These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are simply irresistible! With a fudgy brownie base topped with fresh strawberries and creamy chocolate, they hit all the sweet spots.
Who can resist chocolate and strawberries, right? It’s like a treat that says, “I’m fancy, but I’m also a dessert!” I love sharing these at parties; they always disappear fast! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor control. If you’re in a pinch, you could use margarine, but just be aware it won’t have the same rich taste. Olive oil is another option, though it will slightly change the texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure. For a healthier twist, try using coconut sugar or brown sugar, which adds a nice caramel note. Just keep in mind that brown sugar may make the brownies a tad denser.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide moisture. If you’re vegan, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of silken tofu.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is what gives these brownies their deep chocolate flavor. If you don’t have cocoa powder, try using carob powder or even melted dark chocolate, which can also work well.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for that fruity flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use raspberries or even crushed canned peaches for a different taste.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies are Perfectly Gooey?
The trick to gooey brownies lies in the baking time and how you test for doneness. You want them to be cooked through but still slightly under baked for that fudgy center. To nail this:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes, and check with a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done.
- Tip: Always err on the side of underbaking rather than overbaking. They will set a bit more as they cool.
Another tip is to let the brownies cool completely before cutting them. This way, they will hold their shape better and stay moist!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (for melting)
- 2 ounces (60g) chocolate (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, let them cool down a bit before adding the chocolate drizzle. All in all, you will have warm and delicious brownies ready to enjoy in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Pan & Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take an 8×8-inch square baking pan and grease it lightly. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the brownies later.
2. Melting the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s nicely combined. You should have a smooth mixture!
3. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mix. Make sure to mix well after adding each egg. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that wonderful flavor.
4. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Layering for Brownies:
Now, pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Layer the sliced strawberries on top of this batter, gently pressing them into the mixture. Then, spoon the remaining brownie batter over the strawberries and smooth it out as best as you can.
6. Baking the Brownies:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean, with some crumbs sticking to it. When done, take them out and let them cool.
7. Drizzling with Chocolate:
Once your brownies have cooled down a bit, melt the remaining chocolate using a microwave or a double boiler until it’s smooth. Drizzle this melted chocolate over the brownies in a lovely pattern.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, cut the brownies into squares and serve them! Garnish with extra fresh strawberries on the side for an extra touch. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Another Fat?
Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil as substitutes. If you use coconut oil, ensure it’s melted but not hot when mixing with the sugar. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Strawberries?
If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use thawed frozen strawberries or other berries like raspberries or chopped cherries. Just be sure to drain excess moisture to prevent sogginess in your brownies.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For the best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving.
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies! Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving!
