These chocolate covered strawberry brownies are a delightful treat! Rich, fudgy brownies topped with fresh strawberries and a smooth chocolate layer make for a dreamy dessert.
Who can resist a dessert that looks so pretty and tastes amazing? I love serving these at parties—they’re always a hit. Plus, they’re fun to make with friends! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter gives the brownies a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use salted butter, just skip the added salt in the recipe.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar can be a good substitute, but it may change the texture slightly.
Eggs: Eggs give structure to the brownies. For an egg substitute, try 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
All-Purpose Flour: The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or a gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that chocolatey taste. If you’re out, you can use Dutch-process cocoa, keeping in mind it will alter the flavor slightly.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a delightful fruity note. If they’re out of season, you might use frozen strawberries, but they should be thawed and drained first.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting the right brownie texture is all about mixing and baking. Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; mix just until combined. This keeps the brownies fudgy! Also, watch your baking time closely.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let them cool completely in the pan for easier cutting, which helps maintain their shape.
And don’t forget, allowing the brownies to set after adding the chocolate drizzle enhances the presentation—so be patient!
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 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Drizzle:
- 4 ounces dark chocolate (for drizzling)
- Extra strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need 30-35 minutes to bake the brownies. Don’t forget to let them cool completely before adding the chocolate drizzle, which will take another 10 minutes. In total, you’ll invest around 1 hour and 15 minutes, but the wait will be worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it, and line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the brownies later!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat, and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This ensures all your dry ingredients are mixed thoroughly before adding them to the wet ingredients.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix – it’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
5. Layer the Batter and Strawberries:
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Now, layer the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the batter. Pour the rest of the brownie batter over the strawberries, making sure to spread it evenly again.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Check them by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done!
7. Let Them Cool:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This may take about 30 minutes.
8. Melt the Dark Chocolate:
While the brownies cool, place the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt it in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between, until it’s smooth and shiny.
9. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once your brownies are cool, cut them into squares. Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over each square and don’t forget to top them with extra fresh strawberries for a pretty presentation!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the chocolate drizzle set slightly before serving. Now, grab a brownie, enjoy a bite of this delicious chocolate-covered strawberry treat, and share the love with friends and family!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can! Use a light oil like vegetable or canola oil in a 1:1 ratio. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, and the brownies might be a little less rich. If using oil, mix it in well with the sugar and eggs.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen strawberries beforehand to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter. Pat them dry with paper towels to help keep the brownies from becoming soggy.
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, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
What’s the Best Way to Cut Brownies for Clean Slices?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and warm it up under hot water, then dry it off before slicing. This helps prevent the brownies from sticking to the knife. You can also refrigerate them for about an hour before cutting to firm them up for easier slicing!
