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)

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 evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

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

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

Step 7: To make 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, then add 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. Add food coloring if using.

Step 9: Spread the strawberry frosting evenly over each heart-shaped brownie. Sprinkle with optional decorations if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa.

Substitute fresh mashed strawberries for strawberry jam to make the frosting fresher.

Use white chocolate chips in the batter for a sweet surprise.

Try different shaped cookie cutters for seasonal or themed treats.

Chill the frosting for a firmer spread if the weather is warm.

Storage

Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow refrigerated brownies to come to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months; thaw before frosting.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend using a 1:1 ratio for best results.

Can I prepare the frosting in advance?

Absolutely. You can make the strawberry frosting a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip before spreading to restore its fluffiness.