Why Make This Recipe
Fudgy Strawberry Brownies are the perfect treat for chocolate lovers who appreciate a touch of fruity flavor. These brownies combine rich chocolate with the sweetness of strawberries, making for an indulgent dessert that’s both satisfying and delightful. Whether it’s for a birthday party, a cozy family gathering, or simply a treat for yourself, these brownies are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Plus, they are fun to make, and the addition of rice krispie cereal adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy texture.
How to Make Fudgy Strawberry Brownies
Making Fudgy Strawberry Brownies is straightforward and rewarding. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious brownies that will disappear quickly. Here’s how to do it!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1/2 cup rice krispie cereal
Directions:
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish using butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, pour the melted butter and the granulated sugar. Stir them together until well combined. This process creates a smooth and creamy mixture. Next, add the two large eggs and the 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Add dry ingredients: Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Sprinkle in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold these into the wet mixture. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to maintain a fudgy texture.
Bake the brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the greased baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. You can test if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out slightly moist with a few crumbs.
Prepare the chocolate topping: While the brownies cool, make the chocolate layer. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream. Stir constantly until the chocolate melts and becomes smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp of honey and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract for added flavor.
Add strawberries and crunch: Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and rice krispie cereal into the melted chocolate mixture. This will add sweetness and texture to the topping.
Top the brownies: Once the brownies have cooled, spread the chocolate strawberry mixture evenly over the brownie layer using a spatula.
Chill the brownies: Place the brownies in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the topping set and makes cutting the brownies easier.
Serve: After chilling, remove the brownies from the fridge. Cut them into squares and serve. You can put them on a plate for sharing or keep them in a container for personal indulgence.
How to Serve Fudgy Strawberry Brownies
Fudgy Strawberry Brownies can be served in several delightful ways. You can enjoy them plain, or you can elevate the experience by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling some chocolate sauce on top. Fresh strawberries on the side can enhance the berry flavor and make the dish look even more appealing.
Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream for a lovely presentation. For gatherings, you can offer them in small squares or alongside other desserts for a tantalizing dessert table.
How to Store Fudgy Strawberry Brownies
To keep your Fudgy Strawberry Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
For best results, if you’ve made a large batch, consider freezing the brownies. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Tips to Make Fudgy Strawberry Brownies
- Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of your brownies dramatically depends on the chocolate you use. Choose semi-sweet chocolate chips that you enjoy eating on their own for the best results.
- Don’t overbake: To achieve the fudgy texture, make sure not to bake the brownies too long. Check for doneness by looking for a slightly moist toothpick.
- Chop strawberries finely: If you use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried, make sure they are finely chopped to prevent excess moisture from making the brownies soggy.
- Add nuts for crunch: If you love added texture, consider mixing in some chopped walnuts or pecans with the brownie batter before baking.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different flavors! You can substitute the freeze-dried strawberries with crushed raspberries for a tart twist, or add nuts for additional crunch. Adding a layer of peanut butter or caramel can also create a delicious combination of flavors.
If you want to get creative, try swapping out the cocoa powder for a different flavor base like matcha for a unique spin.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes and ideas, check out my Pinterest page where you will find a treasure trove of mouthwatering dishes!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but they should be finely chopped. However, be cautious because they can add moisture, which may change the texture of the brownies.
2. How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a fun twist.
4. How can I tell when the brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. If the toothpick comes out clean, they may be overbaked.
Enjoy baking these delicious Fudgy Strawberry Brownies, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends!
Print
Fudgy Strawberry Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulgent fudgy brownies combined with the sweetness of strawberries and a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1/2 cup rice krispie cereal
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter and sugar, then mix in eggs and 1 tsp vanilla.
- Fold in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
- Pour batter into the baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream, then stir in honey and 1/2 tsp vanilla.
- Fold in crushed strawberries and rice krispies into the chocolate mixture.
- Spread chocolate topping over cooled brownies.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, then cut and serve.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality chocolate and avoid overbaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: brownies, chocolate, strawberries, dessert, indulgent