These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a sweet treat that combines rich chocolate brownies with fresh, juicy strawberries and a smooth chocolate coating. Yum!
Who can resist that combo? It’s like having dessert and a fruit salad all in one! I love serving these at parties; they always bring a smile and disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for a rich flavor. If you’re short on it, coconut oil or margarine can be good substitutes, though they might change the taste a bit.
Granulated Sugar: While regular sugar works best, brown sugar can be used for extra caramel notes. It might make your brownies chewier!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is a must for that deep chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa, but avoid sweetened kinds—they’d throw off the balance!
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for that fruity touch, but feel free to use raspberries or blueberries if you prefer or if strawberries aren’t in season.
Chocolate Chips: You can mix it up; use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or even white chocolate if you like a sweeter profile.
What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate for Drizzling?
Melted chocolate creates a beautiful drizzle on your brownies, but getting it right is key! Follow these steps for success:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl. Break the chocolate into small pieces for even melting.
- Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between. This helps prevent burning.
- Once melted, let it cool slightly before drizzling. It will help it set better once poured.
Remember, a little patience goes a long way! 🍫😊
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped or chips (for drizzling)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to bake, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill. So in total, you’re looking at about an hour and 15 minutes before you can dive into these delicious brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. If using parchment, leave some overhang to make removal easy later!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, take it off the heat. Whisk in the granulated sugar until it’s nicely blended and smooth.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, crack in the eggs one by one, whisking really well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract next to add a lovely flavor boost!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps break up any lumps and gets everything mixed evenly!
5. Combine Everything:
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Then, gently stir in the chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out smoothly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
7. Cooling Time:
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key here—allow them to cool before moving on to the toppings!
8. Prepare the Toppings:
Once cooled, slice up the fresh strawberries and arrange them evenly across the top of your brownies. Yum!
9. Melt the Drizzle Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1 cup of chocolate for drizzling in 20-second intervals. Stir in between until it’s nice and smooth. Be careful not to burn it!
10. Drizzle Over the Strawberries:
Once melted, drizzle the chocolaty goodness generously over the strawberries. It’ll look so pretty!
11. Optional Garnish:
If you like, sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top. This adds a fantastic flavor pop that balances the sweetness.
12. Chill Before Serving:
Finally, pop the brownies in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set. This makes slicing easier and keeps everything intact!
13. Slice and Serve:
After chilling, remove from the fridge and slice them into squares. Serve these delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies at your next gathering or enjoy them yourself!
Enjoy your luscious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies with a perfect balance of rich chocolate and fresh fruity brightness!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
While fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the brownies soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them to last up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I Substitute the Cocoa Powder?
Yes! If you’re out of unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-processed cocoa works well, but avoid using sweetened cocoa as it will alter the flavor balance. You can also use carob powder for a different twist if desired.
Is it Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, or add 1/4 teaspoon to help maintain the brownies’ structure.