Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Brownies that combine the richness of white chocolate and the vibrant freshness of strawberries in a moist, colorful treat. With a strawberry-infused batter and a smooth white chocolate ganache topped with fresh and freeze-dried strawberries, this dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness and fruity brightness.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (1 square each) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Strawberry Puree
- 1 lb. fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Zest and juice from 1 lemon
- Pinch kosher salt
Brownie Batter
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1/2” pieces
- 6 oz (170 g) white chocolate melts
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder (optional)
- 1 cup (140 g) strawberry puree
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pink gel food coloring
Ganache
- 8 oz (240 g) white chocolate melts
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup reserved strawberry puree
- 4 to 5 fresh strawberries, thinly sliced (optional)
- Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder, for serving (optional)
- Strawberry Puree Preparation: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally as the strawberries break down and sugar dissolves, about 3 to 4 minutes. Continue simmering and stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly to a jam-like consistency, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and a pinch of kosher salt, then remove from heat.
- Puree Blending: Transfer the strawberry mixture to a standard blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Allow the puree to cool completely.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges extend for easy removal.
- Chocolate and Butter Melt: Place butter and white chocolate melts in a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth, about 90 seconds total.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg, egg yolk, granulated sugar, and optional freeze-dried strawberry powder on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and 1 cup of the cooled strawberry puree, reserving the rest. Beat in the melted chocolate and butter mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Switch to the paddle attachment on the mixer. Sift together all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the batter, mixing on medium-low speed just until combined. Add pink gel food coloring a few drops at a time, beating gently until the desired color is achieved without overmixing.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Ganache: In a medium heatproof bowl, microwave white chocolate melts and heavy cream in 30-second increments, stirring between each until fully melted and smooth, about 2 minutes total. Stir in 1/4 cup of reserved strawberry puree. Let the ganache cool to a spreadable consistency.
- Finish the Brownies: Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Top with thinly sliced fresh strawberries and sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder if using. Allow the ganache to set slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using freeze-dried strawberry powder in the batter adds an extra dimension of strawberry flavor but is optional.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding flour to maintain a tender texture.
- For best results, use fresh strawberries for the puree, but frozen strawberries work well too.
- The pink food coloring is for aesthetic purposes and can be omitted if preferred.
- Allow ganache to cool before spreading to avoid melting into the batter.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: Strawberry brownies, white chocolate brownies, strawberry dessert, baked strawberry brownies, strawberry ganache brownies