These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a sweet treat that combines fudgy brownies with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate. It’s like having dessert and fruit at the same time!
Who can resist that delicious mix of chocolate and strawberries? I can’t help but sneak a few before serving. Just make sure to save some for your friends! 🍓
Making these brownies is a breeze. Just whip up the brownie batter, bake, and top them with juicy strawberries and a chocolate drizzle. It’s fun and absolutely tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling the sweetness of the brownies. If you’re watching your cholesterol or prefer a healthier option, try coconut oil or applesauce. I’ve often gone with half butter and half oil for a richer feel.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives that classic sweetness. If you want a lower-calorie option, substituting with coconut sugar or a sweetener like stevia works well, but adjust to taste since these can be sweeter.
Eggs: They’re key for moisture and richness. If you’re vegan or allergic, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce, but note it may alter the texture slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds that deep chocolate flavor we’re all after. Dutch-processed cocoa can also be used, giving a smoother taste. If you’re in a pinch, try carob powder for a different flavor, but it’s not quite the same!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are sweet and juicy, enhancing the brownie texture. If they’re out of season, try raspberries or a different berry for fun variations. You can use frozen but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture first!
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
A common struggle with brownies is getting them perfectly baked without being too dry or undercooked. Start by following these steps closely:
- Preheat your oven accurately to 350°F. An oven thermometer can help if you’re unsure.
- Keep a close eye on the baking time. Begin checking at 25 minutes; a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, as they continue to set. Then use the parchment paper to cool them completely on a wire rack.
Don’t rush this cooling step; it helps achieve the perfect fudgy texture! If you can resist, allowing them to sit overnight can enhance the flavor even more.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 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
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for the brownie batter)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for the drizzle)
- Extra strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe needs about 15 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes for baking. After baking, allow the brownies to cool for another 10 minutes in the pan, plus some time on a wire rack. Overall, plan for about an hour, plus cooling time to enjoy your delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, take an 8×8 inch baking pan and grease it lightly. For easy removal later, line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving a bit hanging over the sides.
2. Melt the Butter and Mix in the Sugar:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, take the pan off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar. Keep mixing until the mixture is nice and smooth.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, crack in the eggs one by one, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, blending everything nicely.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Make sure there are no lumps, as this will help the brownies bake evenly.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently stirring until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Next, fold in the 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to add extra chocolatey goodness.
6. Add the Layers:
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Next, layer the sliced strawberries over the batter. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top of the strawberries, smoothing it out to cover them completely.
7. Bake the Brownies:
Pop the baking pan in the oven and let the brownies bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), they are ready!
8. Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift the brownies out using the edges of the parchment paper and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Chocolate Drizzle:
While the brownies are cooling, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
10. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once the brownies are completely cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top. To make it even prettier, garnish with extra strawberries placed on top.
11. Cut and Serve:
Finally, cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful chocolate covered strawberry brownies!
Can I Substitute the Unsalted Butter?
Yes! You can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just keep the measurements the same to maintain the texture of the brownies.
How Should 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 longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
While fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before slicing and layering them in the brownies to avoid sogginess.
How Can I Make These Brownies More Fudgy?
If you prefer a fudgier texture, reduce the baking time by a few minutes, and check for moist crumbs when testing with a toothpick. You can also add an extra egg yolk to the batter for a richer consistency!
