These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a dream come true! With rich, fudgy brownies topped with sweet strawberries and a smooth chocolate coating, they’re almost too cute to eat!
Honestly, who can resist a cute brownie? I always make extra since they disappear fast at parties. Perfect for sharing… or not! 😉 Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream, and you’re all set!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps this sweet treat from becoming too salty. You can use margarine or a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil if you prefer. Just make sure it’s melted!
Cocoa Powder: For that rich chocolate flavor, unsweetened cocoa powder is the best choice. If you’re out, you could substitute it with Dutch-process cocoa powder, which gives a milder taste.
Eggs: Eggs add moisture and richness. For a vegan version, unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas (1/4 cup per egg) can work well instead.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will elevate the flavor. If they’re out of season, feel free to use frozen strawberries, just thaw them and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are perfect for making ganache. If you want a different flavor, try dark chocolate or white chocolate chips instead!
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Stay Moist?
To keep your brownies moist and fudgy, it’s important not to over-bake them. Take them out when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs – this means they’re perfectly set without being dry.
- Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An oven thermometer can help!
- Keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is slightly different.
- Let them cool before cutting to set the chocolate ganache nicely!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Extra strawberries for garnish
- Drizzle of melted chocolate for decoration (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus some time for cooling. You’ll be enjoying these delightful brownies in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper—this makes removing the brownies so much easier!
2. Mix the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter gently. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and stir well. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to add some lovely flavor.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Now take the saucepan off the heat. Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to the mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You’re almost there!
4. Layer the Strawberries:
Spread half of the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Arrange the sliced strawberries over this first layer. Then, dollop the remaining brownie batter on top of the strawberries, using a spatula to carefully spread it out.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
While your brownies are baking, let’s make the chocolate ganache! In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove it from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips until they melt and the mixture becomes smooth.
7. Cool and Decorate:
Once the brownies are done, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, drizzle the beautiful chocolate ganache over the top.
8. Slice and Serve:
Cut the brownies into squares and garnish with extra strawberries. If you want a special touch, you can drizzle some melted chocolate on top as well. Yum!
9. Enjoy!
Now you’re ready to dig into your delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute the Butter for Another Fat?
Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. If you use coconut oil, make sure it’s in a liquid state when mixing. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
What Type of Strawberries Should I Use?
Fresh, ripe strawberries work best for this recipe! If they’re slightly underripe, they may not be as sweet, and overripe strawberries can turn mushy. Look for firm and bright red strawberries for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture. They should turn out just as tasty!
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 longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping to avoid condensation!
