These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a tasty treat! They mix rich, fudgy brownies with sweet, juicy strawberries, all wrapped in delicious chocolate.
Every bite is like a mini party in your mouth. I can’t resist sneaking one (or three) when they’re still warm. Perfect for sharing—if you’re feeling generous! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for temperature control and flavor. If you’re out, you can use margarine or even coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness, but brown sugar can add a hint of caramel flavor! Use half brown sugar for a richer taste.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is essential for that deep chocolate flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal, but frozen strawberries can work too. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, but feel free to switch them for white chocolate or even milk chocolate for a different twist!
Heavy Cream: This makes the ganache creamy. If you’re looking to cut calories, use half-and-half, or for a dairy-free option, try coconut cream.
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Are Perfectly Cooked?
Perfect brownies have a delicate balance between chewy and fudgy. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Preheat the oven properly. A steady heat is crucial for even baking.
- Use the toothpick test wisely; you’re looking for moist crumbs, not clean, which means they’re still fudgy!
- Let the brownies cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely.
These tips will help ensure your brownies are moist and delicious every time! Enjoy your baking and those tasty strawberry treats!
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 strawberries, hulled and sliced (fresh)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
For the Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Extra strawberries for garnish
- Melted chocolate or chocolate sauce for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Then, allow some time for cooling before serving. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour before you can enjoy your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the brownies later!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat until it’s fully liquid. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well mixed.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Next, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Fold in the Strawberries:
Now it’s time to fold in the sliced strawberries. Gently combine them into the brownie batter, so they’re evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Prepare the Ganache:
While the brownies are baking, let’s make the chocolate ganache! In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat until it starts to simmer. Remove it from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once the brownies are finished baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares.
9. Top and Garnish:
Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the brownies. You can also add an extra slice of strawberry on top of each brownie and a drizzle of melted chocolate or chocolate sauce if you like!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, and watch everyone enjoy this delightful treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but it’s best to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. After thawing, pat them dry with paper towels before slicing and folding them into the batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Substitute the Unsalted Butter with Coconut Oil?
Absolutely! You can substitute unsalted butter with melted coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio. This will give the brownies a subtle coconut flavor and make them dairy-free! Just make sure to let the coconut oil cool slightly before adding it to the sugar.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream for the Ganache?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use coconut cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a non-dairy version, try almond milk or soy cream, but be aware that the ganache might not be as thick. Simply heat it gently and adjust the amount of chocolate chips used for a smoother consistency!
