Strawberry Brownies

Strawberry Brownies are a sweet and fruity twist on the classic brownie you know and love. They blend rich, chocolaty brownie batter with fresh, juicy strawberries that add a bright…

By Willow • January 4, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

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Strawberry Brownies are a sweet and fruity twist on the classic brownie you know and love. They blend rich, chocolaty brownie batter with fresh, juicy strawberries that add a bright pop of flavor and a little bit of moisture. The combination creates something soft, fudgy, and a little bit special.

I love making Strawberry Brownies when strawberries are in season because the fruit feels so fresh and natural with the chocolate. If you don’t have fresh strawberries, frozen work fine too, but fresh definitely makes the brownies feel lighter and more summery. One tip I always follow is to gently fold the strawberries into the batter so they stay in chunks instead of getting completely mixed in.

These brownies are perfect for sharing with friends at a picnic or for a cozy afternoon treat with a glass of cold milk. I like serving them slightly warm so the chocolate is gooey and the strawberries are soft. They’re a little different than your everyday brownie, so whenever I make them, they always bring smiles and lots of requests for seconds.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the brownies. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter with a similar amount.

Cocoa powder: This gives the brownies their chocolate flavor. Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is best. You can swap with Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but the taste will be slightly different.

Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring juicy sweetness and a light texture on top. When fresh aren’t available, frozen strawberries work well too—just thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing.

Flour & Baking Powder: All-purpose flour keeps the brownies chewy but tender. The small amount of baking powder adds slight lift without making the brownies cakey. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in the same amount.

Coarse sea salt: Sprinkling salt over the finished brownies balances sweetness and sharpens flavors. You can leave it out, but I highly recommend trying it for contrast.

How Do You Get the Perfect Layered Brownie and Strawberry Topping?

Getting two distinct layers is all about gentle spreading and baking time:

• Pour the chocolate brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. Spread it gently to avoid mixing.
• Carefully spoon the strawberry topping over the brownie batter. Use a spatula to gently spread, but don’t mix the layers together.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes. The brownies should be set but still soft inside. Avoid overbaking to keep a fudgy base.
• Let the brownies cool fully so the strawberry topping firms up just a little, making clean squares easier to cut.

By following these tips, you’ll have a lovely contrast between the dense chocolate base and the fruity strawberry topping. It’s a simple but impressive way to enjoy two flavors and textures in one bite!

Equipment You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy slicing.
• Parchment paper – helps lift the brownies out of the pan without sticking.
• Medium saucepan – melts butter gently and mixes wet ingredients smoothly.
• Mixing bowls – for preparing the brownie batter and strawberry topping separately.
• Spatula or wooden spoon – great for folding ingredients without overmixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts and consistent results.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Use raspberries instead of strawberries for a slightly tart, fragrant twist that pairs well with chocolate.
• Stir in white chocolate chips into the brownie layer for extra sweetness and texture.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon into the strawberry topping for a warm, cozy note that complements the fruit.

Strawberry Brownies

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: pinch of baking powder

For Finishing:

• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 30 to 35 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. Total time including cooling is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make it easier to remove your brownies later.

2. Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your brownies fudgy.

3. Pour Brownie Batter and Prepare Strawberry Topping

Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped strawberries, sugar, egg, flour, salt, and the optional baking powder until the mixture is well combined.

4. Add Strawberry Topping and Bake

Gently spoon the strawberry mixture over the brownie batter and spread it evenly without mixing into the chocolate layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

5. Finish, Cool, and Serve

Remove the brownies from the oven and sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top while they are still warm. Let them cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper and cutting into squares. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious combination of fudgy chocolate with sweet strawberry topping!

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing to avoid making the topping too watery.

How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Brownies?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat slightly in the microwave or enjoy chilled.

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend made for baking, keeping the same measurement for best results.

Can I Prepare These Brownies Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and strawberry topping separately, then assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste.