Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.1 cup unsalted butter, melted, 2 cups granulated sugar
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.4 large eggs, room temperature, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
- If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips.1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter).
- Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. It's crucial they are completely cool before frosting.
- While the brownies cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and the ground freeze-dried strawberry powder (or reduced strawberry puree). Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high speed and beat until light and fluffy.3 cups powdered sugar, sifted, 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground into a powder
- Add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the top.
- For heart shapes, you can either: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual brownie hearts. Cut the entire pan of brownies into squares or rectangles, and then trim the corners of each square to create a heart shape.
- Decorate with extra freeze-dried strawberry pieces or fresh strawberries if desired. Slice and serve your beautiful Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies!
Notes
Room Temperature Storage: If consuming within 1-2 days, store at room temperature in an airtight container. Refrigeration: For longer storage (up to 5 days), wrap tightly and use an airtight container. Freezing: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheating: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed brownies in the microwave or a low oven.