Why make this recipe

Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion, especially for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. Their rich, chocolatey flavor combined with the sweet strawberry frosting makes them both delicious and visually appealing. Plus, the heart shape adds a lovely touch that shows you care!

How to make Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies

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)

Directions:

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.
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.
Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until the batter is fully combined and smooth.
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, indicating doneness.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting and frosting.
Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped brownies carefully.
In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to beat until smooth.
Mix in the strawberry jam or puree, then add 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk as needed to reach your desired frosting consistency. If desired, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring for a vibrant look.
Spread the strawberry frosting evenly over each heart-shaped brownie. Optionally, add sprinkles on top for extra decoration.

How to serve Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies

These brownies are best served fresh, but you can also enjoy them later. They look wonderful on a platter and make a great centerpiece at any gathering. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

How to store Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies

To store your brownies, place them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to make Strawberry Frosted Heart-Shaped Brownies

Be careful not to overbake the brownies. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick will ensure they stay fudgy.
If you don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, you can simply cut the brownies into squares or rectangles.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the strawberry frosting to your liking. Add less powdered sugar if you want a less sweet frosting.

Variation

You can experiment with different flavors by using other fruit jams for the frosting, like raspberry or blueberry. You can even mix chocolate and berry flavors together!

FAQs

Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
A: Yes, you can use melted dark chocolate in place of the cocoa powder. Just make sure to adjust the flour accordingly since dark chocolate has added cocoa solids.

Q: Is it necessary to use food coloring?
A: No, the food coloring is optional. It adds a nice touch, but the frosting tastes great even without it.

Q: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used for baking. Make sure to check the ingredient list for any other gluten-containing items.