Strawberry Brownies with Rich Ganache Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both rich and refreshingly fruity, this Strawberry Brownies with Rich Ganache Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I absolutely love how the fudgy brownies pair perfectly with a luscious strawberry layer and a glossy, smooth ganache topping. Trust me, once you try this combination, your family and friends will be begging you to make it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component of this Strawberry Brownies with Rich Ganache Recipe uses simple ingredients that work harmoniously together. Using freeze-dried strawberries is my secret for an intense fruity flavor without sogginess, and the ganache is rich but stays velvety smooth – making every bite feel like a slice of heaven.

• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps the brownies stay fudgy and moist.
• Semi-sweet chocolate morsels: For deep chocolate flavor and smooth melt when combined with butter.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps with texture.
• Large eggs: Bind everything and add moisture – make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and strawberry flavors beautifully.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Key for that intense chocolate punch without added sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the brownies structure.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate notes.
• Baking powder: Just a touch to give a slight lift without fluffiness.
• Freeze-dried strawberries: Crushed to add concentrated strawberry flavor in the filling, with no added moisture.
• Powdered sugar: Makes the strawberry filling creamy and spreadable.
• Milk: Helps achieve the perfect silky texture in the filling and ganache.
• Milk chocolate chips: For a smooth and sweet ganache topping.
• Heavy whipping cream: Creates that luscious ganache texture once combined with chocolate.

Variations

I like to play around with this Strawberry Brownies with Rich Ganache Recipe depending on the season or occasion. The base recipe is great, but don’t hesitate to try some tweaks – it keeps things exciting and lets you make it your own!

• Use fresh strawberries: When fresh berries are in season, I sometimes blend them into the filling for an extra fresh kick, though you may want to reduce added milk to avoid sogginess.
• Dark chocolate ganache: Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a more intense, less sweet topping — my family loves this twist.
• Nutty addition: Adding chopped toasted almonds or pistachios on top enhances the texture; I sprinkle them on right after pouring the ganache.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour mix for friends with dietary needs — just watch the texture, sometimes adding a little xanthan gum helps.

How to Make Strawberry Brownies with Rich Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Melting Butter and Chocolate for the Perfect Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper–trust me, this makes for easy removal later! Then, gently melt the unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Once melted, remove the pan from heat and stir in your semi-sweet chocolate morsels and granulated sugar. Keep stirring until the chocolate completely melts into a smooth, glossy mixture. I’ve found this technique helps create the fudgy texture we all crave.

Step 2: Mixing in Eggs, Vanilla, and Dry Ingredients

Next, add your eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition to keep the batter silky smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the cocoa powder, flour, kosher salt, and baking powder. Now, here’s a trick I learned: stir using big gentle strokes just until the dry ingredients disappear—don’t overmix or you’ll risk denser brownies. This keeps them moist and tender.

Step 3: Baking and Cooling the Brownies

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs—don’t overbake, or the texture suffers. After baking, be patient and let your brownies cool completely before adding the strawberry layer; rushing this step is a common mistake that makes the filling slide around, and nobody wants that.

Step 4: Crushing Freeze-Dried Strawberries and Making the Filling

While your brownies bake, crush the freeze-dried strawberries into fine crumbs. I use a food processor for this step, but a ziplock bag and rolling pin also work just fine. In a bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, crushed strawberries, and milk together. Beat for 3-4 minutes until fluffy and well combined. This strawberry filling is bursting with flavor and the perfect creamy contrast to the fudgy brownie base.

Step 5: Spreading Filling and Chilling

Spread the luscious strawberry filling evenly over your cooled brownies. Using an offset spatula really helps to get a smooth top. Pop the pan into the fridge while you prepare the ganache—the chill helps the filling set and keeps all those layers distinct and pretty.

Step 6: Making the Rich Ganache and Finishing It Off

Heat your heavy cream gently in a small saucepan until it’s warm but not boiling—that part’s key because boiling can ruin the texture. Remove from heat and whisk in the milk chocolate chips until you get a shiny, smooth ganache. Pour it immediately over the strawberry filling, then spread evenly with an offset spatula. Return to the refrigerator for at least an hour to let everything set perfectly. This final step turns your brownies from delicious to downright irresistible.

How to Serve Strawberry Brownies with Rich Ganache Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few whole freeze-dried strawberries on top for a pop of color and extra fruitiness. Sometimes, a tiny dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible rose petals add a fancy touch when I’m serving to guests. It makes the brownies look just as special as they taste!

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich, so pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream balances things out nicely. I’ve also served it alongside a cup of strong coffee or a fruity tea for an indulgent afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes cut these brownies into bite-size squares and place them on decorative trays with fresh strawberry slices. Another fun idea is layering the brownies in glass jars topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of ganache for individual parfait-style desserts. Kids at parties especially love this presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Strawberry Brownies with Rich Ganache Recipe tightly covered in the fridge. That way, the ganache stays firm and the strawberry filling keeps its texture. They keep perfectly for up to 4 days — which, in my house, rarely happens because they disappear so fast!

Freezing

Freezing these brownies is possible but best to do before adding the ganache. Wrap the baked, cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and add the strawberry filling and ganache fresh. This way, you keep the layers tasting their best.

Reheating

If you want warm brownies, I recommend reheating just a single serving in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This softens the brownie but keeps the ganache from melting too much. Whole pan reheating isn’t ideal because the layers might lose their texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Brownies with Rich Ganache Recipe has become a beloved favorite in my kitchen—and I’m confident it will be in yours too. The way the layers work together feels so indulgent but always hits just the right note of freshness. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or a simple treat to brighten your day, I promise you’ll enjoy every bite. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to showstopper dessert!

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