These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a dreamy treat! They combine rich, fudgy brownies with fresh strawberries all wrapped in chocolate goodness. Yum!
I love making these for special occasions or just a sweet night in. Plus, who can resist that combo of chocolate and juicy strawberries? It’s like a party in every bite! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of your brownies. If you’re out, you can replace it with coconut oil or margarine for a different flavor and texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is traditional in brownies. Brown sugar can be a great substitute, adding moisture and a slight caramel taste. You could also use coconut sugar for a less processed option.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper taste. Just mix in a little less sugar, as it can be sweeter.
Fresh Strawberries: You can use other fruits like raspberries or cherries if strawberries aren’t available. Frozen berries can work too, but make sure to thaw and drain them first!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is perfect, but dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips can be delicious alternatives. You could even chop up a chocolate bar if that’s what you have.
How Can You Ensure Your Brownies Are Fudgy and Moist?
The secret to fudgy brownies lies in how you mix and bake them. Be gentle when combining your wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to cake-like brownies instead of fudgy ones.
- Mix until just combined; some lumps are okay!
- Keep an eye on baking time. Check for doneness with a toothpick – you want a few moist crumbs, not a clean toothpick.
Letting the brownies cool completely before slicing is key to getting nice clean cuts. I recommend using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts for the best results.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 1 hour. This includes around 15 minutes for prep, 25-30 minutes for baking, and the time needed for the brownies to cool before adding the toppings. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some extra paper hanging over the sides—this makes it super easy to lift the brownies out later!
2. Melting the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, place the 1 cup of unsalted butter and melt it over medium heat. It won’t take long! When it’s all melted, take it off the heat and stir in the 2 cups of granulated sugar. Let this mix cool for just a bit so it’s not too hot when you add the eggs.
3. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to whisk in the 4 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract as well! Whisk until everything is nice and smooth and well combined.
4. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. This will help keep your brownies light and fluffy!
5. Mixing It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until it’s just combined. Try not to overmix, or your brownies may turn out tough!
6. Baking the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect!
7. Melting the Chocolate:
While the brownies are baking, you can melt the chocolate chips! Place 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s all smooth and melted.
8. Cooling the Brownies:
Take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This is important, so don’t rush this step!
9. Adding Strawberries:
Once the brownies have cooled, it’s time to top them! Evenly spread the sliced strawberries over the brownie surface, pressing them down very gently so they stick.
10. Drizzling with Chocolate:
Now for the fun part—drizzle the melted chocolate over the strawberries in a lovely pattern. Get creative here—make it as fancy as you like!
11. Letting It Set:
Allow the chocolate to set for just a few minutes before you slice into those brownies. This way, it firms up a little and looks gorgeous.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Cut the brownies into squares, serve them up, and enjoy the deliciousness of your chocolate-covered strawberry brownies! They are sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before slicing to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the brownies from becoming too soggy.
What If I Don’t Have Unsweetened Cocoa Powder?
If you’re out of unsweetened cocoa powder, you can use dark cocoa powder or Dutch-process cocoa powder as a substitute. Both will add a rich chocolate flavor, but they may alter the color slightly. Avoid using sweetened cocoa mixes, as they can affect the sugar balance in the recipe.
How Should I 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, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Make sure the mix contains xanthan gum to help with texture. The recipe will still yield delicious results!
