These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are the perfect treat for chocolate lovers! Rich, fudgy brownies topped with fresh strawberries and a silky chocolate glaze make them irresistible.
Honestly, who can resist chocolate and strawberries together? I love serving these at gatherings. They always disappear fast, and I might even “accidentally” eat a few while making them! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for baking since it allows you to control the salt level in your brownies. If you’re looking for a lighter option, coconut oil can be used as a substitute, giving a nice flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but you can use brown sugar for a slightly richer taste. If you prefer a sugar-free option, try using a sweetener like stevia or erythritol, adjusting the amount based on the product’s conversion guide.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a fruity punch. If strawberries aren’t in season or available, you can swap them for raspberries or cherries for a fun twist!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies that rich chocolate flavor. If you want extra depth, use Dutch-processed cocoa. Just remember it’s less acidic, so omit any baking soda in the recipe.
How Do You Ensure Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting the right brownie texture can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Using a toothpick to test for doneness is key. You want it to come out with some moist crumbs, not completely clean.
- Letting the brownies cool in the pan after baking helps set the texture and makes them easier to cut.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for batter)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling)
For Garnish:
- Additional strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat will take you around 15 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow some time for cooling before decorating with chocolate and strawberries. So, overall, you’ll need about 1 hour to complete this recipe and enjoy your brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on. This will make sure your brownies come out perfectly!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is nice and smooth. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. You want everything blended perfectly!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to over-mix; just stir until everything is combined. We’re looking for thick, chocolaty goodness!
4. Add Chocolate Chips and Strawberries:
Gently mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips and half of the sliced strawberries into the brownie batter. This adds bursts of flavor and texture to your brownies, making them even more delicious!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Top the brownies with the remaining sliced strawberries, pressing them gently into the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Yum!
6. Cool and Drizzle:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan. While they are cooling, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
7. Final Touches:
Once the brownies are cool, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top using a spoon or a piping bag for a more elegant touch. Finish with additional fresh strawberries on top for garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to slice your brownies into squares, serve, and enjoy the rich, chocolatey flavor combined with fresh strawberries. Perfect for a treat or a fun dessert with friends and family!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can use a neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, instead of butter. Use about 3/4 cup of oil to replace 1 cup of melted butter. Keep in mind that using oil may change the flavor slightly, but the brownies will still be delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them well in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used! Just make sure to thaw them beforehand and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can affect the brownie texture. Frozen strawberries may be a bit softer, so they’ll still work beautifully in your brownies.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Fudgy?
To achieve that fudgy texture, avoid overbaking! Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than completely clean. For extra fudginess, you can also slightly undermeasure the flour or substitute some flour with an additional tablespoon of cocoa powder.
