Feb 02, 2023, Updated Feb 02, 2024
Why you’ll love this strawberry brownie recipe
I’m not one to mess with an already-perfect chewy brownie. I promise I wouldn’t share these with you if the strawberry additions didn’t make these brownies better, not just cuter. The strawberry brownie recipe is based on a super simple batter prepped in one bowl (in this case, a pot) with a wooden spoon. So many strawberry brownie recipes on Pinterest start with strawberry cake mix (no thank you). Only natural, delicious strawberry flavor here. I didn’t want to add fresh strawberries to the batter itself, because as they sit and soften after a few hours, they make the brownie around them wet and that’s decidedly un-brownie-like. Instead, I decided to amp up the strawberry flavour by swirling strawberry jam on top, and GUESS WHAT. That jam caramelized in the oven making ripples of STRAWBERRY CARAMEL throughout. So good.
Strawberry Brownie Ingredients
Butter. Salted is fine here. Much tastier than using vegetable oil. Cocoa powder (it doesn’t matter if you use dutch or natural, we have no baking soda requiring a chemical reaction. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, don’t worry and please carry on.) Granulated sugar. Salt. Eggs. These are our only leavening agent. Whisk them lots for a crackly brownie top. Vanilla. Always need for flavor balance in a cocoa-based recipe. All-purpose flour. Chopped dark chocolate. I really prefer you buy grocery-store brand dark chocolate in the massive bars and chop them up. They’re much better than chips and still affordable. Strawberry jam. The SECRET. The jam is a je-ne-sais-quoi ingredient, it doesn’t scream I’M JAM (like a jam layer in a chocolate cake does, because jam in cake can be meh). It’s simply a caramelly, chewy swirl with a slight strawberry flavour that keeps people going for one more bite while asking WHAT IS THIS MAGIC? Fresh strawberries, which we are going to slice adorably into hearts (I’m sorry/not sorry).
How to make Strawberry Chocolate Brownies
Melt butter in a pot and whisk in the cocoa powder.
Whisk in the sugar, vanilla and eggs. Really whisk it well to ensure that crackle brownie top. You can use a hand mixer if you like.
Scrape batter into parchment-lined square baking pan.
The batter is very stiff and difficult to spread out. I run a metal offset spatula under hot water several times during this step so that the batter doesn’t stick and it is more pliable. You can also grease the spatula if you want to make it even easier to spread it into the prepared baking dish.
Slice the berries into heart shapes by first carving a V shape into the top, then slicing the berries lengthwise in the opposite direction. Cute right? Don’t hate me.
Top the brownie batter with jam, swirl it in, then top with chocolate chunks and sliced strawberries.
Top the brownie batter with the strawberry hearts and more chopped dark chocolate.
Bake the brownies for about 30 minutes, until the top appears dry, the edges are firm, and the middle is slightly underdone. Let cool in pan 10 minutes.
What to serve with strawberry brownies
How to store homemade strawberry brownies
Store these delicious, chocolatey bites in an airtight container at room temperature for best results. The fridge will change the texture because butter and chocolate both harden in cold temperatures. You can freeze them in airtight ziploc bags for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips
Welcome to the secret society of brownie bosses. Here are your encrypted codes to the ultimate brownie nirvana.
Crackly Top Secret: The key to a glossy, crackly top is to whisk your batter vigorously after adding the eggs (before adding the flour!). It’s like a mini arm workout with a delicious payoff! Strawberry Spread Strategy: When swirling in your strawberry jam, remember this is not a mix-in. It’s a marble mission. Aim for pockets of jam that will burst with fruity flavor in every bite. Chocolate Chunks: Reserve a portion of the chocolate chunks to scatter on top for a surprise chocolate burst, because who doesn’t like surprises, especially when they’re chocolate! Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing your brownie batter can lead to brownies that are tough, rather than soft and fudgy or cakey. After adding the flour, mix the ingredients just until they’re combined and no streaks of flour remain. Bake and Wait Game: These brownies may smell heavenly as they bake, but remember, good things come to those who wait. Allow them to cool slightly before diving in for that perfect texture and to avoid them falling apart when you lift them out. Timing Tactics: Don’t be a clock watcher. Instead, be a temperature taker. Aim for an internal temperature of 180°F for perfectly gooey brownies, regardless of what the clock says.
