Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bars are a decadent layered dessert that combines three classic elements into one indulgent treat: rich fudgy brownies, fresh juicy strawberries, and smooth chocolate ganache. Inspired by chocolate-covered strawberries, this recipe transforms a familiar flavor pairing into a visually striking, bakery-style bar dessert.
The base is a deeply chocolatey brownie made with cocoa powder for intense flavor and a dense, moist crumb. Fresh strawberries add brightness and contrast, while a pour-over ganache seals everything together with a glossy, luxurious finish.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, dinner parties, or anytime an elevated dessert is called for, these bars deliver both flavor and presentation with relatively simple ingredients and straightforward technique.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is successful because each layer is intentional and balanced.
The brownie base is fudgy rather than cakey, providing a sturdy foundation that holds up under the moisture from the strawberries and ganache. Using cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate creates a concentrated chocolate flavor without excess fat.
Fresh strawberries are added only after the brownies have fully cooled, preventing excess moisture from soaking into the base. Their natural sweetness cuts through the richness of the chocolate.
The ganache is poured warm but not hot, allowing it to flow smoothly over the strawberries while setting into a firm, sliceable topping once chilled. Refrigeration ensures clean cuts and defined layers.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Category: Dessert / Brownies
Cuisine: American
Ingredient Breakdown
Unsalted Butter
Provides richness and moisture. Melting the butter helps create a dense, fudgy texture.
Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the brownies and contributes to their chewy structure.
Eggs
Bind the batter and add structure while keeping the interior moist.
Vanilla Extract
Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
All-Purpose Flour
Provides structure without making the brownies cakey.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Delivers deep chocolate flavor and richness.
Baking Powder
Adds a slight lift while maintaining density.
Salt
Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
Fresh Strawberries
Add natural sweetness, acidity, and freshness that contrast with the rich chocolate.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Form the base of the ganache, offering balanced sweetness.
Heavy Cream
Creates a smooth, glossy ganache with a luxurious mouthfeel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease if needed.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
Melt the butter in a large heat-safe bowl. Stir in the sugar until fully combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: Add the Strawberries
Once cooled, arrange the halved strawberries evenly over the brownie surface, cut-side down.
Step 6: Make the Ganache
Combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
Step 7: Finish and Chill
Pour the ganache evenly over the strawberries, spreading gently to cover. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully set. Lift out using parchment and slice into squares.
Texture and Flavor Profile
These brownie bars are rich and layered in both flavor and texture.
The brownie base is dense, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey. The strawberries add bursts of freshness and slight acidity, preventing the dessert from feeling overly heavy. The ganache topping is smooth, silky, and melts slightly on the palate.
Each bite offers contrast—soft brownie, juicy fruit, and creamy chocolate—making the bars indulgent without being cloying.
Tips for Best Results
• Cool brownies completely before adding strawberries
• Use fresh, dry strawberries to prevent excess moisture
• Do not overbake the brownie base
• Stir ganache gently to avoid air bubbles
• Chill fully before slicing for clean edges
Variations
Dark Chocolate Version
Use bittersweet chocolate chips for a less sweet ganache.
White Chocolate Strawberry Bars
Replace ganache with white chocolate and cream.
Raspberry Brownie Bars
Substitute strawberries with fresh raspberries.
Mint Chocolate Version
Add a drop of peppermint extract to the ganache.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bars are perfect for:
• Valentine’s Day desserts
• Holiday dessert trays
• Dinner parties
• Potlucks
• Giftable homemade treats
Serve chilled or slightly softened at room temperature for best texture.
Storage and Reheating
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For serving, allow bars to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh strawberry layer.
Nutrition Overview
These bars are rich and indulgent, intended as an occasional treat.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories: ~360 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~42 g
Protein: ~5 g
Fat: ~24 g
Fiber: ~3 g
Sugar: ~30 g
Values vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
No. Frozen strawberries release too much moisture when thawed.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. They are best made the day before serving.
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes, but homemade brownies provide better structure and flavor.
How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bars are a stunning dessert that blends classic flavors into a layered, bakery-style treat. With a fudgy brownie base, fresh strawberries, and silky ganache, they deliver richness, freshness, and visual appeal in every bite.
Whether for a special occasion or a luxurious homemade dessert, this recipe is dependable, impressive, and always crowd-pleasing.
Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Bars
Ingredients
- For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- For the Topping:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries hulled and sliced in half
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides for easy removal.
- Make the Brownie Batter: Melt the butter in a large heat-safe bowl. Stir in the sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let brownies cool completely.
- Add Strawberries: Arrange the halved strawberries evenly over the cooled brownie layer.
- Make the Ganache: Heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
- Finish & Chill: Pour the ganache over the strawberries, spreading gently to cover. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set. Lift from the pan and slice into squares before serving.
Notes
