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!
PrintCarrot Patch Brownies
These rich and fudgy brownies are topped with crushed “dirt” cookies and decorated with chocolate-dipped strawberry “carrots” for a cute, garden-inspired treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)
For the Carrot Decorations:
- 12 strawberries, washed and dried
- 1 ½ cups orange candy melts (or white chocolate + orange food coloring)
- ½ 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.