These chocolate covered strawberry brownies are a heavenly treat! Imagine fudgy brownies topped with sweet strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate. What’s not to love?
Whenever I make these brownies, they disappear fast! They are perfect for sharing or for having all to myself while binge-watching my favorite shows. 🤭
Making them is a breeze! I mix the brownie batter, bake, and then add those juicy strawberries on top. Fast, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is vital for rich flavor and texture. If you’re out, you could use margarine or coconut oil, but the flavor will differ slightly. I prefer unsalted butter since you control the saltiness.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the brownies and helps create a fudgy texture. You can swap it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use coconut sugar for a more natural option. Just be aware that it might change the texture a bit.
Cocoa Powder: The main player for that chocolatey taste! Use unsweetened cocoa for the best results. If you want to lighten it up a bit, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa, which will give a milder and less bitter flavor.
Fresh Strawberries: They add a fresh contrast to the rich brownies. If strawberries aren’t in season or available, raspberries or even cherries make great substitutes! Frozen berries work in a pinch, but drain any excess moisture.
Semi-sweet Chocolate: This is used for the drizzle. If you’re looking for a healthier or vegan alternative, try dark chocolate or vegan chocolate chips. White chocolate can also be a fun contrast!
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Getting brownies just right can be tricky! The key is to check for doneness carefully. Aim for a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Here’s how to monitor them:
- Set a timer for 30 minutes, then start checking every few minutes.
- Look for the edges to pull away slightly from the pan. This is a good sign that they’re done.
- Remember, brownies will continue to cook in the pan after removing them from the oven.
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 cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Additional strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 to 35 minutes to bake, plus 15 minutes to cool. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for everything to be ready—perfect for a sweet dessert or a special occasion!
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 for easy removal later. This ensures your brownies come out perfectly.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s combined nicely. Let this mixture cool for a few minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that wonderful flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into your wet ingredients until everything is just combined—don’t overmix!
4. Layer the Brownies:
Pour half of your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the sliced strawberries over this layer. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the strawberries and smooth it out for an even bake.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. They should look rich and fudgy!
6. Cool and Drizzle:
Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer them to a cutting board to cool completely. Then, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semisweet chocolate and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between until nice and smooth.
7. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled brownies. For a final touch, garnish with additional fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation. Allow the chocolate drizzle to set before slicing the brownies into squares. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate for the Topping?
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate works great, you can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter taste. Just remember the melting process is the same—microwave in short intervals to prevent burning.
How Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, particularly the baking powder, are gluten-free as well!
How Should 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 or freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter before spreading it into the pan. If you want to keep the strawberry flavor front and center, use a smaller amount of nuts to ensure the strawberries shine!
