Fresh Strawberry Brownies from Scratch
These Fresh Strawberry Brownies are made from scratch with real strawberries, butter, and a hint of lemon for brightness. Topped with a simple vanilla glaze, these soft and chewy bars are the perfect spring or summer dessert. Southern-inspired, easy to make, and full of fruity flavor – no cake mix required!
Servings 12
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 lb fresh strawberries washed, hulled, and puréed (you’ll reduce it to 1/2 cup)
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure strawberry extract
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pure lemon extract optional, but gives a citrus brightness
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2-4 drops red or pink food coloring optional, for that pretty rosy hue
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk or more, to desired consistency
- ¼–½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper with overhang or grease it well. In a blender or food processor, purée your strawberries until smooth.
- Pour into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half (you want about 1/2 cup thickened purée). Cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Add in eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth. Stir in the reduced strawberry purée, strawberry extract, vanilla, and lemon extract. Add food coloring if using.
- Sift in the flour and salt. Gently fold with a spatula until no dry streaks remain. Don’t overmix!
- Pour batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let brownies cool completely in the pan before glazing – patience, y’all! This helps the glaze set nicely on top.
Glaze
- In a bowl, mix together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency with more sugar or milk. The glaze should be pourable but not runny.
- Spread glaze over cooled brownies and let sit for 20–30 minutes to set before slicing.