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Picture this: fudgy, decadent brownies swirled with luscious strawberry buttercream and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet, tangy strawberries is pure magic—like a dessert love story you’ll want to relive bite after bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself (because why not?), these Chocolate Strawberry Brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked. The contrast of textures—gooey brownie, creamy frosting, and silky ganache—is downright irresistible. Plus, they’re easier to make than you’d think! Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
This recipe isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Versatile: Perfect for date nights, potlucks, or a solo indulgence session. These brownies are fancy enough to impress but simple enough for a weeknight baking spree.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like butter, flour, and cocoa powder, with freeze-dried strawberries adding a punch of flavor without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: No fancy techniques here—just melt, mix, bake, and frost. Even if you’re a baking newbie, you’ve got this.
Customizable: Swap the strawberry buttercream for raspberry or skip the ganache for a simpler treat. Make it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, and even picky eaters will swoon over these. They’re the ultimate dessert peacekeepers.
Ingredients in Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
Here’s what makes these brownies so dreamy:
Brownies: – Unsalted butter
– Semi-sweet chocolate (or chocolate chips)
– Granulated sugar
– Eggs
– Vanilla extract
– Espresso powder (secret flavor booster!)
– All-purpose flour
– Salt
– Baking powder
– Cocoa powder
– Canola oil
– Milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips (because more chocolate = more happiness)
Strawberry Buttercream: – Unsalted butter
– Powdered sugar
– Freeze-dried strawberries (for intense fruity flavor)
– Heavy whipping cream (or milk/half & half)
– Pink food coloring (optional but pretty)
Ganache: – Semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Heavy cream
(Full measurements are in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s turn these ingredients into heaven on a plate:
1. Prep the Brownie Batter: Melt butter and chocolate together, then whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and espresso powder. Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
2. Bake to Perfection: Spread the batter in a lined pan and bake until the edges are set but the center is still slightly fudgy. Let cool completely—patience is key!
3. Make the Strawberry Buttercream: Beat butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, crushed strawberries, cream, and a pinch of salt. Whip until light and pink.
4. Frost the Brownies: Spread the buttercream over cooled brownies. Pop them in the fridge to set while you make the ganache.
5. Drizzle with Ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, and stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly, then pour over the buttercream layer.
6. Slice and Devour: Chill until the ganache sets, then cut into squares. Try not to eat them all in one sitting (no promises).
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~350 (worth every bite!)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
– With Coffee: The bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.
– À la Mode: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for next-level indulgence.
– Garnished: Top with fresh strawberries or edible flowers for Instagram-worthy flair.
– As Gifts: Pack in cute boxes—they’re almost too pretty to eat (almost).
Additional Tips
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Crush them into a fine powder for the smoothest buttercream.
Espresso Powder: Don’t skip it! It deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temp for the best texture.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later cravings.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
A1: Freeze-dried work best for concentrated flavor and texture, but you can reduce fresh strawberries into a jam (just adjust sugar accordingly).
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Q3: How do I prevent my ganache from splitting?
A3: Heat cream gently (don’t boil) and stir chocolate slowly. If it seizes, add a splash of warm cream.
Q4: Can I omit the espresso powder?
A4: Yes, but the brownies won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Q5: How long do these brownies last?
A5: 3 days at room temp or 1 week refrigerated.
Q6: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
A6: Absolutely! Adjust sugar to taste if using very dark chocolate.
Q7: Why is my buttercream grainy?
A7: Blend the freeze-dried strawberries into a finer powder and sift powdered sugar.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes! Use a larger pan or bake in batches.
Q9: How do I get clean slices?
A9: Chill thoroughly and use a hot knife (dip in hot water, then dry).
Q10: Can I make these vegan?
A10: Swap butter for vegan butter, eggs for flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate and cream.
Conclusion
There you have it—Chocolate Strawberry Brownies that are equal parts luxurious and easygoing. Whether you’re baking to impress or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers every time. The marriage of chocolate and strawberry is timeless, and with that velvety ganache on top? Pure bliss.
So preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s make some memories—one gooey, strawberry-kissed bite at a time. Happy baking!
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Chocolate Strawberry Brownies: 5 Best Recipes for a Sweet Treat
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These rich and gooey chocolate strawberry brownies start with a fudgy brownie base, topped with a creamy strawberry buttercream and decadent chocolate ganache. The perfect treat for Valentine’s Day or any occasion, these brownies are a sweet and indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
Brownies:
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter
-
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
3 eggs
-
2 tsp vanilla extract
-
3/4 tsp espresso powder
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
3/4 tsp baking powder
-
4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
-
1 Tbsp canola oil
-
1 cup milk chocolate chips
-
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Strawberry Buttercream:
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
3-4 cups powdered sugar
-
1 1/4 cups freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
-
3-4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream (or substitute with whole milk or half & half)
-
Salt, to taste
-
Pink food coloring
Ganache:
-
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 (or 8×8) square baking pan with parchment paper or grease with baking spray.
- Prepare Brownies: Melt butter and semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring in 30-second intervals until smooth. Let cool for 8-10 minutes. Stir in granulated sugar and eggs until well combined. Add vanilla extract and espresso powder, and mix until combined. Add flour, salt, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Stir until just combined. Add canola oil and 1 cup of milk chocolate chips, then mix to combine. Spread batter into prepared pan, sprinkle with 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and press them into the batter. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean with a few fudgy crumbs. Let cool completely.
- Make Strawberry Buttercream: Beat softened butter in a bowl for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar (3 cups), mixing well. Add heavy whipping cream (3 Tbsp), then mix in crushed freeze-dried strawberries. If frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add more cream. Add salt to taste and pink food coloring if desired. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to steam. Pour over semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and stir until smooth. Drizzle ganache over frosted brownies, then allow to set.
- Serve: Cut brownies into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best texture, use freeze-dried strawberries rather than fresh strawberries.
- If you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries, you can substitute with strawberry jam or fresh strawberry puree, but it may change the consistency of the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg