so impatient to try them that I burned my tongue – rookie mistake! But even through the burn, I could taste the magic. These Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe are seriously decadent.

This Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe became a family staple, not just for Valentine’s Day, but for birthdays, potlucks, and even just those days when we needed a little extra sweetness in our lives. What I love most is that it’s so easy to customize. Sometimes I add white chocolate chips, other times I swirl in some cream cheese frosting. It’s totally adaptable to whatever I have on hand, which, let’s be honest, is crucial when you’re juggling school drop-offs, soccer practice, and everything else life throws your way. I was so glad when I came across this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies – If You Give a Blonde a …, because they had great similar recipe.

I remember one time, I tried to get fancy and use freeze-dried strawberries, thinking it would intensify the strawberry flavor. Big mistake! They turned the brownies kind of dry and crumbly. It was an “aha” moment that taught me to always stick with fresh or frozen strawberries for the best results with this Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe. They retain moisture and that yummy, juicy flavor that makes these brownies so special. In fact, I was trying to get more tips on this I found this great page, Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies – Brownie Mischief.

So, if you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and totally irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

I always use high-quality butter for my Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe because I think it makes a big difference in the flavor and texture. I usually go for European-style butter if I can find it. It has a higher fat content, which makes the brownies extra fudgy and rich. You can usually find it at your local grocery store in the dairy section. When making Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe, you can find good quality cocoa powder at almost any grocery store but I find that the specialty baking stores carry some that really will make the flavor stand out.

Here’s a Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe trick I learned from my mom: she always adds a pinch of espresso powder to her chocolate desserts to deepen the chocolate flavor. It’s a game-changer! For the strawberries, I prefer using fresh ones when they’re in season. But if you’re making these in the off-season, frozen strawberries work just as well. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the batter to avoid making the brownies soggy.

If you’re looking to save a few bucks, buying strawberries in bulk when they’re in season and freezing them is a great way to go. Just wash them, hull them, and slice them before freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll be ready to go whenever you want to whip up a batch of these Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe or even strawberry shortcake brownies recipe.

As for storing leftover ingredients, I keep my flour and cocoa powder in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. The butter goes in the fridge, obviously, and the strawberries I either use right away or freeze as described above. Proper storage will help keep your ingredients fresh and ready for your next baking adventure!

How to Make Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to business and make these incredible Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe! I promise, it’s easier than you think.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is important so your Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe don’t stick! I learned the hard way with Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe that parchment paper is your friend if you are not confident in your greasing abilities.
In a large bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, or in a saucepan over low heat. Just make sure it doesn’t burn! Add the sugar and mix until well combined. If the sugar is not dissolving well, you can melt the butter and sugar together to a slight syrup.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth and even batter for your Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key to getting a consistent texture in your Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we want them fudgy and delicious. With this Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe, less is more.
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips (if using). Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Don’t worry if your Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe batter looks a little thick – that’s normal!
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. I usually give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. In my kitchen, Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe usually takes about 28 minutes.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is the hardest part, I know! But trust me, it’s worth the wait. Cutting them while they’re still warm can result in messy, gooey brownies that fall apart.

While the Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe is baking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or catch up on a quick phone call. Sometimes, I’ll even sneak a peek at the latest episode of my favorite TV show. Your Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe should smell like a mix of rich chocolate and sweet, fresh strawberries. It’s an absolutely irresistible aroma that will have everyone running to the kitchen! These brownies are also a great option for a valentines brownies recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, so the Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe are cooled, cut, and ready to devour. Now what? Well, let me tell you how we enjoy them in our house.

The kids love our Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe when I serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. It’s like a brownie sundae, but even better because it’s homemade with love. And, of course, they’re amazing with a cold glass of milk. As for me, I like to enjoy mine with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink complements the richness of the brownie perfectly.

My go-to side dish that pairs with Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe is a simple bowl of fresh berries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness of the brownies and adds a refreshing element to the dessert. Plus, it makes it feel a little bit healthier, right?

This Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe is perfect for so many occasions. Of course, it’s a must-have for Valentine’s Day, but it’s also great for birthdays, potlucks, picnics, or just a simple weeknight treat. I’ve even been known to make them for bake sales!

For presentation, I like to dust the Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe with a little powdered sugar before serving. It adds a touch of elegance and makes them look extra special. You can also arrange them on a pretty platter or in a cute little gift box if you’re giving them as a present. If you love this recipe you should try strawberry matcha sag recipe.

If you have extra Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe (which is rare in our house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature.

As for seasonal variations, I love adding a sprinkle of peppermint extract to the batter during the holidays. It gives them a festive, wintery twist. And in the summer, I sometimes top them with a dollop of whipped cream and a few extra fresh strawberries.

My friends always ask for this Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe recipe whenever I make them. They’re always a crowd-pleaser, and everyone raves about how fudgy, chocolatey, and delicious they are. And the best part? They’re so easy to make!

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about this Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe. I’ve heard it all, from “Can I use frozen strawberries?” to “What if my brownies are too dry?” So, let’s get to it!

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

A: Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just as well in this Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the batter. This will prevent the brownies from becoming too soggy.

Q: What if I don’t have cocoa powder? Can I substitute it with something else?

A: While cocoa powder is essential for that rich, chocolatey flavor in this Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe, you can substitute it with melted semi-sweet chocolate. Use about 3 ounces of melted chocolate in place of the cocoa powder, and reduce the sugar by about ¼ cup.

Q: My brownies are always too dry. What am I doing wrong?

A: Overbaking is the most common culprit for dry brownies. Be sure to check them frequently while they’re in the oven, and take them out when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Also, make sure you’re not overmixing the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dry brownies.

Q: Can I add nuts to this Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe?

A: Of course! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to these brownies. Just add about ½ cup of chopped nuts to the batter along with the strawberries and chocolate chips.

Q: What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking pan? Can I use a different size?

A: You can use an 8×8 inch baking pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly. The brownies will be thicker, so they’ll need to bake for a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Q: My strawberries are really tart. Should I add more sugar to the batter?

A: If your strawberries are particularly tart, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the batter. However, I find that the sweetness of the chocolate and the other ingredients usually balances out the tartness of the strawberries.

Q: Can I make this Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help bind the ingredients together and prevent the brownies from becoming crumbly.

You know what I do when my Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe are starting to get too brown on top but the center is still not cooked? I tent a piece of foil over the baking pan. This helps to prevent the top from burning while allowing the center to continue baking.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s more than just a recipe – it’s a collection of memories. It’s the memory of my kids’ excited faces on Valentine’s Day, the smell of chocolate and strawberries filling the house, and the feeling of satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious and homemade. These brownies are strawberry brownies!

Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe Pro Tips:

Don’t overbake! This is the key to fudgy, moist brownies.
Use high-quality ingredients. It makes a difference in the flavor and texture.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. This will prevent them from falling apart.

Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe Variations:

White Chocolate Strawberry Brownies: Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies: Swirl cream cheese frosting into the batter before baking. You can find other poke cake recipes like this one, at strawberry cheesecake poke cake.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies: Dip the cooled brownies in melted chocolate and top with sprinkles.

My son loves the white chocolate version, while my daughter is a huge fan of the cheesecake swirl. And me? I love them all! Don’t forget to checkout Strawberry Brownies using Cake Mix – The First Year if you want more great recipes.

I hope you’ll give this Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe a try and make it your own. Feel free to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create a brownie that’s perfect for your family. Cooking is all about having fun and creating memories, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking! I promise, you won’t regret it. These Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe are sure to become a family favorite. I hope you enjoyed learning about my Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe.

Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

These Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies are a decadent treat, blending rich chocolate with the sweet, fresh flavor of strawberries. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion to show your love!

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (18.3 ounces) brownie mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
2 large eggs
1/2 cup strawberry puree
1/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
Stir in strawberry puree and chopped fresh strawberries.
Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

For an extra touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies before serving.