1and ½ cup strawberriesstems and hulls removed, sliced
For the Frosting:
4ouncesbuttersoftened
4ouncescream cheese softened
½ccocoa powder
3ouncesbittersweet chocolatemelted and slightly cooled
¼teaspoonsalt
2 ½cpowdered sugar
8Strawberriestops cut off, sliced in half and cut into hearts for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 Deg F. Prepare an 8x8 or 9x9 square baking pan with butter then parchment paper so the paper hangs over the edges to make it easier to lift the brownies out once ready.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Set aside
In a pan over medium low heat, combine the butter, chopped dark chocolate and sugar and stir until well combined and the sugar is dissolved. Set aside and let cool for 10 minutes. In another bowl whisk the eggs and vanilla together and add in the cooled melted butter mixture. Mix together well and then add into the flour mixture. Combine until just moistened. Fold in the sliced strawberries. Pour into prepared pan, smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the middle is set and a toothpick comes out clean when testing the middle. Let cool completely before frosting
To make the frosting: Combine the butter and cream cheese either in the bowl of a stand mixer or a bowl and use a hand mixer to cream together. Add in the cocoa powder, melted chocolate and salt and mix well. Add in the powdered sugar ½ of a cup at a time until you reach desired level of sweetness. Frost the top of the brownies in the pan in an even layer ( you may have leftover frosting) and decorate with strawberry halves. Chill for one hour. Removed the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper and place on a serving tray. Slice into squares and serve.