Heart Shaped Strawberry Frosted Brownies Recipe is the perfect way to turn a classic chocolate dessert into a sweet, eye-catching treat that feels special and thoughtful. These brownies are rich and fudgy with deep chocolate flavor, topped with a naturally pink strawberry frosting that adds freshness and a light fruity sweetness. Cut into heart shapes, they are ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, bake sales, or anytime you want a dessert that feels homemade and full of love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Heart Shaped Strawberry Frosted Brownies Recipe
This recipe combines simplicity with visual impact. The brownie base is easy to make with pantry staples and bakes up dense and moist, while the strawberry frosting brings a bright color and flavor without being overly sweet. The heart shapes instantly make these brownies feel festive without requiring advanced decorating skills. They store well, travel easily, and are just as delicious as they are charming.
Ingredients for Heart Shaped Strawberry Frosted Brownies Recipe
Brownie Base
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
Strawberry Frosting
- Fresh strawberries or freeze-dried strawberries
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or cream
- Vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes
For the fudgiest brownies, avoid overmixing once the flour is added. Cocoa powder gives a deep chocolate flavor, while melted dark chocolate adds extra richness, so either option works well. Freeze-dried strawberries create a stronger strawberry flavor and vibrant color without thinning the frosting, while fresh strawberries give a lighter, fresher taste. Dairy-free butter and plant-based milk can be substituted if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Bake the Brownies
Preheat your oven and line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper. Melt the butter and mix it with sugar until smooth, then add eggs and vanilla. Stir in cocoa powder or melted chocolate, followed by flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake until set but still slightly soft in the center. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
Step 2 – Prepare the Strawberry Frosting
Blend fresh strawberries into a smooth puree or grind freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in the strawberry puree or powder, vanilla, and a small amount of milk or cream until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 3 – Frost the Brownies
Spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using an offset spatula. Aim for a smooth, even layer so the hearts look neat when cut.
Step 4 – Cut Into Hearts
Place the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out brownies, pressing straight down for clean edges. Wipe the cutter between cuts for best results.
Pro Tips for Success
Use parchment paper to lift brownies cleanly from the pan. Chill the brownies before cutting to prevent messy edges. Choose a sharp-edged cookie cutter for defined heart shapes. If using fresh strawberries, add powdered sugar gradually to control frosting thickness. Save brownie scraps for snacking or layering into parfaits.
Flavor Variations
Add a thin layer of strawberry jam under the frosting for extra fruit flavor. Swap strawberries for raspberries for a tangy twist. Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted hearts for a bakery-style finish. Add a hint of lemon zest to the frosting to brighten the flavor. Sprinkle freeze-dried strawberry crumbs on top for texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies on a platter lined with parchment for parties or gift them in decorative boxes for holidays. They pair beautifully with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate and make a lovely dessert after a romantic dinner or family meal.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store heart shaped strawberry frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture. Unfrosted brownies can be frozen for up to two months, then thawed and frosted when needed.
Print
Heart Shaped Strawberry Frosted Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
Description
Heart Shaped Strawberry Frosted Brownies Recipe turns classic fudgy brownies into a festive dessert topped with naturally pink strawberry frosting and cut into adorable heart shapes.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Fresh strawberries or freeze-dried strawberries
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or cream
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and mix with sugar until smooth, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in cocoa powder or melted chocolate, then add flour and salt, mixing just until combined.
- Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake until set but slightly soft in the center.
- Allow brownies to cool completely.
- Blend fresh strawberries into a puree or grind freeze-dried strawberries into a powder.
- Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in strawberries, vanilla, and milk or cream until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies.
- Chill briefly, then cut brownies into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
Notes
Chill brownies before cutting for clean edges. Freeze-dried strawberries give the brightest color and strongest strawberry flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~320 kcal | ~4 g | ~42 g | ~16 g | ~3 g | ~180 mg |
FAQ About Heart Shaped Strawberry Frosted Brownies Recipe
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the brownies a day in advance and frost them the next day. Chilling before cutting helps maintain clean heart shapes.
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely. A boxed mix works well if you want to save time, just be sure to cool completely before frosting and cutting.
How do I get bright pink frosting without food coloring?
Freeze-dried strawberries are the best option for vibrant natural color without adding excess moisture.
Do I need a heart-shaped cutter?
While a cutter gives the cleanest look, you can also use a sharp knife to carefully cut heart shapes if needed.
Final Thoughts
Heart Shaped Strawberry Frosted Brownies Recipe is a fun and approachable way to elevate classic brownies into a dessert that feels thoughtful and celebratory. With rich chocolate flavor, creamy strawberry frosting, and adorable heart shapes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for special occasions and sweet moments.