Strawberry Shortcake Brownies: A Sweet Slice of Summer
There’s something magical about the arrival of summer when fresh strawberries burst with sweetness and vibrancy, inviting us to enjoy the sun-kissed days and starry nights. It reminds me of the long, lazy afternoons spent in my backyard, surrounded by laughter and the scent of blossoming flowers. This delightful memory inspired me to create my Strawberry Shortcake Brownies, a dessert that combines rich, fudgy brownies with the sunny joy of whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It’s the perfect way to savor those sweet summer moments, and trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These brownies come together in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for those last-minute cravings or an easy weeknight dessert.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family gathering, picnic, or book club meeting, these decadent brownies are sure to impress your friends and loved ones.
- Rich and Satisfying: The combination of fudgy cocoa brownies and fluffy whipped cream is pure indulgence, striking the perfect balance between richness and lightness.
- Seasonal Freshness: The addition of ripe, juicy strawberries makes this dessert feel fresh and summery, an ideal treat for warmer weather.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can try different fruits, toppings, or even add a splash of your favorite flavor to the brownie mix.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up a batch of joy-filled Strawberry Shortcake Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps to create your luscious Strawberry Shortcake Brownies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Mix until smooth and shiny, embracing the sweetness of summer.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla, letting the rich aroma fill your kitchen.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter should be thick and fudgy, promising chocolatey delight.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will be filled with the smell of warm chocolate goodness.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the dish. Patience is key here, as this will allow them to set nicely.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and layer with the sliced strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream, creating beautiful, refreshing layers.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!
Fun Ways to Customize It
Want to make these brownies your own? Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Zesty Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange zest to the brownie mix for a refreshing citrus flair that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Nutty Delight: Stir in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for an added crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the finished brownies for an extra indulgent touch.
- Berry Bliss: Replace strawberries with any fresh berries you love, like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, for a delightful mix of flavors.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Brownies turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Make Ahead: You can bake the brownies a day in advance. Just keep them covered at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.
- Ingredient Swaps: For a lighter version, substitute half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
- Slicing Tricks: For neat squares, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut to avoid sticking.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftover brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to layer parchment paper between them to keep their perfect texture!
Nutrition Information per Serving
Here’s what you’ll get in each delicious serving (based on cutting into 12 squares):
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Bake the brownies a day in advance and layer them with strawberries and whipped cream just before serving.
Can I use different ingredients?
Certainly! Feel free to substitute the strawberries for your favorite fruit or tweak the brownie base with different flavors.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
These brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but they will last in the fridge for about 3 days if kept sealed.
Wrapping It Up
There’s nothing quite like the delightful combination of fudgy brownies, luscious whipped cream, and succulent strawberries to usher in the sweet days of summer. Every bite is a moment of joy, reminding us to embrace the season’s warmth and happiness. So gather your loved ones, share the love, and create your own sweet memories with these Strawberry Shortcake Brownies. Save this recipe to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking, my friends!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful fudgy brownies layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Mix until smooth and shiny.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the dish.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and layer with the sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to customize with different fruits or toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: dessert, brownies, strawberries, summer, whipped cream