These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a sweet treat that brings together rich brownie goodness topped with juicy strawberries and a shiny chocolate coat. Yum!
The best part? They’re a fun surprise at parties! I can’t resist the combination of fluffy brownies and fresh strawberries. It’s like dessert magic on a plate! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and moisture. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just note that it might change the flavor slightly, but it still works well!
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness and texture. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia. Keep in mind, this can affect the brownies’ texture.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the brownies together. If you’re vegan or allergic, try using flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flax meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) or unsweetened applesauce. Both create a great texture!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa provides the chocolate flavor. You can substitute with Dutch-process cocoa if you prefer a smoother taste. Just be cautious, as it may affect the overall sweetness.
Fresh Strawberries: These give the brownies fruity flavor. If out of season, frozen strawberries work, but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting the right brownie texture can be tricky. You want them fudgy without being undercooked. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix only until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet. Overmixing can lead to chewy brownies.
- For baking time, check them at 25 minutes. The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan to allow them to set properly before slicing. This helps them firm up and gives a cleaner cut.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling)
- Extra strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, so plan for about 1 hour total (including cooling time). Once they are baked, let the brownies cool before adding the chocolate drizzle and garnishing with strawberries. You’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing the brownies easier later on.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s fully melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until everything is well combined—this will create a nice, creamy base for your brownies.
3. Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the buttery sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to give your brownies a delicious flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
5. Add the Strawberries:
Now, fold the sliced strawberries gently into your brownie batter, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Pour and Prepare for Baking:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips over the top and lightly press them into the batter for a delicious melt-in-your-mouth experience.
7. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). When done, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Make the Chocolate Drizzle:
While the brownies cool, melt the 1/4 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Do this in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until it’s smooth and melted.
9. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once the brownies are cooled, take the melted chocolate and drizzle it over the top. Finish off by garnishing with extra fresh strawberries for a lovely presentation.
10. Slice and Serve:
Cut your delicious chocolate-covered strawberry brownies into squares. Serve them up and enjoy every bite of this sweet treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! You can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Pat them dry with a paper towel after thawing to keep your brownies from getting soggy.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I Substitute Other Types of Flour?
If you need to substitute the all-purpose flour, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a blend designed for baking to maintain the right texture, as the consistency might differ with other types of flour.
What Type of Chocolate Chips Can I Use?
You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips if you prefer! Feel free to mix different types for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that using sweeter chips may result in sweeter brownies!
