Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies are a romantic twist on classic chocolate brownies—rich, fudgy, and layered with luscious strawberry flavor. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just to surprise someone special, these brownies deliver the perfect balance of deep cocoa and fruity sweetness. With real strawberries baked into the mix and a creamy pink topping, they’re as beautiful as they are indulgent.
Ingredients:
For the brownies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped fresh strawberries (blotted dry)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the strawberry cream topping:
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
- Fresh strawberry slices, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Make the brownies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until glossy. Add cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in the chopped strawberries and mini chocolate chips (if using). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the topping.
2. Prepare the strawberry cream topping
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until fluffy.
Add the strawberry puree gradually, mixing until well incorporated. Add a drop or two of pink or red food coloring for a more vibrant color if desired.
Spread the strawberry cream evenly over the cooled brownies. Chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours to set.
3. Slice and serve
Once the topping is firm, lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into squares or heart shapes using a cookie cutter. Garnish each piece with a thin slice of fresh strawberry.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These brownies are best served slightly chilled.
Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies combine chocolate and fruit in the most tender and romantic way. The juicy bites of fresh strawberry baked into fudgy brownie layers, topped with creamy strawberry frosting, make each bite feel like a love letter in dessert form.
