If you are looking for a dessert that combines rich chocolatey goodness with a burst of fresh berry flavor, this Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful brownies bring together fudgy cocoa richness and a fluffy strawberry buttercream frosting, shaped into perfect hearts that make every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or simply a treat to brighten your day, these heart-shaped brownies with their vibrant pink frosting will steal the show and warm your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential, working together to build a brownie that is moist, fudgy, and topped with a luscious strawberry frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. Here’s what you’ll gather to make this treat irresistible.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Adds rich moisture and a smooth base for your brownie batter.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the brownies while helping create a tender texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and add structure, ensuring fudgy but not cakey brownies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate and strawberry flavors with its warm aroma.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): The sturdy foundation that blends with cocoa for that perfect bite.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Provides deep chocolate flavor and a dark, rich color.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Melt into pockets of gooey chocolate yumminess.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup) for frosting: Creates a creamy base for the frosting’s silky texture.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the strawberry frosting perfectly.
- Fresh strawberry puree (3 tablespoons): Adds natural fruity brightness and beautiful color.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon) for frosting: Adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.
- Pinch of salt for frosting: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Optional pink food coloring: For a vibrant, eye-catching hue that makes the frosting pop.
How to Make Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to help lift the brownies out easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
Whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until they’re fully combined and shiny. Then add in your eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter turns glossy and smooth—this is the secret to rich, fudgy brownies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just blended. Be careful not to overmix here to keep your brownies tender. Lastly, fold in the chocolate chips for those melty pockets of chocolate joy in every bite.
Step 4: Bake Your Brownie Base
Spread the brownie batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the center looks set but retains a fudgy texture. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before moving on.
Step 5: Cut Out Heart Shapes
Once cooled, use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut the brownie slab into adorable little hearts. For cleaner edges, you can chill the brownies before cutting—plus, it makes them easier to handle.
Step 6: Whip Up the Strawberry Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, fresh strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If you want a more intense pink, add just a drop of food coloring.
Step 7: Frost the Brownie Hearts
Spread or pipe the strawberry frosting generously over each heart-shaped brownie. Pop them into the fridge for about 10 minutes to help the frosting set up beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Top your frosted hearts with fresh sliced strawberries, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for that extra wow factor. Little touches like these elevate the presentation and complement the strawberry flavor perfectly.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs wonderfully with these brownies, balancing their richness and adding creaminess that melts in your mouth. Fresh berries on the side also brighten the plate and palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your heart-shaped brownies on a decorative platter with greenery like mint or basil leaves for a natural pop of color. You can also stack them in a tiered dessert stand for a charming party centerpiece or package them individually in cellophane bags as sweet handmade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fudgy texture perfectly. Make sure to refrigerate if your kitchen is warm or if they’re frosted to avoid melting.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted brownie slabs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw completely before cutting and frosting. If you want to freeze frosted brownies, flash freeze them first on a baking sheet, then wrap carefully to avoid damaging the frosting.
Reheating
To enjoy brownies slightly warm, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the balance between fudgy and gooey. For frosted brownies, serving chilled maintains the frosting’s texture best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries to make the frosting?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and strain well to remove excess water before making your strawberry puree so the frosting stays rich and not too runny.
How do I make the heart shapes look sharp and clean?
Chilling the brownies before cutting helps them firm up and makes slicing with cookie cutters much cleaner. Also, wiping the cutter edges between cuts helps maintain crisp shapes.
Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still shine beautifully.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or dried fruit like cranberries, can add delightful texture and flavor contrast. Just fold them in in place of chocolate chips.
What if my frosting is too thin or too thick?
If your frosting feels too thin, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until thickened. If too thick, mix in a tiny bit more strawberry puree to loosen it up. This lets you achieve the perfect spreadable consistency effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about biting into these Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe. They are a celebration of love, chocolate, and fresh fruit all wrapped up in one delicious package. Whether you’re making them for a special someone or just to treat yourself, these brownies will quickly become a beloved favorite. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing them as I do!
Print
Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 brownie hearts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Rich, fudgy chocolate brownies are baked to perfection, cut into adorable heart shapes, and topped with a luscious strawberry buttercream frosting that adds a sweet, fruity touch.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: a tiny drop of pink food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy brownie removal after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until the batter becomes glossy and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips carefully.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, until the center is set but still fudgy. Avoid overbaking to maintain moist brownies. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Cut Brownie Hearts: Once cooled, lift the brownie slab out using the parchment overhang. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out individual brownie hearts gently. For sharper edges, chill the brownies before cutting if desired.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, fresh strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add a tiny drop of pink food coloring if you want a deeper pink shade.
- Frost Brownie Hearts: Spread or pipe the strawberry frosting onto each brownie heart evenly. Place the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to help the frosting set firmly.
Notes
- For very sharp heart shapes, chill the brownie slab before cutting.
- If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a little more strawberry puree to loosen it.
- Use brownie scraps leftover from cutting by incorporating them into parfaits or crumbling over ice cream for extra treats.
