Who doesn't love desserts? Especially frosted brownies?! Strawberry & Cream brownies have a rich fudgy brownie layer covered in a smooth, strawberry buttercream frosting. The buttercream frosting is homemade with freeze-dried strawberries, giving traditional frosted brownies an extra punch of flavor! 

Ingredients

FOR THE BROWNIES

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped

¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

FOR THE STRAWBERRY BUTTERCREAM

1 cup freeze-dried strawberries

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

pinch of salt

3 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease a 13x9 pan.

2. Place the unsweetened chocolate and ¾ cups of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it in 30-second increments stirring in between, until the chocolate and butter are both melted.

3. Whisk in the sugar and vanilla, then whisk in the eggs.

4. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt, then stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brownies are cooked through. Let them cool completely.

6. Once the brownies are cool, place the freeze-dried strawberries in a high-speed blender or food processor, and blend until a fine dust forms.

7. Place 1 cup of butter, the powdered sugar, salt, freeze-dried strawberries, and 3 tablespoons of milk in a large bowl.

8. Beat until combined, adding an additional tablespoon of milk if needed.

9. Frost the cooled brownies with the buttercream.Cut the brownies into slices and serve. Top with extra strawberries!