These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a sweet treat that combines fudgy brownies with fresh strawberries and a delightful chocolate coating. Perfect for any occasion!
Honestly, who can resist that mix of rich chocolate and juicy strawberries? When I make these, I always save a few strawberries for snacking. Can’t let them go to waste, right? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling salt levels, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter. Just cut back a pinch of added salt in the mix.
Granulated Sugar: White sugar gives sweetness and texture, but brown sugar could add a nice chewiness to the brownies. You could use coconut sugar for a healthier option as well!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for that rich chocolate flavor. If you have Dutch-processed cocoa, it works too, but it might give a slightly different taste and color.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best, but you could substitute with raspberries or even sliced bananas if you’re looking for a twist. Just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are wonderful for drizzling, but feel free to use dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your sweetness preference.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Baked Brownies?
Getting the right texture for brownies can be tricky, but here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Preheat your oven to the correct temperature. Readings can vary, so an oven thermometer might help.
- Don’t overmix once the dry ingredients are added. This keeps the brownies fudgy.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean. You want that fudgy center!
- Let them cool completely before slicing. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For The Topping:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling)
- Additional chocolate for covering strawberries (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Let the brownies cool for a bit before adding the toppings. Overall, you’re looking at about an hour to enjoy these yummy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will help keep the brownies from sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown! Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until everything is mixed nicely.
3. Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor. It’s going to smell so good!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your brownies to be soft and fudgy!
6. Pour Into Pan and Bake:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out mostly clean, they’re ready!
7. Cool and Add Toppings:
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once they are cool, top them with the sliced strawberries, spreading them out evenly for a beautiful look.
8. Drizzle with Chocolate:
Now for the fun part! Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler until it’s nice and smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the strawberries for a delicious finish.
9. Optional Decoration:
If you’d like, you can dip some of the remaining strawberries in melted chocolate and place them decoratively on top of the brownies. It’s a lovely touch if you’re feeling fancy!
10. Slice and Serve:
Let the chocolate set for a little while, then slice the brownies into squares. Now, they’re ready to eat! Enjoy your delightful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate for Drizzling?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate for drizzling. Just make sure to melt it carefully to avoid burning. If using chocolate chips, follow the same melting instructions, or you can chop up a chocolate bar for a different texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store your leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving again for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Make the Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. This will help maintain the texture while keeping it gluten-free. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Strawberries?
If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just allow them to thaw and drain any excess moisture before slicing and topping your brownies. Alternatively, you could use other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist!
