Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe
If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines luscious chocolate with a burst of fruity sweetness, then this Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe is just what you need. These charming heart-shaped brownies are moist, rich, and topped with a creamy strawberry frosting that perfectly balances the deep cocoa flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious dessert to share, this recipe guarantees smiles and satisfied sweet cravings with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the perfect texture, rich flavor, and vibrant color that make these brownies so irresistible.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb to the brownies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter to a balanced, delightful level.
- 2 large eggs: Adds structure and helps bind all the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic undertone.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the brownies their deep, chocolatey core.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Ensures the perfect texture that’s soft yet holds shape well.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly for a light bite.
- For the strawberry frosting: 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened) – creates a creamy, spreadable base.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam or puree: Adds fresh fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
- 1–2 teaspoons milk: Adjusts the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Optional: a few drops red or pink food coloring: Brings a lovely rosy hue to your frosting.
- Optional sprinkles: For an extra festive touch on top of your frosted hearts.
How to Make Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light grease. This ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out effortlessly when cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until smooth and glossy—this lovely mixture is the foundation for chewy, rich brownies. Next, add the eggs along with the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition to develop a smooth batter.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold everything together until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can toughen your brownies. You want the batter just right for a tender, fudgy texture.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Start checking with a toothpick at around 20 minutes; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, signaling the perfect fudgy finish. Once done, allow the brownies to cool completely.
Step 5: Cut and Frost
With your cooled brownies, grab your heart-shaped cookie cutter and carefully press out charming heart shapes. For the strawberry frosting, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Mix in powdered sugar until smooth, then blend in the strawberry jam or puree. Add a little milk to reach your desired frosting consistency, and if you’re feeling festive, stir in some red or pink food coloring. Finally, spread the luscious frosting over each heart-shaped brownie, and top with sprinkles if you’d like a pop of color and fun.
How to Serve Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe up a notch, consider adding fresh strawberry slices right on top of the frosting for an extra burst of natural sweetness and a stunning visual. A light dusting of powdered sugar or colorful sprinkles can also make these treats even more inviting and festive.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce complements the strawberry frosting perfectly, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
These heart-shaped beauties make perfect gifts or party treats. Place them on a pretty platter adorned with edible flowers, or wrap each brownie in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also arrange them on a tiered dessert stand to create a visually stunning display that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them covered ensures they stay moist and the frosting remains fresh and creamy.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, place the unfrosted brownie hearts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Reheating
For warm, soft brownies, pop unfrosted pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid reheating frosted brownies as the frosting can melt. Instead, enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam for the frosting?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be pureed to make a vibrant and natural frosting, offering an even fresher strawberry flavor. Just be sure to strain out the seeds for a smooth texture.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Insert a toothpick near the center of the pan around 20 minutes into baking. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. This ensures a fudgy texture without overbaking.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for this recipe?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in equal measure. This tweak keeps the texture similar and retains the rich flavor of the brownies.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
While this Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe isn’t vegan as is, you can experiment by using flax eggs in place of regular eggs and dairy-free butter alternatives. The frosting can be made with plant-based butter and powdered sugar, but results may vary slightly.
What’s the best way to prevent the frosting from being too runny?
If your frosting seems runny, slowly add more powdered sugar until it thickens to a spreadable consistency. Adding just a small amount of milk at a time helps control the texture perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that turns a simple brownie into a festive and heartwarming confection. Whether for a special celebration or a spontaneous treat, these brownies are sure to bring joy and a bit of sweetness to any day. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert to bake and share!
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Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10–12 heart-shaped brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies, a perfect festive treat combining rich chocolate brownies with a luscious strawberry frosting. Ideal for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, these brownies are baked to perfection and decorated with a sweet, fruity glaze that makes each bite irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Strawberry Frosting Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam or puree
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed)
- A few drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until smooth. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until the batter is fully combined and smooth.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before proceeding to cut and frost.
- Cut Heart Shapes: Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped brownies carefully.
- Prepare the Strawberry Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to beat until smooth.
- Add Flavor and Consistency: Mix in the strawberry jam or puree, then add 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk as needed to reach your desired frosting consistency. Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring if desired for a vibrant look.
- Frost the Brownie Hearts: Spread the strawberry frosting evenly over each heart-shaped brownie. Optionally, add sprinkles on top for extra decoration.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, use freeze-dried strawberries blended into a powder in the frosting.
- Save any brownie scraps to use as delicious ice cream toppings or snack bites.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
