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 unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until the batter is fully combined and smooth.

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 proceeding to cut and frost.

Step 6: Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to carefully cut out heart-shaped brownies.

Step 7: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to beat 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 frosting consistency. Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring if desired.

Step 9: Spread the strawberry frosting evenly over each heart-shaped brownie. Optionally, add sprinkles on top for extra decoration.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense strawberry flavor, try using fresh strawberry puree instead of jam.

If you prefer, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these brownies gluten-free.

Use white chocolate chips in the batter for a sweeter, creamier twist.

Chill the frosting slightly before spreading to make it easier to handle and less messy.

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the frosting to enhance the chocolate flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit jam for the frosting?

Yes, you can substitute strawberry jam with raspberry, cherry, or any other fruit jam you like. Adjust the color accordingly or skip the food coloring if preferred.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick near the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, the brownies are done. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.