Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Mix Sugar and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix well. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

1. Pour Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Step 4: Prepare the Ganache

1. Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Add Chocolate: Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Assemble the Brownies

1. Cool Brownies: Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Top with Ganache: Once the brownies are cool, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, spreading it evenly.
3. Add Strawberries: Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the ganache, pressing them gently into the chocolate.

Step 6: Serve

1. Chill and Slice: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.