Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bars Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that brings together rich chocolate and fresh, tangy strawberries in a super fun way, I have just the thing for you. This Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bars Recipe is one of my absolute favorites – it’s fudgy, fruity, and topped with a luscious strawberry frosting that’s bursting with real strawberry flavor. Trust me, once you make these bars, you’ll want to keep the recipe close at hand for whenever that sweet craving hits.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

I’m always amazed at how just a few quality ingredients can come together to make magic. The key here is using good chocolate and full-flavored freeze-dried strawberries, which add that intense fruity yet concentrated punch to the topping.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the brownie and frosting without any added salt that could throw off the balance.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips & Bar: Choosing good-quality chocolate enhances the fudgy brownie base and the silky glaze.
• Natural Cocoa Powder: Gives the brownies that deep chocolate flavor and earthy bitterness that pairs well with strawberry’s sweetness.
• Granulated and Light Brown Sugar: The blend offers sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor from brown sugar, adding complexity.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness that help keep the brownies moist yet firm enough to slice nicely.
• Vanilla Extract: A small amount rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: Balances the fudgy texture by providing body without making the brownies cakey.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These are pure strawberry flavor without the water, perfect for that concentrated taste in the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: The base for our strawberry frosting, giving it a smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for easy spreading and a luscious finish.
• Table Salt: Small amounts in both brownie and frosting enhance all flavors by balancing sweetness.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bars Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I often switch up the chocolate chips to dark or milk depending on what I have, and sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch. Don’t be shy about making this your own!

• Variation: I’ve replaced freeze-dried strawberries with raspberry powder once, and it gave a lovely tartness that paired beautifully with the chocolate.
• Dietary Swap: For a gluten-free twist, use your favorite gluten-free flour blend – it works pretty well here!
• Seasonal Switch: In summer, fresh chopped strawberries pressed gently into the frosting layer give a juicy surprise.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Melt Chocolate

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over two sides like little handles – this trick makes lifting the brownies out a breeze when they’re done. Then, in a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips together in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until silky smooth. This step ensures that luscious chocolate base we all crave.

Step 2: Stir in Dry Ingredients and Eggs

Once your chocolate-butter mixture is ready, whisk in the cocoa powder until no lumps remain. Next, add both sugars, the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt, stirring thoroughly after each addition. This creates that thick, glossy batter you’ll love. Finish by folding in the flour and, if you like, the extra chocolate chips for those gooey pockets of melty chocolate.

Step 3: Bake Your Brownie Base

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it starting at 30 minutes – when a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few fudgy crumbs, it’s done. Let it cool completely in the pan because you don’t want to smush the strawberry topping on a warm surface.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Frosting

While your brownies cool, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until fine as dust. If you don’t have a processor, place them in a zip-top bag and crush vigorously with a rolling pin – it works just as well! Beat softened butter until fluffy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and salt. Stir in that strawberry dust, then add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time on low speed until your frosting is smooth and spreadable like a creamy cloud of strawberry goodness.

Step 5: Spread Frosting and Add Chocolate Glaze

Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread that gorgeous strawberry frosting all over the surface evenly. Then, make the chocolate glaze by pouring warm heavy cream over chopped semisweet chocolate, microwaving for about 45 seconds, and stirring slowly until smooth. Pour this shiny ganache over the strawberry layer and smooth with an offset spatula. Let it firm up, either at room temperature or chilled in the fridge, before lifting the bars out gently with the parchment paper.

How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love a simple sprinkle of extra freeze-dried strawberry dust or even a few tiny fresh strawberry slices on top for that pretty pop of color. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of cocoa or a few mint leaves look fantastic too. These little touches make the bars look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

These bars are a dessert all on their own, but if you want to serve them with something, I recommend a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A fresh fruit salad or even a cup of coffee or tea rounds out the experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these cut into small squares on a pretty platter dusted with powdered sugar and strawberry dust. You can also layer them in a clear trifle dish with whipped cream and sliced strawberries for a stunning layered dessert. They make such an impressive gift wrapped up in parchment and tied with ribbon too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If it’s warm or I want them to last longer, the fridge works great too (up to one week) — just bring them to room temp before enjoying so the frosting softens slightly.

Freezing

Freeze any extra bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then putting them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. They keep wonderfully for several months! When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and let them come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

I usually skip reheating to keep the frosting intact, but if you want warm brownies, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave per square keeps them soft and melty without turning the frosting into a mess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bars Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines two of my favorite flavors in a way that feels indulgent yet fresh. Every time I make it, friends and family rave about it, and I love sharing that joy. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how simple ingredients and a little love can create something unforgettable. Happy baking, friend!

Print