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 recipe while experimenting with different flavor combinations in my kitchen. The balance of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries was an instant hit with my family. Over time, I perfected the technique to create the ultimate fudgy brownie that highlights the strawberries' sweetness. Now, it's a beloved recipe in my household that everyone requests for special occasions."

As a culinary expert with over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I have a passion for creating desserts that are both delicious and approachable. I have developed numerous dessert recipes that combine traditional techniques with modern twists, ensuring that every dish delivers on flavor and presentation.

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

Why This Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe Works

This recipe combines two classic flavors, chocolate and strawberries, to create an indulgent dessert that appeals to all ages. The fudgy texture of the brownies pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy strawberries, resulting in a treat that's both rich and refreshing. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and depth, making them an instant favorite.

The technique used in making these brownies ensures they remain moist and soft while achieving that perfect fudgy consistency. By incorporating fresh strawberries, you not only add flavor but also a pop of color that makes the dessert visually appealing. This recipe is straightforward, making it easy for bakers of all skill levels to create something truly special.

💡 Professional Tip

Always use high-quality cocoa powder and fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Consider lightly dusting the finished brownies with powdered sugar or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience even further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make these brownies a day in advance. Simply cool them completely, cover tightly, and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat slightly in the microwave before serving if desired.

If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter. Alternatively, you can substitute with raspberries or cherries for a different fruit flavor.

To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dry brownies.

Absolutely! 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. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

These brownies are delicious on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of fresh strawberries can add a beautiful touch.

When stored properly in an airtight container, these brownies can last in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to keep them tightly sealed to maintain their freshness.

Yes, you can prepare the brownie batter in advance. Just store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before pouring it into the pan and baking as directed.

To reheat brownies, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm. Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore their fudginess.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The brownies are dry and crumbly.

Solution: This can happen if they are overbaked or if there isn’t enough fat in the batter. Make sure to check for doneness early and adjust baking times as needed. Adding a bit more melted butter can also help improve moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The brownies lack a crispy top layer.

Solution: Ensure that you’re mixing the batter well to incorporate air. You can also try adding a few minutes of baking time, but keep a close watch to prevent overbaking.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The brownies have a dry texture due to being overcooked.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, always set a timer and check the brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Adjust the oven temperature if necessary for even baking.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The center of the brownies remains gooey when the edges are baked.

Recovery: If the edges are set and the center is undercooked, cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Allow them to cool completely to firm up as they set.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outer layer of the brownies is burnt.

Prevention: Make sure to place your oven rack in the center and avoid baking at too high of a temperature. Keep an eye on the brownies as they approach the baking time to prevent burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the brownies are too sweet, consider reducing the sugar in the recipe next time, or adding a touch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Too Salty: If the brownies taste too salty, ensure you accurately measure the salt and avoid adding any additional salted ingredients.

Bland: If the brownies lack flavor, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor or a splash of vanilla extract for a richer taste.

Fresh ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

Key ingredients in this recipe include high-quality cocoa powder and fresh strawberries. The cocoa provides the rich chocolate flavor we crave, while the strawberries add a refreshing twist. Selecting ripe strawberries will enhance the overall taste and texture of the brownies.

Using unsalted butter ensures you can control the amount of salt in the recipe, while granulated sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the fudginess. Premium chocolate chips are an excellent addition, melting beautifully into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Cocoa Powder: Always opt for high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa adds richness, while natural cocoa provides brightness. Experiment with both to find your preferred taste.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best results. Wash and hull them carefully to maintain their integrity when mixing into the batter. Consider macerating them with a little sugar for added sweetness before incorporating.
  • Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows for better control over the salt levels in your recipe. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing, resulting in a smooth, creamy batter.
Cooking process for Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for these Chocolate Strawberry Brownies is simple yet rewarding. Start by melting the butter and combining it with sugar and eggs, creating a rich base. Mixing the dry ingredients in a separate bowl helps ensure an even distribution throughout the batter.

Achieving the perfect fudgy texture relies on mixing just until combined and folding in the strawberries gently. This preserves their shape and prevents them from becoming mushy during baking. Once baked, allowing them to cool before slicing will yield clean, perfect squares.

Key Technique for Perfect Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

The most important technique in this recipe is to not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a cake-like texture instead of the desired fudginess. Mixing until just combined ensures the brownies remain dense and rich.

Chocolate Strawberry Brownies

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
    Unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup milk
    Whole or 2%
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Pure
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
    Semi-sweet

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 4 large eggs
    Room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Pure extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
    Unsweetened
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
    Fresh
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
    Semi-sweet
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    For leavening
  • 1/4 cup milk
    For moisture
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
    For presentation

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

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

  2. Melt the Butter

    In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in sugar until well blended.

  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

  5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

  6. Fold in Strawberries and Chocolate Chips

    Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips.

  7. Pour into Pan

    Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

  8. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

  9. Cool and Serve

    Allow the brownies to cool in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serve with whipped cream if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To ensure the freshness of your Chocolate Strawberry Brownies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them to enjoy later.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or with a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh strawberries make a great garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor.

Recipe Variations

Consider adding nuts for extra crunch or using dark chocolate for a richer flavor. You can also experiment by replacing strawberries with raspberries, cherries, or even a different type of berry for a unique twist.