If you’re craving a show-stopping treat that effortlessly balances rich chocolate with a vivid burst of berry flavor, Strawberry Fudge Brownies are calling your name. These dreamy bars feature a chewy, fudgy brownie base crowned with a creamy strawberry fudge topping, making every bite deeply decadent and delightfully fruity. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a party, or just your own personal happiness, this irresistible dessert is vibrant, easy to make, and guaranteed to win hearts (and taste buds) everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe for Strawberry Fudge Brownies keeps things deliciously simple. Each ingredient is core to the layers of flavor and texture, and a dash of color brings a playful twist. Here’s how each item makes these brownies truly unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter: Using melted butter adds incredible richness and helps create that desirable fudgy texture in the brownies.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and that classic shiny top on your brownies.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and lend extra moisture to keep your brownies soft and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor in both the brownie base and the strawberry fudge layer; a dash goes a long way.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to give the brownies structure without making them cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor—use a good-quality one for best results!
- Salt: Just a hint, but it’s key for balancing sweetness and intensifying the chocolate notes.
- White chocolate chips: The base of the strawberry fudge, bringing silky sweetness and a creamy bite.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Helps melt the white chocolate smoothly and adds a luscious, fudgy consistency.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: These pack a real punch of berry flavor without watering down the fudge, and provide a gorgeous blush of color.
- Red or pink food coloring (optional): For that vivid, picture-perfect strawberry layer—totally up to you!
- Fresh strawberries, chocolate drizzle, or extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries: Optional garnish ideas to make your brownies even more beautiful and tasty.
How to Make Strawberry Fudge Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For easy removal and tidy slices, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or give it a light greasing. This simple step guarantees your Strawberry Fudge Brownies won’t stick and will lift out in perfect squares.
Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients
In a roomy mixing bowl, combine your melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finish with the vanilla extract—it might seem simple, but this ensures your brownies are tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add this mixture gradually to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! You want that rich, chewy-fudgy texture in your brownies.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour your glossy batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes. The brownies are perfect when a toothpick inserted in the center emerges with only a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will dry them out, so keep a close eye. Let the pan cool completely—patience pays off here!
Step 5: Make the Strawberry Fudge Layer
Once the brownies are cool, get started on the strawberry fudge. In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk until everything is silky smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, vanilla extract, and a few drops of food coloring if you want a brighter pink. This layer is all about creamy berry sweetness!
Step 6: Top and Chill
Pour the strawberry fudge mixture over your cooled brownies, using a spatula to spread it evenly right to the edges. Pop the pan in the fridge for 1-2 hours, or until the fudge is set and sliceable. This chill time is key for those clean, beautiful layers.
How to Serve Strawberry Fudge Brownies
Garnishes
When it comes to presentation, Strawberry Fudge Brownies are stars on their own—yet a few finishing touches can turn them into true bakery-worthy desserts. Try scattering fresh strawberry slices on top, giving a quick drizzle of melted chocolate, or showering more crushed freeze-dried strawberries over for extra pop and crunch.
Side Dishes
These brownies are delightfully rich, so pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an old-fashioned dessert duo or serve alongside a tall glass of cold milk or creamy latte. Fresh berries on the side add a burst of freshness and color that brightens up every plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow a crowd or make a holiday tray extra special, try cutting your Strawberry Fudge Brownies into hearts with a cookie cutter, or serve them in cupcake liners with a swirl of whipped cream. Stack them on a tiered dessert stand, add a sprig of mint, or wrap them in parchment and tie with ribbon for the sweetest homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
For any leftovers (if there are any!), keep your Strawberry Fudge Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fudgy, fresh, and delicious for up to five days. The cold helps the strawberry layer stay perfectly set and the brownies keep their texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these for a future craving. Place completely cooled, sliced brownies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then wrap individually or store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge for best results—every bite will taste fresh-baked.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies just slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The fudge will get extra melty while the brownie gets gooey and soft, almost like they’re straight from the oven! Just don’t overdo it or the strawberry fudge could melt too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried in Strawberry Fudge Brownies?
Freeze-dried strawberries are essential for the fudge layer because they pack concentrated flavor and don’t add moisture that could make the topping runny. Fresh strawberries are best reserved as a beautiful garnish on top.
Is it possible to make Strawberry Fudge Brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite one-to-one gluten-free blend. The rest of the recipe stays the same and you’ll still get fabulously fudgy, berry-topped brownies.
Can I skip the food coloring in the strawberry fudge?
Absolutely. The freeze-dried berries give a pretty natural pink hue on their own; food coloring is only if you want an extra vibrant layer. Your Strawberry Fudge Brownies will be just as delicious either way.
What’s the best way to cut perfect squares?
Wait until the brownies are thoroughly chilled and use a sharp knife. For extra neatness, wipe the blade clean between cuts. If you want extra precision, you can run the knife under hot water before each cut.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Your brownies are just right when a toothpick poked in the center comes out with a few moist (but not wet) crumbs. Remember, a slightly underbaked brownie is better than a dry one, especially when topped with creamy fudge!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way Strawberry Fudge Brownies pair deep chocolate with luscious berry creaminess. If you’re looking for a sweet that’s both beautiful and bold on flavor, give this recipe a try—it could just become your new signature dessert!
Print
Strawberry Fudge Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of rich chocolate brownies topped with a luscious strawberry fudge layer. These strawberry fudge brownies are the perfect treat for any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Strawberry Fudge Layer:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries (finely crushed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- a few drops of red or pink food coloring (optional)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh strawberries
- Melted chocolate drizzle
- Extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries
Instructions
- Make the Brownies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Strawberry Fudge Layer: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in crushed freeze-dried strawberries, vanilla extract, and food coloring if using. Pour the fudge layer over the cooled brownies and spread evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours until set. Slice into squares and garnish with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- For an even richer dessert, add chocolate chips or chunks to the brownie batter.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
