These brownies are a delicious twist on a classic treat, topped with fresh strawberries and rich chocolate. They’re fudgy, sweet, and a perfect dessert for any occasion!
Mixing chocolate and strawberries is a match made in heaven! When I make these, I can’t help but nibble on the strawberries while preparing. It’s like a tiny fruit party! 🍓
What I love most is how quick and easy these brownies are to whip up. Just bake, top, and enjoy! They’re always a hit, and everyone wants the recipe. You’ll be the star of dessert time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for richness. You can substitute with coconut oil or margarine if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that this might slightly change the flavor and texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure. If you want to lower the sugar, consider using coconut sugar for a more natural alternative. It might give a hint of caramel flavor.
Eggs: They give moisture and help bind the brownies. If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute.
Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient! If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well so your batter doesn’t get too wet.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a nice richness. You can swap them for dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, or use dairy-free chocolate if needed.
How Do I Achieve the Best Brownie Texture?
The key to perfectly textured brownies lies in how you mix the ingredients. Always start by melting the butter and combining it with sugar until it’s well blended. This helps create a chewy, fudgy texture.
- Mix the eggs in one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This adds air, which helps with rising.
- When adding the dry ingredients, fold gently. Overmixing can make brownies tough!
Lastly, don’t forget to check your brownies a few minutes before the maximum baking time. Pull them out when a toothpick comes with a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy bite.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227g)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (100g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for melting)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
For Garnish:
- Additional strawberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need some time to cool the brownies before serving. Overall, you can enjoy these brownies in about 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, take a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it lightly, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Combine Butter and Sugar:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until everything is well combined. Allow this mixture to cool a bit before moving on to the next step.
3. Mix in Eggs and Vanilla:
Once the butter mixture has cooled slightly, whisk in the four large eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated. Then add in the teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Add Strawberries to the Batter:
Gently fold half of the sliced strawberries into the brownie batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overworking the batter.
6. Pour and Arrange:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Place the remaining sliced strawberries on top of the batter for an extra pop of flavor.
7. Bake the Brownies:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the brownies in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
While the brownies are baking, prepare your chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This will be your delicious top layer!
9. Cool the Brownies:
When the brownies are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once the brownies have cooled down, drizzle your luscious chocolate ganache over them. To finish, add some additional fresh strawberries on top for decoration.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to cut your brownies into squares and serve! Enjoy your decadent chocolate covered strawberry brownies with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent the brownies from becoming soggy. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries might be softer, so they may not hold their shape as well on top of the brownies.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream for the Ganache?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but your ganache will be a bit less rich and a little thinner. If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider adding a tablespoon of butter along with your milk to enhance the creaminess!
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container; they can last up to 3 months.
Can I Add Nuts to the Brownie Batter?
Absolutely! If you love a crunchy texture, feel free to fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter along with the sliced strawberries. Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces so they integrate nicely with the brownies!
