These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a dream come true for dessert lovers! Rich, fudgy brownies topped with sweet strawberries and a shiny chocolate coat—yum!
If you’re looking for a fun way to impress your friends or satisfy your sweet tooth, this is it! I love serving these at parties. Everyone can’t resist grabbing one (or two!). 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives the brownies a rich flavor. If you’re short on butter, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a similar texture and taste.
Sugars: Using a mix of granulated and brown sugar enhances the depth of sweetness. If you want a lighter option, coconut sugar can be an alternative, but it may change the color slightly.
Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and structure. For a vegan version, consider using flax eggs—mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until thickened.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that chocolatey richness. If you prefer a different flavor, carob powder or Dutch-processed cocoa can work, but the taste will change somewhat.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring brightness and flavor. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries thawed and drained, but the texture may differ.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips add extra gooeyness. If you like, chocolate chunks or white chocolate can also be delicious alternatives.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Turn Out Perfectly Moist?
Getting the right texture is key when baking brownies. Here are some tips to keep them moist and fudgy:
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour. Mix until just combined to avoid tough brownies.
- Check for doneness a few minutes early. You want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set up properly.
- If you’re using the optional chocolate drizzle, it adds an additional layer of moisture and sweetness when served.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons 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)
- Additional chocolate for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, and then you’ll need 25-30 minutes for baking. Allow some extra time for the brownies to cool completely before drizzling with chocolate—about 30 minutes. So, we’re looking at roughly 1 hour total, including cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it well, and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the brownies out later!
2. Melt the Butter and Mix the Sugars:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melted, remove it from the heat and stir in both the granulated and brown sugars until they’re nicely blended. This will create a sweet base for your brownies.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, making sure to mix well after each egg. Stir in the vanilla extract next. This adds a lovely flavor to the brownies!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until it’s all combined. This will be your dry mixture. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Fold in Strawberries and Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time to gently fold in the sliced strawberries and chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will add a delightful texture and flavor to each bite!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Drizzle:
Once they’re done baking, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes. For the chocolate drizzle, melt some additional chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, then drizzle it over the cooled brownies. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a fancy look!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the brownies into squares, and if you’d like, garnish each square with whole strawberries for a beautiful presentation. Serve them up and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy brownies. Gently fold them into the batter to prevent crushing.
What If I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can substitute it with an equal amount of carob powder for a different flavor. Alternatively, you can use melted chocolate instead—about 4 ounces of melted chocolate will replace 1 cup of cocoa powder. Just reduce the sugar slightly since chocolate contains sugar.
Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
Absolutely! Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
How Can I Make These Brownies More Fudgy?
To make your brownies fudgier, you can reduce the flour by 1/4 cup and add an extra egg. Another option is to underbake them slightly—just a minute or two less when checking for doneness will yield gooier brownies!
