These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a match made in dessert heaven! Imagine a rich brownie topped with sweet strawberries and a delightful layer of chocolate.
First, you get the fudgy goodness of brownies, then a fruity twist with strawberries. Perfect for sharing or hiding away for yourself, I won’t tell! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: It’s great for controlling salt levels in your brownies. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for a deeper chocolate flavor. If you’re out, Dutch-process cocoa can be used for a milder taste but may alter the final color slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and moisture. You can swap some of it with brown sugar for a richer flavor—just remember to keep the total amount the same.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are a must in this recipe. If they’re not available, you could use frozen berries but thaw them first and drain excess water, as they can add moisture.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt beautifully for drizzling. For a twist, you could use milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your sweetness preference.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture in My Brownies?
Achieving the right brownie texture can be tricky, but here are some helpful tips. First, don’t overmix your batter after adding the dry ingredients—mix just until you no longer see flour.
- Keep an eye on baking time; check for doneness at the 25-minute mark. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
- Let brownies cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and keeps them fudgy.
- Drizzling the chocolate adds an extra layer but make sure your brownies are cool enough so it sets without melting into a puddle.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for melting chocolate)
- Extra strawberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need a little cooling time, making it around 50 minutes total before you can enjoy your chocolate covered strawberry brownies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well. Line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This helps with easy removal of the brownies later!
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter and add the granulated sugar. Use a whisk to mix them together until you get a nice smooth texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
3. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to mix everything evenly. Now, gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until there are no more flour streaks visible. Don’t overmix!
4. Adding the Strawberries:
Now for the fun part! Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the brownie batter using a spatula, being careful not to mash them too much. This adds delicious fruity flavor to your brownies!
5. Baking the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; a few moist crumbs should stick to it when they’re ready.
6. Melting the Chocolate:
While your brownies are baking, you can melt the chocolate chips! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one until smooth and melted. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
7. Cooling and Topping:
Once the brownies are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then use the edges of the parchment paper to lift them out and cool completely on a wire rack. When they’re cool, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top and add extra fresh strawberries for a beautiful finishing touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, it’s time to slice the brownies into squares. Serve them up and enjoy your delicious chocolate covered strawberry brownies with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained to remove excess moisture before slicing and folding them into the brownie batter. This helps maintain the texture of the brownies and prevents them from becoming too soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Can I Substitute the Granulated Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and sweetness of the brownies, but they will still be delicious!
What if I Don’t Have Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips?
You can use any type of chocolate chips you have on hand, like milk chocolate or dark chocolate. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using sugar-free chocolate chips. Just remember that different types of chocolate can affect the overall sweetness and flavor, so adjust the sweetness of the brownie batter if necessary!
