These easy chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a real treat! Imagine rich, fudgy brownies topped with sweet strawberries and a smooth chocolate coat. Yum!
They’re perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. I love how pretty they look on a plate – it makes my desserts feel fancy, even when they’re super simple to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brownie mix: A box mix makes this recipe super easy! Feel free to make brownies from scratch if you prefer. Look for a recipe that includes cocoa powder for deep flavor.
Fresh strawberries: These add sweetness and freshness. If strawberries aren’t in season, try using frozen strawberries, thawed and drained, or swap in raspberries or sliced bananas!
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: I love semi-sweet chocolate for its balance of sweetness. If you’re looking for something darker, swap them for dark chocolate chips. Milk chocolate can also be used for a sweeter taste.
Heavy cream/milk: Heavy cream makes the chocolate drizzle rich and smooth. You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk if you prefer.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Bake Just Right?
Baking brownies perfectly requires some attention to timing and temperature. Here are some helpful tips:
- Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. An oven thermometer can help if yours runs hot or cold.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the edges rather than the center; the center will look undercooked due to the strawberries.
- Let them cool completely in the pan. This helps firm them up, making them easier to cut and serve.
With these tips, your brownies will be fudgy, delicious, and sure to impress!
Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. Don’t forget to allow some additional time for the brownies to cool completely before drizzling with chocolate. Total time is around 1 hour, but most of it is hands-off while they bake and cool!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven according to the brownie mix package instructions, which is usually set at 350°F (175°C). This step is important for even baking.
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
In a mixing bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Usually, this involves adding eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth, and be careful not to over-mix.
3. Layer the Brownies:
Pour half of the brownie batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. This base will hold all of those yummy strawberries!
4. Add Strawberries:
Once the first layer is ready, take your halved strawberries and arrange them cut side down on top of the brownie batter. Spread them out evenly across the surface for a delightful fruity taste in every bite.
5. Finish the Brownie Layer:
Pour the remaining brownie batter carefully over the strawberries. Use a spatula to gently spread it, ensuring the strawberries are covered completely by the batter.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the oven and bake according to the box instructions, which should be around 25-30 minutes. When done, a toothpick inserted near the edge should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter.
7. Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This cooling time helps set the brownies so they’re easier to cut later.
8. Melt the Chocolate:
While the brownies are cooling, melt the chocolate chips together with the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
9. Drizzle the Chocolate:
Once your brownies are cool, make the dessert extra special by drizzling the melted chocolate generously over the top of the brownies. Let it drizzle naturally for a beautiful finish!
10. Garnish if You Like:
If you want, add a fresh strawberry or two on top of each brownie piece for a pretty touch that also adds flavor.
11. Slice and Serve:
Allow the chocolate drizzle to set for a few minutes, then slice the brownies into squares. Enjoy these fudgy, fruity treats with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream!
Indulge in the combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries – they make for a perfect dessert treat that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Can I Use a Homemade Brownie Recipe Instead of a Box Mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make brownies from scratch, just ensure they have a similar fudgy texture to a box mix. Your favorite homemade recipe should work perfectly with the strawberries!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Strawberries?
If fresh strawberries are out of season, feel free to use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture. Alternatively, raspberries or sliced bananas can make delicious substitutions!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they last longer, keep them in the fridge for about a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the brownies a day in advance. Just allow them to cool completely, store them in an airtight container, and add the chocolate drizzle and any garnishes right before serving to keep everything looking fresh!
