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    You are here: Home / Desserts / Bars & Brownies / Strawberry Brownies

    Strawberry Brownies

    May 5, 2022 By Sam 21 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    collage of strawberry brownies, top image on two brownies stacked close up, bottom image of multiple spread out

    Thick, fudgy brownies meet bright strawberry frosting and silky chocolate ganache in these elegant Strawberry Brownies. Like a chocolate covered strawberry in bar form, this recipe is both decadent and fresh. Recipe includes a how-to video!

    close-up view of a strawberry brownie consisting of a brownie layer, strawberry icing layer, and a final layer of chocolate ganache

    A Fruity Twist on the Fudgy Classic

    Beautiful AND decadent, these strawberry brownies are a chocolatey, fruity dessert that you’re going to love. They’re fudgy, creamy, and bursting with real strawberry flavor, and while they may look complicated, they’re actually very easy to make.

    This recipe uses my homemade brownies as a perfectly rich and sturdy chocolatey base. The bright strawberry topping (similar to my strawberry frosting) adds freshness and keeps them from being too rich, and the silky chocolate ganache topping adds elegance and, of course, a little more chocolate (is there ever enough?).

    What you’ll love about these strawberry brownies:

    • They take just over an hour to make, which is just a little bit longer than regular brownies.
    • You can add extra chocolate chips for some texture, or leave them out!
    • Serve them at room temperature or cold–they’re delicious either way.
    • They would make the perfect treat for your sweetheart, if you’re looking for an alternative to chocolate covered strawberries.

    What You Need

    overhead view of ingredients including freeze-dried strawberries, chocolate chips, butter, cocoa powder, and more

    I carefully selected these ingredients for maximum chocolate and strawberry flavor. Here are a few of the key players:

    • Freeze-dried strawberries. These pack all the flavor of fresh berries without any of the extra moisture (which could make the topping runny or curdled). They also create a stunning pink color that is much brighter than the pale color fresh strawberries would give.
    • Brown sugar. I like to use a combination of granulated and brown sugar for extra flavorful, fudgy brownies.
    • Extra egg yolk. This encourages your strawberry brownies to be moist and tender. Make sure you set your eggs out beforehand so they’re at room temperature when you add them.
    • Semisweet chocolate. A combination of semisweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder makes for super chocolatey brownies. When it’s time to make the ganache, we’ll switch things up and use a high quality semisweet baking bar instead.

    SAM’S TIP: Test your brownies for doneness with the toothpick test! Insert a toothpick in the center of the brownies; they’re done if comes out clean, or preferably with few moist, fudgy crumbs.

    Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!

    How to Make Strawberry Brownies

    collage of four photos showing brownies being made from scratch
    1. Microwave chocolate chips and butter until melted, then stir in the cocoa powder.
    2. Add the sugars, eggs, vanilla, and salt and stir to combine.
    3. Stir in the flour and fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
    4. Spread the brownie batter into a parchment lined baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
    collage of four photos showing how to make a strawberry frosting filling for brownies
    1. Pulverize the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or with a rolling pin; set aside.
    2. Beat the butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar.
    3. Add the salt and pulverized strawberries.
    4. Gradually stir in the heavy cream until the consistency is spreadable.
    collage of two photos showing brownies being spread with strawberry frosting and chocolate ganache
    1. Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the top.
    2. Prepare the chocolate ganache, then pour it evenly over the strawberry brownies. Let the ganache firm up before slicing and serving.

    SAM’S TIP: If you’re eager to eat your strawberry brownies, simply pop them in the fridge for a few minutes to let the ganache firm up before slicing.

    two brownie squares layered with strawberry icing and chocolate ganache stacked on top of each other

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use store-bought brownie mix instead?

    Yes, you can. I’m a big fan of homemade brownies though, so I’ll always recommend them over store-bought, even for something that has a topping like these strawberry brownies.

    Can I substitute fresh strawberries for freeze-dried?

    This would actually be more complicated because you’d have to reduce them on the stove first. Stick with freeze-dried here–they’re still real strawberries and full of flavor!

    Do strawberry brownies need to be refrigerated?

    They can stay at room temperature for up to three days, or you can refrigerate them for about a week. I personally enjoy them either way!

    thick, square-cut brownie layered with pink strawberry frosting and chocolate ganache with a bite missing from one corner

    Love the clean cuts in my photos? Clean your knife with a paper towel in between each slice–it makes a huge difference 🙂

    Enjoy!

    Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook

    close-up view of a strawberry brownie consisting of a brownie layer, strawberry icing layer, and a final layer of chocolate ganache

    Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

    Thick, fudgy brownies meet bright strawberry frosting and silky chocolate ganache in these elegant strawberry brownies. Like a chocolate covered strawberry in bar form, this recipe is both decadent and fresh.
    Recipe includes a how-to video!
    4.93 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: brownies, Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 35 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 16 servings
    Calories: 541kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    Brownie (may substitute your favorite box-mix brownie, baked in a 9×9 pan according to instructions)

    • ¾ cup unsalted butter cut into pieces (170g)
    • ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (100g) (or 4 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate)
    • ½ cup natural cocoa powder (50g)
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
    • ¾ cup light brown sugar firmly packed (150g)
    • 2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon table salt
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
    • ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips optional (150g)

    Strawberry Topping

    • 1 cup freeze dried strawberries (16g)
    • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
    • 2 cups powdered sugar (250g)
    • ⅛ teaspoon table salt
    • 2-4 Tablespoons heavy cream or milk as needed

    Chocolate Glaze

    • 4 oz semisweet chocolate bar finely chopped (113g)
    • ½ cup heavy cream (118ml)

    Recommended Equipment

    • Mixing bowls
    • 9×9 baking pan
    • Electric mixer
    • Small food processor (recommended but not required)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Brownie layer

    • Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×9” baking pan with parchment paper, using enough so the parchment paper hangs over two opposite edges (this will make lifting the brownies out of the pan and cutting them easier once you’re finished!).
    • In a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl combine butter and ½ cup (100g) chocolate chips. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until chocolate and butter are completely melted and mixture is smooth.
    • Stir in cocoa powder until completely combined, then add sugars, eggs and egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt. And stir until all ingredients are well combined and batter is cohesive and uniform.
    • Add flour and stir until combined.
    • Stir in chocolate chips, if using.
    • Spread batter evenly into prepared baking dish and transfer to the center rack of 350F (175C) oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with fudgy crumbs. Allow to cool in pan completely before adding strawberry topping.

    Strawberry Topping

    • Place freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and pulse until completely ground into dust (if you don’t have a food processor, you can place the berries in a Ziploc bag and beat/roll over with a rolling pin until completely ground to dust. Set aside.
    • Place butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and stir until completely combined.
    • Stir in salt.
    • Gradually stir in strawberry dust until completely combined.
    • With mixer on low-speed, gradually stir in heavy cream, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency (similar to a frosting consistency, perhaps slightly creamier!).
    • Spread evenly over completely cooled brownies and then prepare chocolate glaze.

    Chocolate Glaze

    • Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and then pour heavy cream overtop.
    • Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds (full power), then stir gently from the center until mixture is smooth and chocolate is completely melted. If chocolate isn’t completely melted return to the microwave in 8 second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth and melted.
    • Pour evenly over strawberry topping and use an offset spatula to smooth the surface. Allow ganache to firm before lifting the brownies out of the pan using your parchment paper and slicing and serving (you can speed up the process of the ganache setting by popping the bars in the fridge).

    Notes

    Storing

    Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. These strawberry brownies may also be frozen (wrap tightly then place in an airtight container or Ziploc bag) for several months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 110mg | Potassium: 402mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 709IU | Vitamin C: 181mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 6mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Judy

      February 02, 2023 at 9:54 am

      Where can you find freeze dried strawberries to purchase?

      Reply
      • Sam

        February 02, 2023 at 3:18 pm

        Your grocery store should carry them, I believe they’re usually in the same aisle as the raisins but your store may vary. I buy them from Target or WalMart often.

        Reply
    2. Lauralyn

      September 11, 2022 at 10:44 pm

      5 stars
      These were incredible, easily the best brownies I’ve ever had. My dessert-picky dad even had one and proclaimed it delicious! Thank you for such an amazing recipe.

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        September 12, 2022 at 9:47 am

        We love hearing stories like this, Lauralyn! So happy our brownies were able to please everyone 🥰

        Reply
    3. Sylvia

      July 03, 2022 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      Made these for 4th of July party. Wonderful!

      Reply
    4. Bruce DeBord

      June 25, 2022 at 8:45 pm

      I found freeze-dried strawberries, and other fruit, at Target. I’m looking forward to making this recipe!

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        June 27, 2022 at 9:21 am

        We hope you love it, Bruce!

        Reply
    5. Danielle

      May 11, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      These Strawberry Brownies look so fresh yet rich! Where do you buy freeze dried strawberries? Have you tried brownies with almond flour instead of regular flour to make them gluten free? Just looking for that tip as someone in our office has celiac disease.

      Reply
      • Sam

        May 16, 2022 at 3:54 pm

        Hi Danielle! I typically find freeze dried strawberries in any grocery store. I feel like they are normally by the fruit snacks, but that can vary from store to store. I have not tried the brownies with almond flour so I can’t say for sure how it would go. If you do try it I would love to know how it turns out. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Cindy

      May 09, 2022 at 11:24 am

      4 stars
      Hello Sam,
      This recipe looks Devine!!. I want to make it for my friends birthday. I can’t find the freeze dried strawberries. Can I use your method of fresh ones in the strawberry butter cream video? Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Sam

        May 09, 2022 at 4:24 pm

        Hi Cindy! Yes, you could make my strawberry buttercream using that method with the fresh berries and use that instead for the topping. Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Jenna

      May 06, 2022 at 10:16 am

      Instead of using freeze dried strawberries can you use strawberry jello

      Reply
      • Sam

        May 06, 2022 at 2:49 pm

        Hi Jenna! I honestly have no idea how that would work here.

        Reply
      • Cheryl

        May 06, 2022 at 3:39 pm

        If I use jello instead of the strawberries, what size of box would I use?

        Reply
        • Sam

          May 08, 2022 at 9:18 pm

          Hi Cheryl! I haven’t tried it so I really can’t say for sure. 🙁

      • Cee

        May 06, 2022 at 3:46 pm

        Sounds yummy

        Reply
    8. Kay

      May 05, 2022 at 9:16 pm

      Could I use dehydrated strawberries instead of freeze-dried for the topping? I have fresh ones I’d love to use for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Sam

        May 06, 2022 at 2:50 pm

        Hi Kay! I’m not exactly sure how it will go. there is more moisture in the dehydrated strawberries. That being said, it certainly could work I just can’t say exactly for sure how it would turn out. I’d love to know how it goes if you try it. 🙂

        Reply
    9. aly

      May 05, 2022 at 6:56 pm

      hi, i was just wondering, is there a reason you dont post the videos on the blog anymore? because i know they are posted on youtube but its kinda annoying that i cant see them here. thanks!

      Reply
      • Sam

        May 06, 2022 at 8:50 am

        Hi Aly! The videos are all posted on the blog. If you have a pop up blocker enabled it will prevent the video from showing up. You can change the settings to allow pop-ups from my site. I don’t have pop up ads, but the pop up blocker doesn’t like the videos. 🙂

        Reply
        • Bruce

          January 28, 2023 at 6:46 pm

          I can’t see the videos even after disabling the pop-up blocker, so I use the Edge browser instead if Chrome when I want your videos.

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    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

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