Step 1: Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later. This step is crucial for easy removal and clean slicing.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the sugar and whisk until combined. It’s important to whisk thoroughly at this stage to ensure the sugar is well incorporated into the melted butter, creating a smooth base for the batter. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Be sure to add the eggs one at a time and whisk vigorously after each addition. This helps to emulsify the eggs into the batter, creating a moist and tender brownie. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures that there are no lumps and helps to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough brownies, so it’s important to mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to ensure that the batter is spread evenly in the pan. This will ensure that the brownies bake evenly and have a uniform thickness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check the brownies frequently during the last few minutes of baking. Allowing a few moist crumbs to cling to the toothpick ensures that the brownies will be fudgy and moist. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Cooling the brownies completely in the pan allows them to set up properly and prevents them from crumbling when you cut them.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberries: Once the brownies have cooled, arrange the halved strawberries evenly over the top. Pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel before arranging them on the brownies. This will help the chocolate ganache adhere to the strawberries.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn and become grainy. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate and heavy cream in a double boiler over simmering water.

Step 6: Assemble the Dessert: Pour the chocolate ganache over the strawberries, spreading it to cover the entire surface. Use a spatula or offset knife to spread the ganache evenly over the strawberries.

Step 7: Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to set the ganache. Chilling the brownies allows the ganache to firm up, making them easier to cut and serve. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, then cut into squares.