These brownies are a chocolate-lover’s dream layered with sweet, juicy strawberries and a smooth chocolate ganache on top. It’s like biting into a chocolate-covered strawberry… with a brownie base! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because.

Ingredients:
(Makes one 8×8-inch pan — about 9–12 squares)

For the brownies:

1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
170 g (6 oz) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
2/3 cup (130 g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the strawberry layer:

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweeter berries)

For the chocolate ganache:

100 g (3.5 oz) dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Make the brownie base:

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate together until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Whisk in the sugars, then the eggs and vanilla until glossy and combined.
Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until just combined — don’t overmix!
Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Let cool completely.

2. Add the strawberries:

Once brownies are cool, arrange the sliced strawberries over the top in a single layer.
If using, sprinkle with a bit of sugar for extra shine and sweetness.

3. Make the ganache:

Heat the cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chopped chocolate.
Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Pour the ganache over the strawberry layer and gently spread to cover.

4. Chill & serve:

Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set the ganache.
Slice into squares with a warm knife for clean cuts.

Tips & Variations:
✔️ Add a splash of strawberry or raspberry liqueur to the ganache for a grown-up twist.
✔️ Use freeze-dried strawberry powder in the brownie batter for more strawberry flavor.
✔️ Swap strawberries for raspberries or cherries for a fruity twist.

Would you like a gluten-free version of this recipe or a layered sheet cake inspired by these same flavors? ????????