These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a dream come true! Soft, rich brownies are topped with fresh strawberries and covered in smooth chocolate, making every bite a little piece of heaven.
Honestly, who can resist that combination? I love making these for special occasions, but they vanish quickly! If you have leftovers, lucky you—but I doubt there will be any! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is vital for richness. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter. Just remember to cut back on the added salt in the recipe.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the brownies beautifully. If you prefer a healthier option, you can try coconut sugar or brown sugar for a slight caramel flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure to your brownies. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend works well too, but keep an eye on moisture, as these can vary.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers the chocolate flavor. If you need a substitute, try Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste, though it’s a little less intense.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add freshness. You can substitute with raspberries or chopped cherries if strawberries aren’t available. They would still taste great!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect. If you prefer dark chocolate, go ahead and use that instead. You can even mix both kinds for a richer flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting brownies to the right texture is essential for the perfect bite. Here’s how to ensure they turn out just right:
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients; just stir until combined to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Check them a little before the full baking time. A toothpick should come out with some moist crumbs—not wet batter, but not completely dry either.
- Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set and allows for cleaner slices.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 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
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking. Additionally, allow some time for the brownies to cool before adding the chocolate drizzle. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour from start to finish before you can enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and either grease it with a little butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help your brownies come out easily when they’re done baking.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once it’s all melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which is important for the texture of your brownies.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the melted butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. You don’t want to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.
5. Assemble the Brownies:
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Next, layer the sliced strawberries over the top of the batter. Then, pour the remaining brownie batter on top, making sure the strawberries are fully covered.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool and Drizzle:
After baking, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once they’re cool, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips either in the microwave or using a double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the brownies to create a delicious topping.
8. Add Dark Chocolate Drizzle:
For an extra touch, melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the brownies as well. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely look and taste!
9. Slice and Serve:
Allow the chocolate drizzle to set for a little bit before slicing your brownies into squares. If you’d like, serve them with additional fresh strawberries for a delightful treat. Enjoy your delicious chocolate covered strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before slicing. This will help prevent the brownies from becoming too soggy. If using frozen strawberries, you might want to reduce the baking time slightly to avoid overcooking the brownies.
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch. Alternatively, coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute can work well as dairy-free options—just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Nuts to the Brownie Batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a delightful addition. Simply fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts into the brownie batter before pouring it into the baking dish. This adds both texture and flavor!
