Strawberry Brownies*

By srumbel

Fudgy brownies topped with chocolate whipped cream, fresh strawberries and chocolate ganache.
from celebratingsweets.com

Ingredients

• Brownies:
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon strawberry jam (see note)
• 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
• Topping:
• 1 cup heavy cream (chilled)
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 cups chopped or sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 tablespoons strawberry jam (see note)
• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Preparation

Step 1

Brownies:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of a 9 inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Grease the pan and the paper and set aside.

In a large bowl combine cocoa powder, sugars, salt, flour, espresso powder, and chocolate chips. Whisk until combined. Add eggs, oil, and water and stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until combined.

In a separate bowl, toss 1/2 cup diced strawberries with jam (see note), then fold the strawberries into the brownie batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-35 minutes until the brownies no longer jiggle and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out without batter on it (fudgy crumbs/melted chocolate is ok). Place the cake pan on a rack to cool completely.

Topping:

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip 1 cup cream, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the topping.

Toss strawberries with jam (see note).

Place chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon cream in a bowl and microwave in 10-second increments until melted and smooth (stir between each increment).

Run a thin knife around the outside edge of the brownies and carefully remove from the pan. Place the round brownie on a plate and top with chocolate whipped cream. Top with strawberries and drizzle the melted chocolate over the top. Serve immediately.

When using under ripe strawberries, I like to toss them with a little strawberry jam. This makes them glossy and sweeter, and it intensifies their flavor. If you are using sweet, peak-season strawberries feel free to skip the jam.