This article explores how to make soft and chewy strawberry brownies with a Mexican-inspired flair. Infused with real strawberry purée and finished with a creamy frosting, these bars bring together comforting tradition and modern indulgence. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or want to share a sweet moment with your family, this easy recipe delivers.
The Ingredients Behind Perfect Strawberry Brownies
Your Strawberry Brownie Essentials
To make these strawberry brownies soft, chewy, and bursting with berry flavor, you don’t need much—just pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. The key? Balance. Not too sweet, not too dense, and with that gentle fruit-forward flavor we love in Mexican treats like strawberry crunch tres leches mini cakes.
For the Strawberry Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberry puree (or 1 tablespoon strawberry flavoring)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
For the Creamy Frosting (optional):
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberry slices (for garnish)
You can make these with or without the frosting. They’re delicious either way—but if you’re serving for a special occasion or gifting, that creamy layer adds a soft, tangy balance.
Ingredient Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor
Strawberry Purée vs. Flavoring
Using real purée gives your brownies natural sweetness and moisture. But if strawberries are out of season, a quality strawberry flavoring works. You can also enhance the flavor by adding a touch of freeze-dried strawberry powder.
Brown Sugar Magic
Don’t skip the brown sugar—it adds depth and a slight molasses note that pairs beautifully with the fruit. It also helps create a moist crumb.
White Chocolate Chips (Optional but Recommended)
They add creamy bursts of flavor that offset the berry tartness. If you’re not a fan, leave them out or swap in chopped pecans for a nutty twist.
Frosting Swaps
For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, or skip the frosting altogether and dust with powdered sugar. And if you’re feeling bold, a swirl of cajeta in the batter (like we use in our cajeta strawberry tartlets) takes this to another level.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Easy Strawberry Brownies with Creamy Frosting
This strawberry brownie recipe is a breeze to follow. Whether you’re baking with little ones or flying solo, each step is designed to be simple and mess-friendly. Just like when I make Mexican-style strawberry desserts with Grandma, we’re aiming for joy over perfection.
Here’s how to make them:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Make sure everything is evenly combined—no sugar lumps hiding.
Step 3: Create the Wet Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir until smooth and creamy, then add: - ½ cup strawberry purée (or 1 tablespoon strawberry flavoring)
Mix until fully combined and the batter turns a soft pink.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix—stop once no flour streaks remain.
If you’re adding white chocolate chips, fold in ½ cup now.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, checking at the 20-minute mark. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Make the Frosting (Optional)
In a mixing bowl, beat:
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
When smooth, slowly add: - 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Once brownies are cool, spread the frosting evenly across the top. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries for color and a fruity punch.
Cut into squares and enjoy—perfect with café de olla or a glass of milk.
Bake Like a Pro: Helpful Tips
Don’t Overbake
Strawberry brownies can go from fudgy to dry in minutes. Pull them out when the center still looks a bit soft—it will firm up as it cools.
Boost the Color Naturally
For a vibrant pink hue, add a teaspoon of beet powder or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry dust to the batter or frosting.
Flavor Tip
Add a dash of lime zest for a subtle tart twist—very Mexican, very refreshing, and a nod to our favorite fresas con crema combos.
Serving, Variations, and Storage
How to Serve Strawberry Brownies with Style
These strawberry brownies are a treat straight from the heart—whether you’re setting them out for a casual Sunday merienda or wrapping them for a school bake sale. Here’s how we love to serve them in our home:
- Classic Style: Serve chilled with a cold glass of milk or strawberry cream smoothie for a fruity overload.
- Warm & Gooey: Pop a brownie in the microwave for 10 seconds and top with a scoop of vanilla or horchata ice cream.
- Date Night Dessert: Drizzle with melted white chocolate and garnish with mint and sliced strawberries for an elevated twist.
When I serve these at family gatherings, they always sit next to a tray of Mexican wedding cookies with Nutella or churro bites—soft, sweet, and slightly unexpected.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
Make It Gluten-Free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. These brownies are already rich and moist, so the texture stays just right.
Make It Vegan
Swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and use vegan butter. For the frosting, opt for plant-based cream cheese and butter.
More Strawberry Flavor
Craving an extra strawberry punch? Add 2 tablespoons of crushed freeze-dried strawberries to the batter or frosting. It’s a trick I use when berries are out of season.
Skip the Frosting
If you’re after something less sweet, leave the frosting off and serve these with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of strawberry syrup.
Brownie Shapes for Special Occasions
Use cookie cutters to shape them into hearts, stars, or flowers—just like I do with my heart-shaped brownies recipe for Valentine’s Day and birthdays.
Storing and Reheating
If you manage to have leftovers (we rarely do!), store them like this:
- At Room Temp: In an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Fridge: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week. Just let them sit out for 10 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture.
- To Reheat: Microwave a single brownie for 10–15 seconds. The center turns gooey, and the frosting softens—almost like freshly baked.
Bonus tip: These also freeze well! Wrap unfrosted brownies individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Perfect for those sweet cravings that strike out of nowhere.
Frequently Asked Questions :
1. Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry brownies?
Yes, you can. Thaw frozen strawberries completely and drain any excess liquid before blending into a purée. This keeps the batter from getting too wet and helps preserve the chewy brownie texture.
2. What makes these strawberry brownies different from regular brownies?
These are fruit-based brownies, not chocolate-based. They rely on strawberry purée for both flavor and moisture, making them lighter, tangier, and perfect for spring or summer desserts. The Mexican touch comes from using real ingredients, simple methods, and optional flavor boosts like lime zest or cajeta.
3. Do strawberry brownies need to be refrigerated?
If they’re frosted, yes. Store frosted strawberry brownies in the fridge for up to a week. Unfrosted brownies can stay at room temperature for about 3 days in an airtight container.
4. Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Bake and cool them up to two days in advance. Store in the fridge, then frost just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor. These also freeze well if you leave off the frosting until ready to enjoy.
Conclusion: A Sweet Twist on Tradition
Strawberry brownies might not be something my Grandma ever made, but the soul of this recipe—warmth, simplicity, and family—is rooted in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, gifting to a friend, or just craving a fruity twist on classic bars, these Mexican-inspired strawberry brownies check every box.
They’re playful, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable. So grab some fresh strawberries (or flavoring if needed), fire up that oven, and create a little bit of magic—just like we do in our multigenerational kitchen every week.
And if you loved this recipe, you’ll probably fall for our strawberry crunch tres leches mini cakes or easy strawberry horchata tiramisu too. Sweetness always finds a way to bring us together.
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Strawberry Brownies (Mexican Version): Soft, Fruity & Easy to Make
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
Soft, fruity strawberry brownies made with fresh purée and a Mexican-inspired twist. Optional creamy frosting and strawberry garnish.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
½ cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup fresh strawberry puree (or 1 tbsp flavoring)
½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Fresh strawberry slices (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line 8×8 baking dish with parchment.
2. Whisk flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, egg, and vanilla, then add strawberry purée.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
5. Pour batter into pan and bake for 20–25 minutes. Cool completely.
6. Beat cream cheese and butter, then add sugar, milk, and vanilla to make frosting.
7. Frost cooled brownies and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Notes
Avoid overmixing for a soft, tender texture.
Add freeze-dried strawberries for extra berry flavor.
Swap in gluten-free flour or vegan substitutes as needed.
Store frosted brownies in fridge for up to 1 week.