These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a dreamy treat! Fudgy brownies topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of rich chocolate make every bite irresistible.
Whenever I serve these, they disappear in no time. Honestly, who can resist that combination? I love enjoying them chilled for a refreshing sweet bite! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is important for flavor and texture. If you’re looking to cut back on dairy, you can try using coconut oil or vegan butter instead. I’ve personally found that using unsalted butter gives more control over the saltiness.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness, granulated sugar works perfectly. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, consider substituting with coconut sugar or maple syrup (note: you may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe). I often use half brown sugar too for a richer taste.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is a must for that deep, rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste. Always sift cocoa to avoid lumps in the batter!
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring brightness and balance. If you can’t find them, frozen ones will work, just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture. I love using berries in baked goods; they add so much freshness!
Heavy Cream: The cream is essential for making the drizzle smooth and creamy. If you’re cutting calories, a lighter option like half-and-half can be substituted, though it won’t be as rich. I’ve even used almond milk combined with cornstarch for a dairy-free drizzle.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Moist Brownies?
The key to moist brownies lies in careful mixing and baking. Overmixing can introduce too much air and make them cakey, while underbaking can lead to gooey centers. Here’s how to get that perfect texture:
- Mix the wet ingredients until just combined; aim for a smooth batter without overworking.
- When adding dry ingredients, fold gently to maintain some thickness and structure.
- Bake only until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not a clean one, to keep them gooey.
- Let them cool before cutting to set the texture.
With these tips, you’ll have brownies that are gooey, fudgy, and utterly delicious!
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
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup additional chocolate chips (for melting and drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and 30-35 minutes of baking time, plus an additional 15 minutes to cool. You’ll end up with delicious and fudgy brownies topped with fresh strawberries and a delightful chocolate drizzle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper so your brownies don’t stick. This will make cutting and serving them much easier!
2. Making the Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and add the granulated sugar. Stir it until well mixed. Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract. This makes the batter rich and flavorful!
3. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps to avoid any lumps and makes your brownies nice and smooth. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined and smooth.
4. Assembling the Brownies:
Pour about half of the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Next, take those fresh, sliced strawberries and layer them over the batter. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top of the strawberries and smooth it out. You’re almost there!
5. Baking the Brownies:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, don’t over-bake them; they should be fudgy!
6. Preparing the Chocolate Drizzle:
While your brownies are baking, let’s get that delicious chocolate drizzle ready! In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream and the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Stir until everything is melted and smooth. When it’s ready, set it aside to cool a bit.
7. Cooling and Drizzling:
Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When they are cool, drizzle that luscious chocolate ganache over the top using a spoon or a piping bag for extra flair!
8. Finishing Touches:
Add some extra fresh strawberries on top of the brownies for a beautiful garnish. Now, cut them into squares, serve, and enjoy your amazing Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! However, keep in mind that using whole wheat flour will yield denser brownies. A good starting point is to substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to see how you like the texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones if necessary. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain excess moisture to prevent soggy brownies!
What Kind of Chocolate Chips Should I Use?
You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference. If you prefer a sweeter brownie, stick with semi-sweet. For a richer flavor, dark chocolate chips are a great choice!
