These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a delightful treat! Imagine fudgy brownies topped with sweet strawberries and a drizzle of rich chocolate—yum!
Every bite is a burst of chocolatey goodness and fresh fruit. I love serving them at parties, and they always disappear in a flash! Who can resist chocolate and strawberries together? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a creamy texture and rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter. Just keep in mind that these might slightly change the taste.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture. If you’re on a health kick, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia. They can alter texture a bit, so adjust accordingly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder creates that rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you could use Dutch-process cocoa for a milder taste, but avoid sweetened cocoa mixes as they add extra sugar.
Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of the dish! If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are perfect for topping. You can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for extra sweetness. If you have allergies, try carob chips instead!
How Do You Ensure Chewy, Fudgy Brownies?
Getting that perfect chewy texture needs some special care. Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. This helps keep your brownies fudgy and not cake-like. Here’s how:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until you see no flour. A few lumps are okay!
- Check the baking time carefully. Every oven is different, but a toothpick with moist crumbs means they’re done.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting. This will help them set and make them easier to slice.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 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
For Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, you should allow some cooling time before topping and refrigerating the brownies. Overall, you’ll spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes before these delicious brownies are ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal of the brownies later!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, place the butter and melt it over low heat. Once it’s all melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined.
3. Add the Eggs:
Now, crack in the eggs, one at a time. Whisk them in really well after each addition until you have a smooth mixture. This adds lots of moisture and fluffiness to your brownies!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This mixing helps to ensure everything is well blended before adding it to your wet mixture.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture. Use a spatula to fold gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your brownies nice and chewy!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
While your brownies are baking, you can prepare the chocolate topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Do this in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until it’s smooth and melted.
8. Cool the Brownies:
When the brownies are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key here before topping them!
9. Add the Strawberries:
Once the brownies have cooled down, evenly distribute the sliced strawberries on top of the brownies. This adds a fresh and fruity flavor to your treat!
10. Drizzle the Chocolate:
Now, take the melted chocolate and drizzle it beautifully over the strawberries, creating a fun pattern. It’s not only tasty but also makes your brownies look really fancy!
11. Set and Serve:
Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Once set, slice them up and enjoy your delicious chocolate-covered strawberry brownies!
Enjoy! 🍓✨
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but it’s best to thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture. Just let them sit in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature until fully thawed, then pat them dry with paper towels before slicing.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving!
Can I Substitute the Butter with a Different Fat?
Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil in place of the butter. If using coconut oil, make sure it’s melted and slightly cooled before mixing it with the sugar. Keep in mind this might alter the flavor slightly, but it will still turn out delicious!
How Do I Know When the Brownies Are Done Baking?
To check if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they are ready. Remember that they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
