The Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies are a dreamy twist on classic brownies that bring together the lusciousness of white chocolate and the bright, juicy flavor of fresh strawberry purée in one bite. These tender, heart-shaped delights are not only charming to look at but also burst with a creamy, fruity sweetness that feels like a warm hug wrapped in pink icing. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising someone special, Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies offer an unforgettable dessert experience that’s as delightful to make as it is to savor.

Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step toward these gorgeous Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies. Each element plays an essential role: the butter and white chocolate create a rich, smooth base; the strawberry purée and extracts bring a vibrant color and fresh fruit flavor; and the little pink coloring adds a whimsical pop. These simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients blend together to give you that perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and tender brownie goodness.

Unsalted butter (7 tablespoons/3 1/2 ounces): Adds creamy richness and helps achieve the perfect chewy texture.

White chocolate, finely chopped (6 ounces): Brings a smooth, sweet base flavor that melts beautifully into the batter.
Sugar (3/4 cup/5 1/4 ounces): Sweetens the brownies just right, balancing the strawberry tartness.

Fine sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Large egg (1) & egg yolks (2): Provide structure and a tender crumb for these delicate brownies.

Strawberry purée (1/2 cup/4 ounces, divided): Infuses the batter with fresh strawberry flavor and moisture, plus a few tablespoons reserved for icing.
Pure vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor profile with warm, comforting notes.
Pure strawberry extract (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the strawberry presence for that extra pop of fruitiness.

Pink gel food color (optional, petite pea size drop): Adds a charming rosy hue, making these brownies irresistibly cute.
All purpose flour (1 1/2 cups/6 3/4 ounces): Provides the necessary structure while keeping the brownies tender.
Powdered sugar (3/4 cup/3 ounces) for icing: Creates a silky, sweet glaze that complements the strawberry flavor.

Unsalted butter, melted (1 tablespoon) for icing: Adds a velvety richness to the icing.
Pure vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon) for icing: Balances the sweetness with warm undertones.
Pure strawberry extract (1/4 teaspoon) for icing: Continues the bright strawberry theme in the glaze.

Dash of fine sea salt for icing: Highlights the sweetness and adds depth to the glaze.

How to Make Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325ºF and lining the bottom of an 8-inch heart-shaped cake pan with parchment paper. Give the pan a light spray with nonstick oil to ensure your lovely Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies release beautifully once baked. This thoughtful prep stage sets you up for baking success and a breathtaking final shape.

Step 2: Melt Butter and White Chocolate

Place the cubed butter and finely chopped white chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Gently melt them together over simmering water or carefully in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently. The key here is patience and vigilance since white chocolate can overheat easily. Your reward is a luscious, creamy base that forms the heart and soul of these brownies.

Step 3: Mix Sugar, Salt, and Eggs

Once smooth, whisk in sugar and a pinch of fine sea salt until fully combined. Then, add the egg and egg yolks one by one, whisking energetically until the batter becomes silky and uniform. This step ensures your Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies have that perfect moist and tender crumb texture that makes every bite divine.

Step 4: Incorporate Strawberry Purée and Extracts

Run your strawberry purée through a fine sieve to remove seeds for a velvety finish. Reserve 2 tablespoons for the icing and add the rest to your batter, mixing until beautifully blended. Stir in vanilla and strawberry extracts along with the pink gel food coloring if you choose, infusing the mixture with gorgeous color and intense strawberry flavor.

Step 5: Add Flour and Bake

Gently fold in sifted all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Transfer the luscious batter into your prepared heart-shaped pan, then slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick for a few moist crumbs—not wet batter—to ensure perfect doneness. The cooling step is crucial to let the brownies set before the final touch.

Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Strawberry Icing

While your brownies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, the reserved strawberry purée, vanilla and strawberry extracts, and a dash of fine sea salt until smooth. Spread this glossy pink icing evenly over the cooled brownies. Not only does it enhance the strawberry flavor, but it also adds a dreamy finishing touch that accentuates your delightful Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies visually and in taste.

How to Serve Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies

Garnishes

To make your Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies even more enchanting, consider garnishing them with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of edible rose petals. These light garnishes add freshness and elegance, making each heart-shaped brownie a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Side Dishes

Pair these rich, fruity brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious complement. A fresh berry salad on the side also works wonderfully, highlighting the strawberry notes and balancing the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies on a pretty platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar or alongside delicate mint leaves. For parties or romantic occasions, stack mini brownies layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries to create an irresistible dessert tower that doubles as show-stopping décor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This short window ensures you enjoy them while they’re still soft and fresh, just like when you first baked them.

Freezing

If you want to save some brownies for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. Frozen, they hold their fabulous flavor and texture for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To refresh your brownies before serving, gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This quick heat-up softens the icing and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feel without drying out the tender crumb.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries to make the purée?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This ensures your Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies maintain the perfect texture and flavor without becoming too watery.

What if I don’t have strawberry extract?

No worries—vanilla extract alone will still create a delicious batter. However, the strawberry extract intensifies the fruity notes that make these brownies truly sing, so try to find it for the full experience.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that has xanthan gum included. Your Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies will still keep their tender texture and delicious taste.

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center and look for a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. Overbaking can dry out the brownies, so keep a close eye near the 25-minute mark for the best texture.

Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

For these particular Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies, white chocolate helps balance the strawberry sweetness and maintain a light color. Using dark or milk chocolate will create a different flavor profile and color, but if you prefer a richer chocolate taste, those options can work with some recipe tweaks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels as special as a heartfelt gift, these Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies are the perfect choice. They’re tender, vibrant, and full of love in every bite — a truly sweet way to brighten any day or celebration. Trust me, once you try making and sharing these, Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies will quickly become one of your most beloved treats!

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