Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies

Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies are rich, fudgy brownies topped with a sweet strawberry layer, making them the perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion. These decadent brownies combine deep chocolate flavor with fruity strawberry goodness, creating a beautiful and delicious treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Fudgy: The ultimate chewy brownie base.
• Sweet Strawberry Twist: A fresh, fruity layer adds a pop of flavor.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for Valentine’s Day, date nights, or gifting.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, but looks impressive.
• Customizable: Use fresh strawberries, jam, or frosting for different flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownie Base:

• Unsalted butter, melted
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)

For the Strawberry Layer:

• Fresh strawberries, chopped (or strawberry jam)
• Powdered sugar
• Cream cheese or butter (for a smooth, creamy texture)
• Vanilla extract

For Decoration (Optional):

• White chocolate drizzle
• Heart-shaped sprinkles
• Extra fresh strawberries

Directions

Step 1: Make the Brownie Base

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let brownies cool completely before adding the strawberry layer.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Layer

9. In a bowl, beat cream cheese (or butter), powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Stir in fresh chopped strawberries (or strawberry jam).
11. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled brownies.

Step 3: Decorate & Serve

12. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with heart-shaped sprinkles.
13. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set before slicing.
14. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 brownies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Strawberry Ganache: Swap the cream cheese layer for strawberry-flavored white chocolate ganache.
• Heart-Shaped Brownies: Use a heart cookie cutter to cut them into cute shapes.
• Strawberry Buttercream: Replace the topping with strawberry-flavored frosting.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Extra Chocolatey: Add a layer of melted chocolate over the strawberry topping.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze brownies without the strawberry layer for up to 3 months. Add the topping after thawing.
• Reheating: Enjoy chilled or let sit at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought brownies?

Yes! Use a boxed brownie mix to save time.

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?

Use strawberry jam or freeze-dried strawberries instead.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Make a day in advance and store in the fridge.

How do I cut brownies cleanly?

Chill before slicing and use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts.

Can I use white chocolate brownies instead?

Yes! Swap cocoa powder for extra flour and use white chocolate chips.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add great texture.

What can I serve with these brownies?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce pairs perfectly.

Can I use strawberry extract instead of vanilla?

Yes! It will boost the strawberry flavor even more.

How do I make them extra fudgy?

Use extra egg yolk and melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes! Use vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate, and coconut-based cream cheese.

Conclusion

Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies are a fudgy, fruity, and festive treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. With a rich brownie base and a sweet strawberry topping, they’re easy to make and sure to impress. Try this delicious recipe today and share the love with every bite!

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