Chef Mitchell preparing Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Chocolate Strawberry Brownies recipe while experimenting with leftover strawberries from my garden. The combination of rich chocolate and fresh fruit brought a new level of indulgence to traditional brownies. After perfecting the recipe, it quickly became a family favorite that I love to share!"

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience specializing in American cuisine and desserts. With a passion for creating delightful sweets, he has perfected countless recipes that highlight rich flavors and seasonal ingredients.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Chocolate Strawberry Brownies served on a plate

Why This Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe Works

This recipe for Chocolate Strawberry Brownies is special because it combines the best of both worlds: rich chocolate and fresh strawberries. The brownies are incredibly fudgy, thanks to the butter and sugar balance, and the addition of strawberries adds a refreshing twist.

The technique of folding the strawberries into the batter ensures that they retain their juicy texture, providing a delightful surprise in every bite. This method also prevents the brownies from becoming too dry or dense, resulting in a perfect dessert every time.

💡 Professional Tip

To achieve the best texture for your brownies, avoid overmixing the batter once you've added the dry ingredients. This will ensure that your brownies are fudgy and soft rather than cake-like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time! Prepare and bake them, then let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

If fresh strawberries are unavailable, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them of excess moisture before adding them to the batter. Alternatively, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries or cherries for a different flavor profile.

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies may be overcooked. It's better to err on the side of underbaking slightly, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

Absolutely! To freeze, allow the brownies to cool completely, then cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Chocolate Strawberry Brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. Fresh strawberries on the side make for a beautiful presentation.

In the fridge, Chocolate Strawberry Brownies will last for about a week when stored in an airtight container. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before pouring it into the baking dish and baking it. This allows for even baking.

To reheat Chocolate Strawberry Brownies, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, just until they're heated through and the chocolate is melty.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: Brownies come out dry and crumbly.

Solution: This usually happens if they are baked too long. To prevent this, check the brownies a few minutes before the baking time is up, and remove them once a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The top of the brownies is not forming a crispy crust.

Solution: Ensure you are using enough sugar and that your oven is preheated properly. If the batter is too wet due to extra strawberries, reduce their quantity slightly next time.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Brownies appear hard and overcooked.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, start checking them 5 minutes before the suggested time. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The center of the brownies remains gooey.

Recovery: If the edges cook faster than the center, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking the edges while allowing the center to finish cooking.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The edges of the brownies are burnt.

Prevention: Make sure you are using the correct size of baking dish and that your oven is at the right temperature. You can lower the temperature slightly and extend the baking time to ensure even cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the brownies are too sweet, reduce the sugar next time or balance with a pinch of salt.

Too Salty: If they taste too salty, rise up a bit of sugar in the recipe to balance the flavor.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

The key ingredients in this recipe include unsalted butter, sugar, and high-quality cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. Fresh strawberries add a delightful sweetness that complements the chocolate perfectly.

Using quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best results. Opt for premium cocoa powder and fresh, ripe strawberries to enhance the flavor and texture of your brownies.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in your recipe. It also provides a rich, creamy texture to the brownies that enhances their overall flavor.
  • Cocoa Powder: Choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can provide a smoother taste, while natural cocoa creates a brighter flavor.
  • Fresh Strawberries: When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are bright red and firm. Avoid those that are overly soft or have blemishes. Fresh strawberries will bring sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
Cooking process for Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This step-by-step cooking process guides you through creating perfect Chocolate Strawberry Brownies. It’s a straightforward approach that even novice bakers can follow.

By paying attention to detail at each step, from mixing the batter to monitoring baking times, you can achieve fudgy brownies that are sure to delight everyone.

Key Technique for Perfect Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

The key technique for perfect Chocolate Strawberry Brownies lies in the mixing process. Gently folding in the strawberries and chocolate chips ensures that they are evenly distributed without overworking the batter, leading to rich and fluffy brownies.

Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
    For ganache
  • 1 cup chopped chocolate
    Dark or semi-sweet

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
    For the brownie base
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
    Sweetness for the brownies
  • 4 large eggs
    Binding ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Flavor enhancer
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    Base for the brownies
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    Chocolate flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    Leavening agent
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    Enhances flavor

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

  4. Combine Mixtures

    Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

  5. Add Strawberries and Chocolate Chips

    Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter.

  6. Pour Batter into Dish

    Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

  7. Bake

    Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

  8. Cool and Serve

    Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, top with sliced strawberries, and drizzle with chocolate ganache if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store your Chocolate Strawberry Brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate them, ensuring they're wrapped properly to prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Strawberry Brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. Garnish with fresh strawberries for a visually appealing and delicious dessert.

Recipe Variations

Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. You can also experiment with different kinds of chocolate, such as milk or white chocolate, for unique flavors.