Rich chocolate meets vibrant berry magic in these Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies, a treat that somehow feels whimsical and utterly romantic all at once. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy brownie, its deep cocoa notes harmonizing perfectly with a crown of silky, real strawberry frosting—a flavor pairing worthy of celebration. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a special birthday, or as a “just because” surprise, these heart-shaped delights promise to steal the show (and a few hearts!) wherever they’re served.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple pantry staples can transform into show-stopping Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies. Every ingredient here plays a key role: deep chocolate flavor, luxurious texture, and a dreamy pink topping that’s as delicious as it is pretty.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Gives the brownies their rich, moist crumb while making the frosting irresistibly creamy.
- Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens the brownies and helps craft that lovely shiny top.
- Large eggs (3): Essential for binding the batter and giving brownies their signature fudgy bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for brownies, ½ teaspoon for frosting): Adds warm depth and lifts the chocolate and strawberry notes.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup): Just enough for structure while keeping things sumptuous—not cakey!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): The heart of that deep, indulgent chocolate flavor.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Brings all the sweet and rich flavors into perfect harmony.
- Powdered sugar (1½ cups): Creates a lusciously smooth strawberry frosting.
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder (2 tablespoons): The secret weapon for pure, tangy-sweet berry flavor and natural pink hue.
- Milk (1 tablespoon plus more as needed): Thins out the frosting for perfect spreadability—just a splash transforms the texture.
- Pink food coloring (optional): Turns the frosting a playful, rosy color if you want an extra pop.
How to Make Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a little overhang on the sides—this hack is going to make lifting those brownies out of the pan a breeze later on. No scraps left behind or messy corners!
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks thick and glossy. Add in your eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth. Next, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold everything together gently; stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain. This is how we keep that texture fudgy and not cakey!
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your lined pan and use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center has a few moist crumbs clinging to it (not wet batter). Let the brownies cool completely in the pan—patience will pay off!
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Frosting
While the brownies cool, use a mixer to beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, freeze-dried strawberry powder, milk, and vanilla. Beat until it’s light, fluffy, and pink. If the frosting seems a bit thick, add milk a few drops at a time until it’s smooth and spreadable. Want a brighter shade? Add a drop of pink food coloring for even more fun.
Step 5: Cut and Frost
Once your brownies are fully cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment sling. Grab a heart-shaped cookie cutter and press straight down for neat, even hearts—don’t twist! Scoop up your strawberry frosting and spread a generous layer on each heart. (Bonus: Save those tasty brownie scraps for ice cream toppers or future dessert adventures!) Add sprinkles for extra sparkle, then chill briefly to set the frosting or serve right away.
How to Serve Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies
Garnishes
Top each heart with a scattering of festive sprinkles, a fresh strawberry slice, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. For a grown-up twist, scatter freeze-dried strawberry crumbs or edible gold dust for a bakery-worthy finish. These details are all about making your Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies look as special as they taste!
Side Dishes
Balance all that chocolate-and-berry bliss with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a pile of fresh berries on the side. Even a simple glass of cold milk or a hot espresso will do wonders—let the brownies take the spotlight while you treat your taste buds to a true dessert moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Place each heart on a lacy doily or wrap in cellophane for the sweetest edible gift. For parties, set out a tray of brownies with little name flags, or layer the scraps with whipped cream and strawberries in mini glasses for an impromptu brownie parfait. These Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies are as fun to present as they are to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’re blessed with a cool kitchen, you might even stretch that out to three days—the brownies will stay moist, and the frosting remains luscious!
Freezing
To freeze, arrange brownies in a single layer (or between sheets of parchment) in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. For best texture, consider freezing them unfrosted and adding the fresh strawberry frosting after thawing.
Reheating
While brownies taste fabulous at room temp, you can pop an unfrosted square into the microwave for about 10 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. Frosted brownies are best enjoyed as-is; if you must warm them, just a short 5-second zap will soften things up without melting the strawberry layer.
FAQs
How can I make my brownies extra fudgy?
Use exactly the amount of flour called for and avoid overmixing—this keeps the brownies dense and chewy. A slightly underbaked center also helps achieve that divine, fudgy texture everyone loves.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried powder in the frosting?
Freeze-dried strawberry powder packs a punch of flavor without adding moisture, so it’s just right for frosting. If you want to try fresh berries, puree them and reduce them to a thick paste first, but your frosting may be less vivid and more delicate.
What can I do with the leftover brownie scraps?
Don’t toss those trimmings—cube them for ice cream toppings, stir into yogurt, or layer with whipped cream for an easy, decadent trifle. Brownie scraps are culinary gold!
Is there a substitute for strawberry powder?
If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberry powder, blitz freeze-dried strawberries in a blender or food processor. You could also use a touch of strawberry extract for flavor, but the color and punch won’t be quite as vivid.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just bake in two pans to keep thickness and baking time consistent, or use a rimmed sheet pan. Make a double batch of frosting to keep every heart brownie delightfully topped.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s equal parts delicious, adorable, and unforgettable, you won’t regret baking these Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies. They’re guaranteed to bring a smile, whether you’re sharing them with someone special or treating yourself. Preheat that oven, grab your heart cutter, and let the chocolate-strawberry joy begin!
PrintStrawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe
Indulge in these delightful Strawberry Frosted Heart Shaped Brownies for a sweet treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Rich, chocolatey brownies topped with a luscious strawberry frosting, these heart-shaped delights are sure to impress your loved ones!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 12 heart-shaped brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the strawberry frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder
- 1 tablespoon milk (plus more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the brownie batter: Whisk melted butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Pour into pan and bake.
- Prepare the strawberry frosting: Beat butter, add powdered sugar, strawberry powder, milk, and vanilla. Mix until fluffy, adding more milk if needed. Add food coloring if desired.
- Assemble the brownies: Cut out heart shapes from the brownies, frost with strawberry frosting, and decorate with sprinkles. Chill briefly or serve.
Notes
- Save brownie scraps for trifles or ice cream toppings.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, use strawberry extract or add jam to the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg