There’s nothing quite like the combination of chocolate and strawberries to lift my spirits, is there? Whenever I whip up these **Strawberry Brownies**, the sweet aroma fills my kitchen, and I can hardly wait to indulge in their decadent layers. This recipe brings back memories of summer picnics and family gatherings, where desserts were always a highlight, and these brownies constantly stole the show! The gooey chocolate brownie base, layered with creamy strawberry goodness and topped with rich chocolate ganache, makes every bite a dream come true.
What’s special about this treat is how it elegantly fuses the richness of brownies and the freshness of strawberries. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat! Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, which gives me that extra dose of joy in the kitchen. Are you ready to get started?
What’s in Strawberry Brownies?
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter as it allows me to control the saltiness in the recipe. Just melt it before mixing, and you’ll be on your way!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener gives our brownie base that lovely texture and sweetness. It’s the life of the dessert party!
Eggs: They provide structure and moisture to our brownies. Don’t skip them!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this magical ingredient adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
Cocoa Powder: The star of the brownie base! Make sure it’s unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
All-purpose Flour: The flour lends a soft texture to the brownies, balancing out the fudginess.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors!
Baking Powder: Helps to lift the brownie just a tad, so it’s not too dense.
Cream Cheese: When it comes to the strawberry layer, cream cheese provides a creamy base that’s heavenly.
Powdered Sugar: Adding this sweetener helps to achieve a smooth texture for the cream cheese mixture.
Strawberries: You can use fresh or thawed frozen strawberries, but using strawberries in season makes a world of difference in flavor!
Whipped Cream: Adding this light, fluffy topping makes the strawberry layer irresistibly creamy and light.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are going to be our decadent ganache – and who doesn’t love a rich chocolate element?
Heavy Cream: It helps the chocolate melt beautifully, creating that luscious ganache finish.
Is Strawberry Brownies Good for You?
These delectable Strawberry Brownies are, admittedly, a treat and not a health food, but they do have some redeeming qualities!
Ingredients like strawberries: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, strawberries help boost your immune system and support heart health. Plus, they’re super tasty!
Cream Cheese: While it’s creamy and indulgent, it also offers a bit of protein and calcium. You can even opt for a low-fat version if you’d like!
On the flip side, these brownies do have their fair share of sugar and fats, but hey, life is about balance, right? Enjoy these as an occasional indulgence, and perhaps pair them with a fresh fruit salad for a bit of freshness!
Ingredients List
– For the Brownie Base:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– For the Strawberry Layer:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup strawberries, pureed (fresh or thawed frozen)
– 1 cup whipped cream (or whipped topping)
– For the Chocolate Ganache:
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
**Serves:** About 12 delectable squares.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies?
1. **Prepare the Brownie Base:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
– In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix well.
– Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is combined.
– In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
– Spread this luscious brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool completely.
2. **Make the Strawberry Layer:**
– In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
– Stir in the pureed strawberries until fully combined, then gently fold in the whipped cream.
– Pour this divine strawberry mixture over the cooled brownie base, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let it set beautifully.
3. **Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:**
– In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips.
– Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until it transforms into a smooth, glossy ganache.
– Let the ganache cool slightly before spreading it over the set strawberry layer.
4. **Finishing Touches:**
– After adding the ganache, pop the brownies back into the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour to set the ganache.
– Once everything is perfectly set, cut into squares and serve chilled.
Sweet Tips and Variations
– For a bit of fun, try adding some crushed graham crackers on top before serving for a surprise crunch!
– You can also experiment with other berries, like raspberries or blueberries, for a fruity twist.
– If you’re feeling super indulgent, serve these brownies à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
I can’t wait for you to try these Strawberry Brownies! They are not just a dessert; they are a gateway to delightful memories and sweet moments. When you give them a go, let me know how they turn out. Happy baking!
