Description
Delight in these Strawberry Sweetheart Brownies, a luscious twist on classic fudge brownies infused with the sweet tang of freeze-dried strawberries and creamy white chocolate chips. Swirled with a vibrant strawberry jam marbled topping, these brownies are perfect for a romantic dessert or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 box (18.3 oz) fudge brownie mix
- Ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- Nonstick spray for pan
Mix-ins and Topping
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Pink or red food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Make Brownie Batter: Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box, typically combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Once blended, gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips to distribute the flavors evenly without overmixing.
- Assemble Layers: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. In a separate small bowl, mix the strawberry jam, vanilla extract, salt, and a drop of optional food coloring to intensify the color.
- Add Jam Swirl: Dollop spoonfuls of the jam mixture over the batter. Then carefully spoon the remaining brownie batter on top of the jam. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the top layer, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges with just a few moist crumbs, indicating doneness without overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 9 squares for serving. This cooling step helps the brownies set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Substitute raspberry jam for a different berry twist if desired.
- Add heart-shaped sprinkles or drizzle melted white chocolate on top for extra decoration and festive appeal.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, increase the amount of freeze-dried strawberries to 1½ cups.
