Rich Strawberry Chocolate Chunk Brownies with Coffee Extract
Indulgent fudgy brownies loaded with chunks of milk and dark chocolate, topped with fresh strawberry slices for a fruity contrast. The optional coffee extract deepens the chocolate flavor while keeping the texture perfectly moist and dense. These brownies strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate decadence and bright berry freshness, making them ideal for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with something beyond ordinary brownies.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ⅝ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or coffee extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flouralmond flour1:1gluten-freeketogluten-free
will be denser
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flouralmond flour1:1gluten-freeketogluten-free
will be denser
- 1 milk chocolate bar, about 3.3 ounces, chunked
- 1 dark chocolate bar, about 3.3 ounces, chunked
- 5 strawberries, sliced thin
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and line 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, then spray with non-stick spray
- 2
Combine butter and sugar in microwave-safe bowl, microwave in 30-second bursts until butter is fully melted
- 3
Whisk in eggs, baking powder, salt, and vanilla or coffee extract until combined
- 4
Stir in cocoa powder and flour until smooth with no lumps
- 5
Fold in chunks of milk and dark chocolate
- 6
Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle sliced strawberries on top
- 7
Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs
Tips
Don't overbake - brownies should have moist crumbs on toothpick, not come out completely clean, for the perfect fudgy texture.
Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and more even baking throughout the brownie.
Let chocolate bars come to room temperature before chopping for cleaner chunks that won't shatter.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can be made 1 day ahead - flavor actually improves as chocolate flavors meld.
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for best texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix after adding flour to avoid tough brownies.
Use correct pan size to avoid thin, overbaked results.
Don't overbake - remove when toothpick has moist crumbs, not clean.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries work best as frozen ones release too much moisture during baking, which can make brownies soggy and affect texture.
How long do these brownies keep?
They stay fresh at room temperature for 4 days covered, or refrigerated for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make these without the coffee extract?
Yes, vanilla extract works perfectly fine and is the more traditional choice. Coffee extract just enhances chocolate flavor.