If you are looking for a delightful treat that blends rich chocolate with a burst of fruity sweetness, the Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe is an absolute must-try. This gorgeous dessert features fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth brownies topped with a creamy, pink strawberry frosting that’s as delicious as it is charming. Cut into adorable heart shapes, these brownies are perfect for celebrating love, friendship, or simply indulging in a beautifully crafted sweet. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon craving, these heart shaped brownies will bring joy to your table and smiles to everyone lucky enough to enjoy them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards baking these irresistible heart shaped brownies. Each element plays a crucial role: from the buttery richness of the brownies themselves to the fresh sweetness that the strawberry frosting brings. Simple yet thoughtful ingredients make this recipe shine both in flavor and texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds moistness and rich flavor that makes the brownies fudgy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownie base while contributing to its tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help create a chewy texture in the brownies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Packs in the deep chocolate intensity for those irresistible fudgy brownies.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Binds ingredients together and ensures the perfect balance between cakey and fudgy.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Amplifies the other flavors, especially the chocolate and strawberry.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Provides just enough rise to keep the brownies soft but dense.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): The base for the luscious strawberry frosting.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the strawberry frosting to a creamy finish.
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (fresh or frozen): Delivers a naturally fruity, vibrant flavor and a lovely pink tint.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the strawberry notes in the frosting.
- Pink food coloring (optional): Perfect for turning your frosting an eye-catching pink hue.
- Optional toppings: Sprinkles, freeze-dried strawberries, or chocolate drizzle to elevate the look and taste.
How to Make Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leaving a little overhang on the sides makes it easy to lift the baked brownies out later—trust me, this little trick saves so much cleanup and keeps your brownies perfectly intact.
Step 2: Whisk Your Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until they combine into a smooth, glossy mixture. Then add the eggs one at a time, whisking well between each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a warm, inviting aroma right from the start.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This step ensures even distribution and prevents lumps, which will give you that perfect, uniform brownie texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or whisk, mixing just until combined. Over mixing will make the brownies tough, so keep it light and easy—those fudgy brownies are all about a tender crumb!
Step 5: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick near the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let the brownies cool completely—this is key for the frosting to spread nicely later on.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Frosting
While your brownies cool, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. If you want that classic pink glow, add a few drops of pink food coloring, and beat everything until the frosting is fluffy and luscious.
Step 7: Cut and Frost
Lift the cooled brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and place on a cutting board. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the brownies into charming heart shapes. Generously frost each heart with the strawberry frosting, and get creative by decorating with sprinkles, freeze-dried strawberries, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for added flair.
How to Serve Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Classic sprinkles add a playful pop of color and crunch, while freeze-dried strawberry bits give an extra burst of tartness that beautifully complements the sweet strawberry frosting. For a more decadent touch, try a delicate drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate.
Side Dishes
Pairing these heart shaped brownies with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms the experience into a charming dessert platter. A dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance their irresistible appeal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the frosted hearts on a pretty platter lined with fresh strawberry leaves for an elegant centerpiece. For gift-giving or parties, box them in a decorative tin or clear treat bags tied with a red or pink ribbon—the visual love note will be just as memorable as the taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This preserves moisture and freshness, though the frosting is best enjoyed within the first day for that perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to two months. For frosted hearts, freeze on a baking tray lined with parchment and then transfer to a container to avoid smushing the frosting decor.
Reheating
Enjoy frozen brownies thawed completely at room temperature. If you like your brownies warm, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, but avoid direct heating of frosted ones to prevent frosting melt.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought strawberry preserves instead of fresh puree in the frosting?
Absolutely! Strawberry preserves work nicely for the frosting and add an intense fruity flavor, just be sure to use them sparingly to avoid making the frosting too wet.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
No worries! You can use any fun cookie cutter shape or simply cut the brownies into squares or rectangles for an equally tasty treat.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend should work well. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
How thick should I spread the frosting?
Spread the frosting generously but evenly, about ¼ inch thick. If you prefer, double the frosting recipe for a thicker, more indulgent layer.
Are these brownies suitable for kids?
Definitely! The classic chocolate and strawberry combo, plus the fun heart shapes, make these brownies a kid-friendly dessert that’s sure to delight.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe brings something special to any dessert table. The harmony of fudgy chocolate and fresh strawberry frosting creates an enchanting treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re surprising a loved one or just treating yourself, these heart shaped brownies are guaranteed to spread joy and sweetness. I can’t wait for you to try making them and fall in love with every bite!
Print
Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 heart-shaped brownies depending on cutter size
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry frosted heart-shaped brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with a sweet, creamy strawberry frosting for a delightful treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. These adorable heart-shaped brownies feature a luscious pink strawberry glaze that adds a fruity twist to a classic dessert.
Ingredients
Brownies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Strawberry Frosting
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles
- Freeze-dried strawberries
- Chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy brownie removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to set and make cutting easier.
- Make Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring (if using). Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Cut and Frost: Once cooled, lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes.
- Decorate: Generously frost each heart-shaped brownie with the strawberry frosting and decorate with sprinkles, freeze-dried strawberries, or chocolate drizzle as desired.
Notes
- Save the brownie scraps to enjoy as a snack or layer into parfaits.
- You can substitute store-bought strawberry preserves for the strawberry puree in the frosting if fresh strawberries aren’t available.
- For a thicker frosting layer, simply double the frosting recipe.
