These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a sweet treat that mixes rich chocolate with fresh strawberries. Each bite is like biting into a chocolate-covered strawberry—decadent and fun!
If you’re anything like me, you’ll end up licking the bowl clean after making these! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—pure chocolate happiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect here, adding richness without extra salt. If you’re dairy-free, consider using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, which works well for baking too.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives your brownies depth. If you want a different flavor, try Dutch-processed cocoa for a mellower taste, but avoid using sweetened cocoa as it will throw off the balance of sweetness.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate adds that luscious layer on top. For a lighter take, you can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, there are plenty of vegan chocolate brands available.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star here. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Moist and Fudgy?
The secret to rich, fudgy brownies lies in how you mix and bake them. Overmixing can lead to a cakey texture, which we want to avoid!
- Mix wet ingredients until just combined, and don’t overbeat after adding the flour.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Your brownies should be set on the edges but still soft in the middle—this ensures they don’t bake too long.
- If you like, underbake them slightly for that extra gooeyness. A toothpick should come out with some moist crumbs.
Letting them cool completely before slicing helps retain moisture and gives you clean cuts for serving.
Enjoy making these brownies, where every layer shines with chocolatey goodness and fresh fruit!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 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
For the Topping:
- 8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (for melting)
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need 25-30 minutes to bake the brownies. After baking, let them cool for about 1 hour, then add the toppings. In total, expect about 1 hour and 45 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, or lightly grease it with butter to ensure easy removal of the brownies later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to add a lovely flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps to aerate the dry ingredients and ensures that everything is evenly distributed.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher brownies. Pour your luscious brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake and Cool:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but no raw batter. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
While the brownies cool, melt the chopped chocolate using a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. If using the microwave, melt in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth.
7. Assemble the Toppings:
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the brownie surface. Arrange the sliced strawberries atop the melted chocolate while it’s still warm, so they stick well. If desired, drizzle any leftover melted chocolate over the strawberries for added decoration.
8. Final Touches:
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavor contrast. Now, let the chocolate set before slicing into squares.
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself — treat yourself to this delicious twist on a classic dessert!
Can I Use Different Fruits for Topping?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, you can switch it up with raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced bananas. Just ensure the fruit is fresh and properly prepared to keep it from adding excess moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture!
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze these brownies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
What If My Brownies Turn Out Too Cake-Like?
If your brownies are cake-like, it might be due to overmixing the batter or baking them too long. For dense and fudgy brownies, mix just until combined and check for doneness a few minutes early. Remember, they should still be soft in the middle when pulled from the oven!
