Brownie layer

Cup of Yum
1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9x9” baking pan with parchment paper, using enough so the parchment paper hangs over two opposite edges (this will make lifting the brownies out of the pan and cutting them easier once you’re finished!).
2. In a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl combine butter and ½ cup (100g) chocolate chips. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until chocolate and butter are completely melted and mixture is smooth.
3. Stir in cocoa powder until completely combined, then add sugars, eggs and egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt. And stir until all ingredients are well combined and batter is cohesive and uniform.
4. Add flour and stir until combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips, if using.
6. Spread batter evenly into prepared baking dish and transfer to the center rack of 350F (175C) oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with fudgy crumbs. Allow to cool in pan completely before adding strawberry topping.

Strawberry Topping

1. Place freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and pulse until completely ground into dust (if you don’t have a food processor, you can place the berries in a Ziploc bag and beat/roll over with a rolling pin until completely ground to dust. Set aside.
2. Place butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and stir until completely combined.
3. Stir in salt.
4. Gradually stir in strawberry dust until completely combined.
5. With mixer on low-speed, gradually stir in heavy cream, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency (similar to a frosting consistency, perhaps slightly creamier!).
6. Spread evenly over completely cooled brownies and then prepare chocolate glaze.

Chocolate Glaze

1. Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and then pour heavy cream overtop.
2. Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds (full power), then stir gently from the center until mixture is smooth and chocolate is completely melted. If chocolate isn’t completely melted return to the microwave in 8 second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth and melted.
3. Pour evenly over strawberry topping and use an offset spatula to smooth the surface. Allow ganache to firm before lifting the brownies out of the pan using your parchment paper and slicing and serving (you can speed up the process of the ganache setting by popping the bars in the fridge).