Strawberry Brownies With No Cake Mix Recipe

I’m totally obsessed with this strawberry treat because it reminds me of those carefree summer days when everything felt just a bit sweeter. Plus, the combo of real strawberries and a hint of vanilla just hits different, turning a simple dessert into pure joy with every bite!

From scratch, I love making strawberry brownies; I never use a cake mix. I use a cup of fresh strawberries that I puree.

They are so naturally sweet. I think the combination of sugar, butter, and eggs might be the most decadent, delicious trio of ingredients when you consider density versus moistness.

And I think a hint of vanilla extract and that vibrant red color make them downright irresistible.

Ingredients

Strawberries that are fresh: Filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.

Adds natural sweetness and bright colors.

Table sugar (sucrose) is in such a cunningly convenient form that it is the only sugar which can be recommended for sweetening and structuring baked products, in this case, brownies.

It is always an absolute must for providing not only sweetness and body but also crispness (when baked) and tenderness (when bitten into).

Butter that hasn’t been salted: Adds significant richness and moistness to the brownies.

Essential for flavor.

All-Purpose Flour: The principal provider of structure.

Contains carbohydrates plus some protein.

Eggs: Bind ingredients, give them form and richness.

Are proteins and fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• A few drops of red food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a big bowl, mix the pureed strawberries and granulated sugar well together.

3. Combine the melted butter and the strawberry mixture by stirring them together until they’re fully integrated.

4. Combine the eggs and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Beat them with a fork or whisk until frothy, and then add to the bowl of your stand mixer that’s fitted with the paddle attachment.

5. In another bowl, blend the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder thoroughly.

6. Slowly incorporate the dry components into the wet mixture, beating just until everything is combined.

7. Should you wish to do so, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to make the strawberry color pop.

8. Transfer the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

9. In a preheated oven, bake for 25-30 minutes, and check the center with a toothpick. It should come out mostly clean.

10. Let the brownies cool all the way down in the pan before cutting them into pieces and serving them. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8×8-inch baking pan
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Small mixing bowl
6. Stand mixer with paddle attachment
7. Fork or whisk
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Spatula
11. Toothpick

FAQ

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?Certainly, frozen strawberries can be used. Just ensure they are thawed and well-drained before being pureed.
• What can I use as a substitute for unsalted butter?Unsalted butter can be replaced with the same quantity of vegetable oil, or coconut oil, for a different flavor altogether.
• Is the red food coloring necessary?Optional, the food coloring increases the visual appeal of the brownies. They are just as tasty without it.
• How do I store these brownies?Keep the strawberry brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than three days, or stick them in the fridge and enjoy them for up to a week.
• What is the best way to puree the strawberries?Puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. This will ensure that the brownies have the best texture.
• Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?Indeed, incorporating nuts or chocolate chips can improve both the texture and taste. After mixing the batter, fold them in.

Substitutions and Variations

Use 1 cup of strawberry jam or preserves for a more intense sweetness, rather than using fresh strawberries.
Replace granulated sugar with 1 cup of honey or maple syrup; this might change the moisture level and taste.
Substitute 1/2 cup of coconut oil for unsalted butter to create a dairy-free version.
Substitute 1 teaspoon of almond extract for the vanilla extract, and you get a completely different flavor dimension.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Strawberry Flavor For a stronger strawberry taste, consider adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract or a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the mix.

2. Achieve Even Color Instead of using plain red food coloring, use a strawberry gel color to enhance the natural strawberry tint without altering the flavor.

3. Perfect Texture After combining the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture. Mix until just combined for a lighter crumb.

4. Extra Moisture To keep the brownies moist, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.

5. Serving Suggestion Pair the finished brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.