Chef Mitchell preparing Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Squares
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

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

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I stumbled upon this recipe while experimenting with brownie flavors at a family gathering. After several trials and a lot of taste-testing with friends and family, I perfected the balance between chocolate and fresh strawberries. Now, it's a go-to dessert that always impresses! These squares are a sweet reminder of those fun kitchen adventures."

With over ten years of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating delectable desserts that bring joy to any table. My passion for baking has led me to craft over 1000 recipes, each designed to be approachable yet impressive. As a culinary school graduate, I bring professional techniques into my home kitchen.

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

Why This Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Squares Recipe Works

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining the rich flavors of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries. The fudgy texture of the brownies pairs perfectly with the juicy sweetness of the strawberries, creating a harmonious balance in every bite. The addition of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, making it even more decadent.

The technique of mixing wet and dry ingredients separately ensures a smooth batter, preventing overmixing that can lead to tough brownies. Cooling the brownies before adding the strawberries allows them to set perfectly, making it easy to cut them into squares without falling apart.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure to use high-quality chocolate and fresh strawberries. When mixing the batter, avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy and tender. Letting the brownies cool completely before topping them with strawberries will help maintain their shape during serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the brownie base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. After they are baked, you can also prepare the strawberries in advance. Just assemble them before serving for the best texture and flavor.

If you don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder, you can use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a richer flavor. Alternatively, you can also substitute with carob powder for a different flavor profile, though it will change the taste slightly.

You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it comes out clean, they may be overcooked, so be cautious and start checking a few minutes earlier.

Yes, you can freeze the brownies before adding the strawberries. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

These squares are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel can also complement the flavors wonderfully.

Stored in an airtight container, Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Squares will last in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure they are completely cool before storing to avoid condensation.

Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day ahead and store them at room temperature. Prepare the strawberries shortly before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.

To reheat, place the brownie squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm. Be careful not to overheat as this may dry them out. If you prefer, you can warm them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your brownies turn out dry, it likely means they were overbaked or too much flour was used.

Solution: To prevent this, always check the brownies a few minutes before the end of the baking time and use the correct measuring techniques for flour.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If your brownies lack that crispy edge, it may be due to not baking them long enough.

Solution: Ensure your oven is properly preheated, and consider using a metal baking pan for better heat conduction, which helps create that crunchy exterior.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked brownies can become hard and crumbly.

Prevention: To prevent this, always start checking for doneness at the minimum baking time and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with some moist crumbs.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: Brownies with an undercooked center can be gooey and unappealing.

Recovery: To fix this, return the brownies to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Cover with foil if the edges are browning too much.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the edges of your brownies are burnt, it could be due to an overly hot oven or incorrect pan placement.

Prevention: Make sure to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer and keep the baking pan in the center of the oven for even baking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If your brownies are too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of espresso to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If they taste too salty, pair them with sweet toppings like whipped cream to offset the saltiness.

Bland: If the brownies are bland, enhance the chocolate flavor with a bit more cocoa powder or add vanilla extract.

Fresh ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Squares

Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Squares

Key ingredients include high-quality cocoa powder for richness, fresh strawberries for natural sweetness, and a perfect blend of sugars for balance. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall flavor and texture of the brownies, ensuring they turn out deliciously fudgy.

Using the freshest strawberries is essential; they add a burst of flavor and moisture to the dessert. Opt for organic ingredients when possible to enhance the quality and taste of your brownies, making your dessert a true delight.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder will give a rich chocolate flavor to your brownies. Avoid using Dutch-process cocoa if you want a more intense chocolate taste.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If they are not in season, consider using frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
  • Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar helps create the perfect texture and sweetness in brownies. Avoid using brown sugar alone, as it can make the texture too moist and dense.
Cooking process for Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Squares

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Squares involves simple steps that yield fantastic results. Start with combining wet ingredients, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients for a smooth batter. Baking at the right temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect fudgy texture.

Cooling the brownies properly is essential before adding the strawberries. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures that the squares hold their shape when cut. Follow each step carefully for a dessert that's sure to impress.

Key Technique for Perfect Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Squares

The most important technique is to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. This practice prevents overmixing and ensures a tender brownie texture. Additionally, folding in chocolate chips last helps maintain their shape and provides bursts of melted chocolate in every bite.

Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Squares

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
    Unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    For sauce
  • 1/4 cup milk
    Room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
    For the brownie base
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
    For moisture
  • 4 large eggs
    For binding
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    For chocolate flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    For flavor enhancement
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
    For extra chocolate
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
    For topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter

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

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and espresso powder.

  3. Combine Mixtures

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

  4. Bake the Brownies

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

  5. Prepare Strawberries

    While brownies are baking, mix sliced strawberries with powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes.

  6. Cool Brownies

    Once brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish.

  7. Assemble Dessert

    Once cooled, cut brownies into squares and layer with the macerated strawberries on top.

  8. Serve and Enjoy

    Serve the chocolate strawberry brownie squares with a drizzle of milk or cream if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Squares fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to a week. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are best served at room temperature or slightly warmed. You can top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent twist. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top can also elevate the presentation.

Recipe Variations

For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter. You can also experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries if strawberries aren't available. For a creamier texture, drizzle with chocolate ganache before serving.