Name: Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon strawberry jam or puree; 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed); A few drops red or pink food coloring (optional); Sprinkles (optional, for topping)

Ingredients

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

1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon strawberry jam or puree

1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed)

A few drops red or pink food coloring (optional)

Sprinkles (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting.

Step 6: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to carefully cut out heart-shaped brownies once cooled.

Step 7: For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a small bowl until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth.

Step 8: Mix in the strawberry jam or puree. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk as needed to achieve the desired frosting consistency. Add a few drops of food coloring if you want a more vibrant pink or red frosting.

Step 9: Spread the strawberry frosting evenly over each heart-shaped brownie. Optionally, sprinkle with decorative sprinkles.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh strawberries pureed for a more natural frosting flavor instead of jam.

For a richer chocolate taste, add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

To make the brownies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a suitable powdered sugar.

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter for a subtle depth of flavor.

Storage

Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week; let them come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months and add frosting after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use a different shape cutter instead of a heart?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any cookie cutter shape you like, such as stars, circles, or flowers, to suit your occasion or preference.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Consider reducing the powdered sugar slightly or adding a small amount of cream cheese to the frosting for a tangier balance that cuts the sweetness.