These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a tasty treat that combines rich chocolate with fruity fresh strawberries. Who can resist that delicious mix?
I love how these brownies look so fancy, but they’re super easy to make! Perfect for sharing, or just for enjoying on the couch. 🍫🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is important for controlling the saltiness of your brownies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter, just lower the added salt slightly. I usually stick to unsalted for baking to get the right flavors.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar gives sweetness and structure. For a healthier twist, consider using coconut sugar or a blend of brown sugar for a richer flavor. I enjoy using brown sugar for more moisture in my brownies.
Fresh Strawberries: These add a lovely freshness and flavor. If strawberries aren’t available, try raspberries or chopped cherries. Frozen strawberries can work too; just make sure to thaw and drain them well.
Cocoa Powder: This is key for that rich chocolaty taste. Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa for the best results. If you prefer a different chocolate flavor, Dutch-processed cocoa is a nice alternative.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet is classic, but feel free to use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or milk chocolate for extra sweetness. I often mix different kinds of chocolate for added complexity.
How Can I Get My Brownies to Rise and Stay Moist?
Getting brownies to rise while still being moist can be tricky, but there are some key tips to follow!
- Don’t overmix the batter. Just stir until combined. This keeps the brownies tender.
- Make sure your oven is preheated before baking. An oven thermometer is a helpful tool to ensure accuracy.
- Check for doneness at the lower baking time. Since the brownies continue to cook in the pan, removing them early leads to perfectly moist brownies.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 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, hulled and sliced
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Additional strawberries, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, 30-35 minutes of baking time, and some extra time for cooling and setting. In total, you can expect around 1 hour and 15 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy your delicious brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Set it aside for now.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s all melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s nicely mixed. Now, add the eggs one by one, making sure to mix well after each addition. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Add the Strawberries:
Gently fold in the sliced strawberries into your brownie batter. Take care not to crush them; you want those lovely pieces of fruit in your brownies!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This will give you that perfect fudgy texture!
6. Cool and Prepare the Ganache:
Once the brownies are done baking, allow them to cool completely in the pan. While they are cooling, make the chocolate ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s just steaming, then remove it from heat. Add the chocolate chips and stir until everything is smooth and glossy.
7. Finish the Brownies:
Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Let it set for a few minutes. Once it’s slightly hardened, decorate the top with additional sliced strawberries and drizzle any remaining ganache over the top for that fancy touch!
8. Slice and Serve:
Finally, cut your brownies into squares and they’re ready to serve! Enjoy the rich chocolatey goodness with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor. Yum!
## Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but it’s best to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid adding too much liquid to the brownie batter.
How Should I 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, consider refrigerating them for about a week or freezing them for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Substitute the Cocoa Powder with Another Type?
While unsweetened cocoa powder is best for this recipe, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a slightly different flavor profile and darker color. Just keep the same quantity, and note that it may affect the final texture slightly.
What if My Ganache is Too Thick?
If your ganache ends up too thick for pouring, simply reheat it gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream to loosen it. Stir until smooth before drizzling over the brownies. Just avoid overheating, as it can lead to a grainy texture.
