Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a sweet treat that combines fudgy brownies with juicy strawberries and a rich chocolate coating. They look as good as they taste!
These brownies are perfect for sharing or a little self-pampering. I love that they bring together chocolate and fruit—it’s a delicious match made in dessert heaven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. It works well and doesn’t compromise the texture!
Chocolate: Semisweet is a classic choice for balance, but you can use dark chocolate for more depth or even milk chocolate if you prefer sweeter brownies. Just remember, the quality of chocolate matters for flavor!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is best for sweetness and moisture. For a healthier option, coconut sugar can be used, but your brownies will be a bit denser and may have a slight caramel flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but for a gluten-free version, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Be mindful, as different mixes may affect texture!
Fresh Strawberries: Ripe strawberries are key for natural sweetness. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen ones (thaw and drain well) or even try raspberries for a different fresh taste!
How Can I Get My Brownies Really Fudgy?
Achieving that ultimate fudgy texture is all about balance in ingredients and cooking time. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and mix only until combined—overmixing can make brownies tough.
- Melt butter and chocolate together gently to prevent burning. This blend ensures the fat is evenly distributed.
- Do not overbake! Check your brownies a few minutes before the recommended time. Ideally, they should come out with moist crumbs on the toothpick.
- Cooling fully in the pan helps them set perfectly and enhances the fudgy feel.
By keeping a close eye during baking and following these tips, you’ll end up with rich, chocolaty brownies bursting with berry flavor!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 8 oz (225g) semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 oz (115g) semisweet chocolate, for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking. After that, you’ll want to let the brownies cool before drizzling with chocolate, making the total time roughly about 1 hour, including chilling time! Perfect for a delicious homemade dessert without too much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, take an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This will help you lift the brownies out later!
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and chopped chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session until everything is melted and smooth. This mixture should look glossy and delicious!
3. Mix in Sugar:
Once melted, whisk in the granulated sugar until thoroughly combined. You should notice a lovely, glossy sheen in the mixture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Follow this with the vanilla extract—this will bring out the sweetness and add yummy flavor!
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Next, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until you don’t see any flour streaks!
6. Pour into the Pan:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. It should look nice and ready to go!
7. Add Strawberries:
Now, it’s time to add the strawberries! Arrange them evenly on top of the brownie batter, pressing them down gently to ensure they stick.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking!
9. Cool Completely:
Once baked, take them out and set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This may take a bit of time but it’s well worth the wait!
10. Drizzle with Chocolate:
After the brownies are cool, melt the remaining 4 oz of semisweet chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Drizzle this melted chocolate over the brownies and strawberries for that finishing touch!
11. Add Finishing Touches:
If you like, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top—it really enhances the chocolate flavor!
12. Chill and Serve:
Finally, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to help set the chocolate drizzle. Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan, cut into squares, and serve.
Enjoy your rich, fudgy brownies topped with fresh strawberries and decadent chocolate drizzle!
Can I Use Different Types of Berries?
Absolutely! While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can substitute them with raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches for a delightful twist. Just make sure the fruits are ripe for the best flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be aware that chilling may change the texture slightly.
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the brownies a day in advance! Simply bake, cool, and then store them as mentioned above. Just add the chocolate drizzle and strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh.
What If I Don’t Have Parchment Paper?
No problem! If you don’t have parchment paper, you can generously grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray. Just be careful when removing the brownies; they may stick a little if not properly greased!