These tasty brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream! With a rich brownie base and topped with sweet chocolate-covered strawberries, they’re both beautiful and delicious.
Whenever I make these brownies, my friends can’t resist! It’s hard not to sneak a few strawberries off the top when no one is looking. 😄 Perfect for sharing—or not!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for its ability to let the flavors shine. If you’re dairy-free, consider using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is key to sweetness and texture. For a healthier option, you might try coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder brings a rich chocolate flavor. If you have Dutch-processed cocoa, that’s a fine substitute too, just keep in mind it has a slightly different taste.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid too much moisture.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the ganache creamy. You can swap it with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version, though it might slightly alter the flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies to perfection can be tricky, but I have a few tips! It’s important to keep an eye on baking time and check for doneness.
- Set a timer for about 25 minutes. Start checking at this time by inserting a toothpick into the center.
- If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done! If it’s wet, give them a few more minutes.
- Remember, brownies will continue to cook a little as they cool, so don’t overbake.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup 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
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Additional fresh strawberries for garnish
- 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking, plus some time to cool down. In total, you’ll be looking at around 1 hour to make these delicious brownies, followed by a little extra time for drizzling the chocolate and garnishing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove it from the heat and add in the granulated sugar. Mix until it’s well combined. Let the mixture cool for a minute, then whisk in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This will be your dry mix.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Make sure not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
5. Layer the Brownies:
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. Now, take your sliced strawberries and arrange them evenly over this first layer of batter. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the strawberries, covering them completely.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—when it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
7. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
While the brownies are cooling, it’s time to prepare the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer, then add in the chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the mixture is nice and smooth.
8. Finish the Brownies:
Once the brownies are completely cooled, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top. Then, add more sliced strawberries for a pop of color. For that extra touch, melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the brownies as well.
9. Cut and Serve:
Finally, cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Substitute Other Types of Fruit?
Absolutely! If strawberries aren’t your favorite, you can use raspberries, blueberries, or even cherries for a similar fruity touch. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on the size and sweetness of the fruit to ensure the brownies aren’t too wet or overly sweet.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make these brownies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This should work fine, but be sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Cut Brownies for Clean Edges?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and warm it under hot water, then dry it off before slicing. After each cut, wipe the knife clean to maintain neat edges. This technique helps prevent the brownies from crumbling!
