These chocolate covered strawberry brownies are a sweet treat that’s hard to resist! With rich chocolate flavor and fresh strawberries on top, they are perfect for any dessert lover.
They’re like a brownie and a chocolate strawberry in one bite! I always keep some in the fridge for a quick snack—because who can say no to chocolate? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness in your brownies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness and helps keep the brownies moist. You can replace it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for rich chocolate flavor. If you don’t have unsweetened cocoa, you can use dark cocoa powder, but avoid sweetened varieties.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add moisture and a nice burst of flavor. If strawberries are out of season, try raspberries or cherries, or even freeze-dried fruit for a different texture.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but you can mix it up with dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different taste. Sugar-free chips are great if you’re watching your sugar intake.
How Do You Achieve a Perfect Fudgy Brownie Texture?
To get that fudgy brownie texture, it’s important how you mix and bake the batter. Here are some tips:
- Mix the wet ingredients well, but don’t overmix when adding the dry ingredients. Just fold them in until combined.
- A toothpick test is your friend! Aim for a few moist crumbs on the toothpick instead of a clean pick, as this means your brownies are fudgy.
- Let the brownies cool completely before adding the ganache to avoid melting it. Cooling also helps with slicing.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownie Mixture:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 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
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
For The Toppings:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, it’s best to let the brownies cool completely, which may take around 30 minutes. Altogether, expect to spend about 1 hour on this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will make it easy to take the brownies out later!
2. Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave until it’s completely liquid. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and stir it together until it’s well combined. Next, crack the eggs into the bowl, one by one, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to give it a lovely flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This will help eliminate any lumps and ensure everything blends nicely. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Layer the Brownies
Pour half of the brownie batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Then, take the sliced strawberries and layer them on top of the brownie batter. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the strawberries and smooth it out to cover them completely. This will create a delightful surprise of strawberries in every bite!
5. Bake and Cool
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once finished, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
While the brownies are cooling, let’s make the chocolate ganache! In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer—don’t let it boil! Remove it from the heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and glossy; this is going to make your brownies extra special!
7. Finish Up!
Once the brownies are fully cooled, drizzle the smooth chocolate ganache over the top. Feel free to use as much or as little as you like! For a pretty touch, add some extra strawberry slices on top for garnish. Finally, slice the brownies into squares, and get ready to enjoy your delicious chocolate-covered strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Different Berries Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness slightly, as some berries may be more tart than strawberries.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
How to Store Leftover Brownies
Store any 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 tightly!
Can I Make the Chocolate Ganache in Advance?
You sure can! Feel free to prepare the ganache ahead of time, just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove until it’s pourable again.
