Carrot Patch Brownies are a fun and festive dessert, perfect for Easter or springtime celebrations! These rich, fudgy brownies are topped with chocolate “dirt” and adorable candy-coated strawberries that look like little carrots. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Fudgy – The perfect brownie base for a decadent treat.
- Festive & Fun – A creative dessert for Easter and spring gatherings.
- Easy to Decorate – Simple toppings turn ordinary brownies into a garden-inspired masterpiece.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for parties and can be prepared in advance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Brownies:
- Butter (melted)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
For the Toppings:
- Oreo cookies (crushed, for the “dirt”)
- Strawberries (washed and dried)
- Orange candy melts (or white chocolate + orange food coloring)
Directions
Make the Brownies:
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix & Bake – Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet. Fold in chocolate chips if using. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
Make the Carrot Toppings:
- Melt the Candy Coating – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt orange candy melts according to package instructions. If using white chocolate, stir in orange food coloring.
- Dip the Strawberries – Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip into the melted candy. Place on parchment paper to set.
- Add Carrot Lines – Drizzle extra melted candy over the dipped strawberries to create a carrot texture. Let harden.
Assemble the Carrot Patch Brownies:
- Crush the Oreos – Blend or crush Oreos into fine crumbs for the “dirt.”
- Top the Brownies – Spread crushed Oreos evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Plant the Carrots – Gently press the dipped strawberries into the brownies to resemble carrots growing in soil.
- Serve & Enjoy – Slice into squares and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Chill Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free brownie mix and cookies.
- Vegan – Substitute dairy-free butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate.
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter.
- Extra Chocolatey – Drizzle melted chocolate over the Oreo topping before adding the “carrots.”
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze (without strawberries) for up to 3 months. Thaw and add the “carrots” before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes! A boxed mix works great for a quicker version.
What’s the best way to crush Oreos?
Use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
How do I make the candy melt coating smooth?
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the candy melts for a smoother texture.
Can I use different fruits for the carrots?
Yes! Try dipping baby carrots or dried apricots in the orange coating for a fun twist.
How do I make the brownies extra fudgy?
Use more butter, reduce the flour slightly, and don’t overbake.
Can I make these a day ahead?
Yes! Assemble them the day before and store in the fridge. Add strawberries just before serving.
How do I prevent my chocolate-covered strawberries from sweating?
Make sure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping, and store them in a cool place.
Can I add frosting under the “dirt”?
Yes! Spread a thin layer of chocolate frosting before adding the crushed Oreos for extra richness.
What can I serve these with?
They pair well with vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk!
Can I make these in cupcake form?
Yes! Bake brownies in muffin tins and top each with an Oreo layer and a single strawberry “carrot.”
Conclusion
Carrot Patch Brownies are a creative, delicious, and festive treat that’s perfect for Easter and springtime celebrations. With fudgy brownies, crunchy “dirt,” and adorable candy-coated strawberries, this dessert is as fun to make as it is to eat. Try them for your next holiday gathering and watch them disappear!
Print
Carrot Patch Brownies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These rich and fudgy brownies are topped with crushed “dirt” cookies and decorated with chocolate-dipped strawberry “carrots” for a cute, garden-inspired treat!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)
For the Carrot Decorations:
- 12 strawberries, washed and dried
- 1 1/2 cups orange candy melts (or white chocolate + orange food coloring)
- 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil (for smooth dipping)
For Topping:
- 10 Oreo cookies, crushed (for “dirt”)
- Green sprinkles or green frosting (optional, for “carrot leaves”)
Instructions
Make the Brownies:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Combine: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
Make the Carrot Strawberries:
- Melt Candy: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt orange candy melts with ½ teaspoon vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip Strawberries: Hold each strawberry by the green leaves and dip into the melted chocolate, coating evenly. Let excess drip off.
- Create Carrot Texture: Place dipped strawberries on parchment paper. Using a fork or spoon, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the strawberries for a “carrot” effect. Let set for 15 minutes at room temperature or chill in the fridge for faster setting.
Assemble the Carrot Patch Brownies:
- Crush the Oreos: Place Oreos in a ziplock bag and crush into fine crumbs to create “dirt.”
- Cut the Brownies: Slice the cooled brownies into squares.
- Decorate: Sprinkle crushed Oreos over the brownies. Gently press a “carrot” strawberry into the center of each brownie. Add green sprinkles or pipe green frosting around the base of the carrot if desired.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Extra Fun: Use chocolate pudding as a thin layer under the “dirt” for more texture.
- Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days (since strawberries are perishable).
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free chocolate and substitute butter with coconut oil.