These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are pure bliss! They combine rich, fudgy brownies with sweet strawberries and a glossy chocolate layer on top. It’s a match made in heaven!
You can’t help but smile when you take a bite of these treats. I love to whip them up for special occasions or just to make an ordinary day a little more exciting. 🍓🍫
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I like using unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. If you’re out, you can use salted butter, but just remember to adjust the salt in the recipe.
Sugar: The recipe calls for granulated sugar, which provides sweetness and moisture. If you want a healthier option, you can try coconut sugar or brown sugar, although it may slightly change the flavor and texture.
Cocoa Powder: Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder to keep your brownies rich and chocolatey. In a pinch, Dutch-processed cocoa can be used, but it will make the brownies a bit milder in flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are great for melting and folding in, but you can substitute with dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or use white chocolate chips for a fun twist!
Strawberries: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but if they are out of season, you could use raspberries or even a fruit compote instead. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on sweetness.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Don’t Turn Out Dry?
Overmixing the batter or baking too long can result in dry brownies. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay – they’ll bake out.
- Check for doneness at 25 minutes. The toothpick should have a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan fully before adding strawberries; this keeps them moist and fudgy.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) 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 salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus some time for cooling and drizzling the chocolate. Overall, you should plan for around 1 hour before you get to enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your brownies bake evenly. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or if you prefer, line it with parchment paper to make removing the brownies easier later on.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to mix them together until they are well blended and smooth. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract at this stage!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough!
4. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time to fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips into your brownie batter. Be gentle with your mixing to keep the batter nice and fluffy.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them and use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but definitely not wet batter.
6. Cool and Top:
Once the brownies are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once they have cooled, layer the sliced strawberries evenly over the top of the brownies.
7. Melt the Drizzle Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate. Do this in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate!
8. Drizzle and Serve:
Carefully drizzle the melted chocolate over the strawberries and brownies using a spoon or piping bag if you want to be fancy. Let the chocolate set for a bit before cutting the brownies into squares. Now you’re ready to serve and enjoy your delightful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Substitute Butter with Coconut Oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter with an equal amount of refined coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s melted and well combined with the sugar to ensure a smooth batter.
What If I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead, which will provide a similar taste. Alternatively, consider using unsweetened chocolate; just melt about 4 ounces and reduce the fat by 1/4 cup of the butter in the recipe.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store 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 brownies wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture before placing them on top of your brownies. This will help the brownies stay nice and firm instead of getting soggy!
