If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that combines classic chocolatey goodness with a fresh, fruity twist, you will absolutely fall in love with this Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe. Rich, fudgy brownies take center stage here, enhanced by a luscious strawberry frosting that sings with vibrant color and flavor. These charming heart-shaped treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply indulging yourself on a cozy afternoon. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe offers a delightful way to celebrate sweet moments with a homemade touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from creating that perfect fudgy texture to adding bursts of strawberry sweetness and that irresistible pink frosting hue.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Provides a rich, smooth base for the brownie batter that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the brownies and helps achieve a nice texture with a slight crisp edge.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add moisture for that fudgy consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm and aromatic depth to the chocolate flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Gives the brownies their intense chocolate kick without added fat.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to hold the brownies together while keeping them tender.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Helps give a slight lift without making the brownies cakey.
- Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, hulled and finely chopped): Infuse the frosting with natural strawberry goodness and texture.
- Strawberry jam (2 tablespoons): Adds concentrated fruity sweetness and thickens the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates a smooth, sweet base for the frosting’s perfect spreadability.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting consistency for easy application.
- Red or pink food coloring (optional): Enhances the lovely strawberry pink hue for eye-catching brownies.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter: Essential for turning your brownies into delightful heart treats.
How to Make Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until nice and smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating well to combine. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then gently fold everything together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter just combined for those perfect fudgy brownies.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures your brownies stay dense and chewy rather than dry. Once baked, let them cool completely right in the pan—patience here means your brownies will cut beautifully later!
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Frosting
While the brownies are cooling, start your strawberry frosting. Combine the finely chopped strawberries and strawberry jam in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook gently until the strawberries soften and meld into a jammy texture, about 5 minutes. Then strain the mixture to remove any excess liquid and let it cool. In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk, adding extra milk as needed to create a smooth, spreadable frosting. Fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the frosting along with a drop of red or pink food coloring if you’d like a vibrant finish.
Step 4: Cut and Frost the Brownies
Once the brownies are completely cool, use your heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out charming little brownie hearts. This step is easiest if you chill the brownies beforehand to firm them up. Then spread a generous layer of the strawberry frosting over each heart-shaped brownie. Allow the frosting to set slightly at room temperature or in the fridge before serving for the best texture and appearance.
How to Serve Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of elegance and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped strawberries or delicate edible flowers on top of the frosting. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can also make your brownies look irresistibly festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet brownie hearts with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the richness. A tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea complements the flavors beautifully and transforms your dessert into a celebration of classic indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these heart-shaped brownies on a pretty platter lined with doilies or serve them in decorative cupcake liners for portion-perfect treats at parties. You can also stack them on a tiered stand for an impressive Valentine’s Day or romantic occasion centerpiece. Personalized messages with edible markers on the frosting add a thoughtful handcrafted touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe treats fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s warm in your kitchen, refrigeration helps preserve the frosting and texture.
Freezing
To enjoy these sweetheart brownies later, wrap each heart individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
If you want that fresh-baked feel, warm the brownies gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or let them come to room temperature naturally. Avoid overheating the frosting to prevent melting and keep those lovey strawberry flavors intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen strawberries thoroughly before cooking them down with the jam to avoid extra moisture in your frosting.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
You can cut the brownies into squares and pipe the frosting on top or use any other small cookie cutter shape you have handy. Freehand cutting the hearts is also an option if you’re feeling crafty!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! All the ingredients used in this Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making it a great treat for those following a vegetarian diet.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
While you can use oil, butter provides important flavor and texture in these brownies. Using oil might result in a slightly different mouthfeel and taste, so stick with butter if possible for best results.
How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?
Use the powdered sugar to thicken the frosting gradually and be careful not to add too much milk. Straining the strawberry mixture well also helps keep the right consistency for spreading.
Final Thoughts
Making the Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe is as joyful as sharing them with someone special. These sweet and tender brownies topped with a luscious strawberry frosting capture the essence of love and indulgence in every bite. Whether for a cozy treat or a festive occasion, they are bound to brighten your dessert table and your day. I hope you give this recipe a try and create your own memorable moments with these delightful heart-shaped brownies!
Print
Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 heart-shaped brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies, a perfect combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors. Baked to moist perfection, and topped with a luscious strawberry frosting, these brownies make an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
Ingredients
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
Strawberry Frosting
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
Other
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the brownie batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Add the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, then gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing for tender brownies.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the strawberry frosting: While the brownies cool, combine the finely chopped strawberries and strawberry jam in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until the strawberries become soft and jam-like, then strain to remove excess liquid. Allow this strawberry mixture to cool.
- Mix the frosting: In a bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk, adding more milk if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency. Incorporate the cooled strawberry mixture and add a drop of red or pink food coloring if desired for a vibrant look.
- Cut and frost the brownies: Once the brownies are fully cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. Spread a layer of the strawberry frosting over each heart-shaped brownie evenly.
- Set and serve: Allow the frosting to set at room temperature or chill briefly before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor from your strawberry frosted heart-shaped brownies.
Notes
- Chilling the brownies before cutting makes using the cookie cutter easier and cleaner.
- Save leftover brownie edges for crumbles, parfaits, or brownie bites.
- For an intensified strawberry flavor, add a drop of strawberry extract to the frosting mixture.
