Description

Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownies featuring a rich homemade chocolate brownie base topped with a fluffy strawberry buttercream frosting and a smooth chocolate ganache. These brownies combine intense chocolate flavors with the fresh tang of freeze-dried strawberries for a delightful dessert perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies

1/2 cup unsalted butter
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
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 to 4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
3–4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream (or whole milk/half & half)
1 1/4 cups freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
Salt, to taste
Pink food coloring, optional

Ganache

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 or 8×8 square baking pan with foil or parchment paper or grease it with baking spray to prevent sticking.
Melt chocolate and butter: Using a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate together. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool for 8-10 minutes.
Mix wet ingredients: Once cooled slightly, whisk in the granulated sugar and eggs thoroughly until combined. Then add vanilla extract and espresso powder, mixing well.
Combine dry ingredients: Sift together all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Gradually stir this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Add oil and chocolate chips: Stir in canola oil and then fold in 1 cup of milk chocolate chips evenly into the batter.
Prepare for baking: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips on top and gently press them into the batter for an even layer.
Bake brownies: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few fudgy crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Make strawberry buttercream: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat softened unsalted butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until very light and fluffy. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, mixing well.
Add cream and strawberries: Pour in 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream and continue to beat until combined. Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries and mix thoroughly.
Adjust frosting consistency: If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar (up to 1 cup) a little at a time. If too thick, add more heavy cream gradually. Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness and a few drops of pink food coloring if desired, mixing until smooth.
Frost brownies: Spread the strawberry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies.
Prepare ganache: Heat heavy cream until just below boiling, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Pour over the semisweet chocolate chips and let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
Apply ganache: Pour the ganache over the strawberry frosting and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Set ganache: Allow the ganache to set at room temperature or refrigerate to speed up the process.
Serve and store: Once set, cut into 12 squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

You can substitute the homemade brownies with a boxed brownie mix baked according to package instructions if short on time.
Freeze-dried strawberries add a concentrated fruit flavor without adding moisture to the frosting.
Adjust the buttercream thickness by varying the amount of powdered sugar and cream as needed.
Pressing the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top before baking ensures they stay partially visible and provide texture contrast.
Using espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without imparting a strong coffee taste.
Ganache can be set faster in the fridge but should be served at room temperature for best texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chocolate brownies, strawberry buttercream, chocolate ganache, homemade brownies, dessert recipe, chocolate dessert, strawberry chocolate brownies