These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are the perfect mix of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries. They are fudgy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious!
Honestly, who can resist a rich brownie topped with chocolate and juicy strawberries? I love serving these at parties—everyone always wants seconds! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Make sure to use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with margarine or coconut oil, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with texture. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, though it might change the final texture a bit.
Cocoa Powder: The unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for rich chocolate flavor. If you run out, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deeper taste, but avoid sweetened varieties.
Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh strawberries adds a juicy freshness. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work fine but should be drained well to avoid excess moisture.
Heavy Cream: This is used for making the ganache. You can substitute with half-and-half if you want a lighter version, but the ganache might be less rich.
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Bake Perfectly?
Getting brownies just right can be tricky! Here are some tips for successful baking:
- Preheat your oven: Always make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Check doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean—little crumbs are okay but not wet batter.
- Cooling: Let brownies cool in the pan before removing them. This will help them firm up and make cutting easier.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper to line your pan prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Extra strawberries for topping
- 1/4 cup melted chocolate for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to bake. Then, allow some time for cooling, so you’ll be ready to enjoy these brownies in about an hour and 15 minutes. It’s all worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it with some butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper. This will help you easily lift the brownies out later on.
2. Make the Wet Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, remove it from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix these together until everything is nice and smooth.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t mix too much; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
4. Add Strawberries:
Gently fold in the sliced strawberries into your brownie batter. Be careful to keep them intact, as they add both flavor and a pretty touch to your brownies. Save a few slices for garnishing on top!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. When they’re done, check with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
While your brownies are baking, let’s make the chocolate ganache! In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer. Take it off the heat and add the chocolate chips, letting them sit for a minute. Then, whisk until it’s nice and smooth.
7. Cool and Assemble:
Once the brownies are done, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift them out with the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack for about 20 minutes.
8. Add Ganache and Garnish:
After the brownies are cool, pour the chocolate ganache over the top and spread it evenly. Let it set for a few minutes. Then, cut the brownies into squares and drizzle with melted chocolate if you like. Top with extra strawberry slices for that beautiful finish!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are ready to be served! Dig in and enjoy every bite of this chocolatey goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! However, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the brownies. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the batter for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving again for the best flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Cocoa Powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder on hand, you can substitute it with unsweetened chocolate. Use about 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate for every three tablespoons of cocoa powder, but you’ll need to melt it with the butter!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
