Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
Step 2: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat until fully liquid. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled melted butter with the granulated sugar, stirring until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the fudginess.
Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the luscious chocolate batter. This step ensures a burst of fruity flavor in every bite!
Step 6: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
Step 8: Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before using the parchment paper overhang to lift them out. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This patience ensures clean, beautiful squares.
Step 9: Once completely cooled, slice the brownies into squares. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh strawberry slices before serving.