Description
Delight in these Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies, a luscious twist on classic brownies with a vibrant strawberry swirl that creates beautiful heart shapes. Perfectly fudgy and rich, they blend chocolate and fresh strawberries for a romantic treat ideal for special occasions or any time you crave a sweet, fruity dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
Strawberry Swirl
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Swirl: In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until strawberries break down and release juices.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mash the strawberries with a fork or immersion blender into a smooth sauce. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until thick and syrupy, then set aside to cool.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend melted butter and granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Stir in milk until batter is smooth.
- Create Strawberry Swirl in Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry sauce onto the brownie batter. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the sauce into the batter, creating a marbled, heart-shaped effect if desired.
- Bake and Cool: Bake brownies at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor in the swirl.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies tender and fudgy.
- For a more defined heart shape, carefully arrange strawberry sauce drops before swirling gently.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting for clean squares.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a pretty finishing touch.
