Description
Decadent and fudgy strawberry brownies featuring rich cocoa and chunks of chocolate, swirled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with fresh strawberry slices for a burst of fruity flavor. Perfect for chocolate lovers who want a unique berry twist in their dessert.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 3/4 cup butter (salted or unsalted; 6 oz)
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (3.4 oz)
- 1 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar (13.2 oz)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (3.4 oz)
- 1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped chocolate (6.75 oz; for the batter)
For Topping
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped chocolate (2.25 oz; reserved for topping)
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam (2.8 oz)
- 4 medium strawberries (sliced into heart shapes)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line an 8x8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on the sides for easy removal, or alternatively grease the pan well and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside.
- Melt Butter and Mix Cocoa: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Alternatively, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second bursts on high until fully melted. Remove from heat, then whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Add Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla, and Salt: Stir in the granulated sugar and kosher salt. Crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract, then whisk vigorously. This vigorous whisking helps create the signature crackly top characteristic of brownies.
- Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients and stir gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth and fully combined without overmixing.
- Add Chocolate Chunks: Set aside 1/2 cup of the chopped chocolate for topping. Fold the remaining 1 1/4 cups of chopped chocolate into the brownie batter evenly.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Transfer the stiff batter into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a wooden spoon to spread it as evenly as possible. For a smooth surface, run an offset spatula under hot water, dry it, and carefully smooth the batter into the corners and edges.
- Add Jam and Swirl: Dollop the strawberry jam over the top of the batter in several spots. Using a skewer or butter knife, gently swirl the jam into the batter to create a marbled effect with visible pockets of jam—do not overmix.
- Top with Chocolate and Strawberries: Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup chopped chocolate over the marbled brownie batter. Hull the strawberries by making two diagonal cuts to form a V shape and slice them lengthwise to create heart-shaped pieces. Scatter these strawberry slices evenly on top of the brownies.
- Bake Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. The edges should be set and firm while the surface appears mostly dry except for the melty chocolate chunks. The center should still be slightly soft when gently pressed. Aim for an internal temperature of around 180ºF for perfect gooey brownies.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes to set before using the parchment paper overhang to lift them out. Slice into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chunks for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid tough brownies.
- The swirl of strawberry jam adds a sweet tartness, so ensure not to blend it fully to maintain pockets of flavor.
- Check brownies early at 30 minutes to prevent overbaking; texture should be fudgy, not cakey.
- Let brownies cool sufficiently before slicing to ensure clean cuts and prevent crumbling.
- Heart-shaped strawberry slices add a decorative and charming finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
