These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a sweet delight! With fudgy brownies topped with fresh strawberries and creamy chocolate, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Honestly, these treats are like biting into happiness! I can’t help but sneak a few when they’re cooling. Who can resist that chocolate goodness? 🍫🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the salt in your brownies. If you prefer, you could use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a different flavor and to make it dairy-free.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the main sweetener here, but you can swap half for brown sugar. This adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that pairs nicely with chocolate.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only add flavor but make the brownies beautiful! If strawberries aren’t in season, you could use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them and pat dry before adding.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is best for rich brownie flavor. Dark cocoa powder can be used for a deeper chocolate taste, or you can substitute with carob powder if you want a caffeine-free option.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is the standard choice, but you can use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate if that’s what you prefer! For a healthier option, choose chocolate chips with a higher cocoa percentage.
How Do You Make a Smooth Chocolate Ganache?
Making chocolate ganache is simple, but it’s important to get the right texture. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Heat the heavy cream until it’s just simmering—that means small bubbles forming around the edges, not boiling.
- Remove the cream from heat immediately to prevent scorching. Add the chocolate chips.
- Let them sit for a minute to soften, then stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth. If it seems too thick, you can add a little more warm cream.
Remember, patience is key! Take your time to mix until completely melted and smooth, as this will give your brownies a glossy finish.
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 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Additional strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, give the brownies a little time to cool and set with the chocolate ganache, making the total time approximately 1 hour. Perfect for a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking dish, grease it lightly, and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will help you easily lift the brownies out later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until everything is well mixed together.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated into the mixture.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, 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. Fold in Strawberries:
Gently fold in the sliced fresh strawberries into your brownie batter. This will add a delicious fruity flavor to your brownies!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, use a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs sticking to it. That’s perfect!
7. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
While the brownies are baking, prepare the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Once hot, remove it from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. It should look glossy and rich!
8. Cool and Drizzle:
When the brownies are finished baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, drizzle the luscious chocolate ganache over the top and allow it to set for a bit.
9. Cut and Garnish:
After the ganache has set slightly, cut the brownies into squares. Top each brownie with additional fresh strawberries for a lovely finish.
10. Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in! Enjoy your amazing Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, perfect for sharing or treating yourself!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can substitute butter with oil, but the texture may differ slightly. Use 3/4 cup of a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for similar moisture. Keep in mind that butter adds a richer flavor, so if you have access to it, sticking with butter is best!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Strawberries?
No worries! You can use frozen strawberries instead. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent the batter from becoming too wet. Alternatively, you could use another fruit like raspberries or cherries for a delicious twist!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum, or add 1/4 teaspoon to help with the structure. The baking time may remain the same, but keep an eye on them as they may bake a little quicker!
