These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a delicious treat that combines rich chocolate, fudgy brownies, and sweet strawberries! It’s like a party on your plate!
You can’t resist the charm of strawberries peeking through the chocolate coating. I love sharing these with friends—everyone gets happy feels with every bite! 🍓🍫
Making these brownies is a breeze. Just bake, top with strawberries, and drizzle some chocolate on top. They are perfect for any fun occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for baking, as it gives more control over the salt levels. If you need a substitute, coconut oil or margarine work, but keep in mind that they may slightly alter the flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is key for sweetness and texture. You could swap it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just note that this will make your brownies a bit chewier!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives that rich chocolate taste. If you’re out, you can use dark cocoa powder for a more intense flavor, or even carob powder for a different twist.
Heavy Cream: This is essential for a smooth ganache. If you’re looking for a lighter option, evaporated milk can work, though the ganache won’t be as rich.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries make these brownies extra special. If they’re out of season, you could use frozen strawberries, just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid sogginess.
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Turn Out Perfectly?
The key to making excellent brownies begins with proper mixing and timing. It’s important not to over-mix the batter after adding the flour to avoid tough brownies. Just mix until everything is blended.
- Mix wet ingredients gently to avoid introducing too much air.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to prevent clumping.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes early by inserting a toothpick.
Lastly, let your brownies cool completely before adding the ganache. This ensures it sets properly and won’t slide off. Enjoy creating this treat!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 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
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup melted chocolate (for drizzling)
For Garnish:
- Additional strawberries, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow time for the brownies to cool completely, which can take about 30 minutes. So, set aside about an hour total for this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. This will help your brownies come out easily once they are baked!
2. Make the Brownie Batter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, take the pan off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until everything is mixed together nicely. Now, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet batter until everything is well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick—this is what you want!
4. Layering the Brownies
Pour half of your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out evenly. Now, place the sliced strawberries on top of this layer. Then, pour the remaining brownie batter over the strawberries carefully, making sure to cover them completely. This is where the magic happens!
5. Baking the Brownies
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out mostly clean, your brownies are ready to go!
6. Making the Ganache
While your brownies are baking, prepare the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat until it starts to simmer. Remove it from the heat and gently stir in the chocolate chips until they melt and the mixture is smooth. This luscious ganache will make your brownies even more delicious!
7. Cool and Decorate
Once the brownies are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This may take about 30 minutes. Once cooled, drizzle the chocolate ganache generously over the top of the brownies. Don’t be shy—this is the best part!
8. Garnish and Serve!
Finish off your brownies by garnishing them with additional fresh strawberries and any leftover melted chocolate drizzles. Cut them into squares and serve them up! Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before layering them in the brownies. This helps prevent sogginess in the final product.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be placed in the fridge for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their fudgy goodness!
Can I Substitute the Unsweetened Cocoa Powder?
Yes, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead, which may give the brownies a slightly different flavor and color. Just keep in mind that this type of cocoa is less acidic than unsweetened cocoa powder, which may affect the overall taste slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream for Ganache?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with whole milk or half-and-half, though the ganache may be thinner. For a thicker ganache, try using a mix of milk with a tablespoon of butter; this will help achieve a creamier texture!
