Chef Mitchell preparing Strawberry Chocolate Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

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

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe while experimenting with summer fruits in my kitchen. The combination of strawberries and chocolate was a revelation! After perfecting the balance of flavors and textures over several tries, I finally created these Strawberry Chocolate Bars that I am proud to share."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating delightful dessert recipes. My passion lies in combining traditional ingredients with innovative techniques to create desserts that bring joy to every table.

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

Why This Strawberry Chocolate Bars Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because of its perfect balance between the tartness of strawberries and the sweetness of chocolate. The addition of melted chocolate chips throughout the bars elevates the flavor profile, making every bite a delightful experience.

Baking these bars brings out the natural sweetness of strawberries while creating a fudgy texture that pairs beautifully with the crunch of almonds. The layering of flavors and textures is what makes these bars truly special.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use ripe strawberries that are in season for maximum flavor. Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately, and be cautious not to over-mix the batter to maintain a soft and chewy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They taste even better after a day in the fridge, as the flavors meld beautifully. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing.

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil works great as a substitute for butter. You can also use unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat alternative, though it may slightly change the flavor and texture.

The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. It's important to avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry bars.

Yes, these bars freeze well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. They can be stored for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

These bars are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a side of chocolate sauce can also enhance the dessert experience.

Stored properly in an airtight container, Strawberry Chocolate Bars will last about a week in the fridge. However, they're best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal freshness.

Yes, you can make them in advance! Just let them cool completely, then store them in the fridge. They taste even better the next day, so they are perfect for preparing ahead of a gathering.

To reheat, place the bars in the microwave for a few seconds until warm. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at a low temperature, wrapped in foil to prevent them from drying out.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your Strawberry Chocolate Bars turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking.

Solution: Make sure to check the baking time and remove the bars from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to prevent them from drying out.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If your bars aren’t crispy, it may be due to insufficient baking time.

Solution: Try extending the baking time slightly, checking every few minutes until they achieve a crispy edge without overcooking the center.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the bars are overcooked, they may have a hard texture.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep a close eye on the baking time and test for doneness early. You can also add a small amount of moisture to the mixture if you notice it appears dry while mixing.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can result from not baking long enough.

Recovery: If you find the center is undercooked, you can return the bars to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don’t overcook.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can occur from using too high of an oven temperature.

Prevention: Make sure to follow the recommended temperature and rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, reduce the sugar amount in your next batch or serve with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.

Too Salty: For bars that taste too salty, ensure you’re measuring your salt accurately, and consider balancing with a bit more sweetness in the next attempt.

Bland: If the bars seem bland, try adding a hint more vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor profile.

Fresh ingredients for Strawberry Chocolate Bars

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Chocolate Bars

The key ingredients for these bars include fresh strawberries, which add natural sweetness and flavor, and high-quality chocolate that provides richness. Using a combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips creates a delightful chocolatey depth.

When selecting strawberries, choose ripe and fragrant ones for the best flavor. The quality of chocolate is also crucial; opt for high-quality dark chocolate to ensure a rich and satisfying experience.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Strawberries: Select ripe strawberries that are vibrant in color and fragrant. Store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh, and wash them just before using to maintain their flavor.
  • Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Dark chocolate chips will enhance the overall taste, but you can also mix in milk chocolate for a sweeter contrast.
  • Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing into the batter.
Cooking process for Strawberry Chocolate Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The process of making Strawberry Chocolate Bars is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by preparing your ingredients and mixing the dry and wet components separately before combining them. This ensures even distribution of flavors.

Pay attention to the baking time; the bars should be soft in the center but set around the edges. This balance is crucial for achieving the perfect texture that combines fudgy and chewy elements.

Key Technique for Perfect Strawberry Chocolate Bars

The most important technique for perfect Strawberry Chocolate Bars is to avoid over-mixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. This helps to keep the texture light and prevents the bars from becoming dense.

Strawberry Chocolate Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For ganache
  • 1 cup dark chocolate
    Chopped

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups crushed strawberries
    Fresh
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    For chocolate flavor
  • 1/2 cup butter
    Melted
  • 2 large eggs
    For binding
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
    For leavening
  • 1/4 tsp salt
    Balances flavor
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
    For chocolatey goodness
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
    For crunch
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
    For dusting
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for topping)
    For ganache
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
    Fresh

Instructions

  1. Prepare Strawberries

    Wash and slice the strawberries, then crush them using a fork or food processor until you have a chunky puree.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt, mixing well.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and crushed strawberries until smooth.

  4. Combine Mixtures

    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.

  5. Add Chocolate Chips

    Fold in the chocolate chips and sliced almonds, if using.

  6. Bake

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  7. Cool and Prepare Topping

    Let the bars cool in the dish. Meanwhile, heat the heavy cream and pour it over dark chocolate in a bowl to make ganache.

  8. Drizzle and Serve

    Once the bars are cool, drizzle the ganache over the top and garnish with sliced fresh strawberries. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store your Strawberry Chocolate Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator where they'll last for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of fresh mint. For a more decadent experience, drizzle with extra chocolate sauce or serve with whipped cream.

Recipe Variations

For a twist, try adding nuts or other berries to the batter. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate like white or milk chocolate for a unique flavor profile.