Description
These Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies combine rich chocolate flavor with a delightful strawberry twist, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any festive occasion. Featuring layers of fudgy brownie batter, strawberry preserves, fresh diced strawberries, and optional white chocolate drizzle with heart-shaped decorations, these brownies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 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
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Strawberry Layer
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
- 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Heart-shaped sprinkles or decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Layer Brownie Batter and Strawberry Filling: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Carefully spread the strawberry preserves over this layer in a smooth, even coating, then scatter the diced fresh strawberries on top.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the strawberry layer and gently spread to cover completely, ensuring the strawberry layer is sealed in.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to set properly and make cutting easier.
- Optional Decoration: If desired, melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle heart-shaped decorations on top for a festive presentation.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into 9 squares or use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for an extra festive touch. Store brownies in the fridge for the best texture and serve slightly chilled.
Notes
- For an intensified strawberry flavor, swirl additional strawberry preserves on top of the batter before baking.
- Store brownies in the refrigerator and serve them slightly chilled for clean, neat cuts.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to your taste preference.
- Heart-shaped sprinkles and white chocolate drizzle are optional but add charm and sweetness to the final presentation.
