If you love the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies but crave a fresh, fruity twist, this Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine biting into a dense, chocolatey base that’s perfectly balanced by the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries, all topped with a silky smooth chocolate ganache. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both indulgent and delightfully refreshing, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this fantastic treat. Each component plays a special role—from the butter that creates that luscious texture to the fresh strawberries that add a burst of natural sweetness and color.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Melts elegantly into the batter, ensuring a smooth and rich brownie base.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the brownies and helps create a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Bind all the ingredients together while adding moisture and structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Delivers that deep, classic chocolate flavor we all crave.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Provides structure without overpowering the fudginess.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and elevates the chocolate notes.
- Baking powder (1/4 tsp): Just a touch to give the brownies a slight lift.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, chopped): Offers juicy bursts of tart sweetness in every bite.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates the decadent base for a silky ganache.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt down to form that irresistible ganache topping.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal a breeze later on.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
Gently melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove from the heat and whisk in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is silky smooth. This ensures a rich, velvety base for your brownies.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Mix the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder together, then fold this into your wet mixture. Stir just until combined to maintain that fudgy texture—overmixing can make brownies cakey, which we definitely want to avoid here!
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye out for that key test—a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not dry or wet batter. Then, allow the brownies to cool completely before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Add the Fresh Strawberries
Once the brownies have cooled, spread an even layer of your chopped or sliced fresh strawberries over the top. This adds a fresh and vibrant burst of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream gently until it just simmers. Pour this warm cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let them sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes. Stir gently until you achieve a glossy, smooth ganache that’s ready to spread.
Step 7: Finish and Chill
Pour the ganache evenly over the strawberries and gently spread it out to fully cover. Pop your pan in the fridge for at least one hour, allowing the ganache to set firmly. After this, you can slice into luscious, chocolate-strawberry squares that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra fresh strawberry slices or a dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning finish. For an elegant touch, add a mint leaf or a small drizzle of white chocolate to contrast those rich flavors.
Side Dishes
These brownies are quite satisfying on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A fresh berry salad or a light coffee also makes for a delightful accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your brownies on a platter with blocks cut into bite-sized pieces alongside toothpicks for easy snacking. Alternatively, create a layered parfait by crumbling brownies, layering with whipped cream and berries in clear glasses—pure dessert bliss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. This way, the moisture stays locked in and the strawberries remain fresh.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
For a melty, gooey experience, warm individual brownies in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them briefly under a low heat in the oven. This brings back that just-baked magic, especially when paired with a cold scoop of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries work best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if you thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that might make the brownies soggy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I know when the brownies are fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep that fudgy texture.
Can I make the ganache ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ganache a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before pouring it over the strawberries.
What’s the best way to cut these brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing to get clean edges without cracking the ganache topping.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe that combines the comforting richness of chocolate with the bright freshness of strawberries. It’s a dessert that never fails to impress, whether you’re serving it for a casual treat or a special gathering. I encourage you to dive in and make this recipe your own—once you try it, it might just become your new go-to for brownie bliss!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 9 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and fudgy Chocolate Strawberry Brownies featuring a luscious chocolate ganache topping layered with fresh strawberries. Perfectly balanced with a moist cocoa-infused base and a creamy, decadent finish, this recipe offers a delicious twist to classic brownies, ideal for dessert or special occasions.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
Topping
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the brownies.
- Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift or add the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to the butter mixture. Gently stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Add Strawberries: Once cooled, evenly arrange the chopped fresh strawberries over the surface of the brownies to prepare for the ganache topping.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, letting it sit for 1 to 2 minutes before stirring gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Top and Set: Pour the prepared ganache evenly over the strawberries, gently spreading it to cover. Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set firmly before slicing into 9 to 9 squares and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture under the ganache.
- Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before adding strawberries and ganache to prevent melting and soggy toppings.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Storing the brownies in the refrigerator will keep them fresh and the ganache firm.
- These brownies can be brought to room temperature before serving for a softer ganache texture.
