These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a tasty treat that everyone will love! Moist, chocolaty brownies topped with sweet strawberries and rich chocolate make for a delicious combo.
Trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one! The crunchy chocolate shell with juicy strawberries has my heart. Pair it with a glass of milk, and you’ve got yourself a perfect dessert! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: These sugars give sweetness and moisture. If you’re aiming for a lower sugar option, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but keep in mind it may affect the texture slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter ensures you control the saltiness of your brownies. If you need a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut oil or vegan butter, which can work just as well.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and add moisture. If you’re vegan or allergic, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies their rich chocolate flavor. You could swap it for Dutch-processed cocoa if you prefer a smoother taste.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best for a burst of flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries can be a good substitute, just thaw them first and drain excess water.
Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips is optional but provides extra richness! Use dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for an interesting twist.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Turn Out Perfectly Every Time?
Getting brownies just right can be tricky! Here are important tips to help you achieve delicious results:
- Combine Sugars and Butter Well: Make sure to mix the sugars and melted butter thoroughly for an even sweetness throughout.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. A few lumps are okay.
- Layering: When adding strawberries between the brownie layers, make sure they don’t touch the edges of the pan to prevent burning.
- Testing for Doneness: A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean, which ensures fudgy brownies!
- Cooling: Allowing brownies to cool properly helps set their structure. Using the parchment overhang method makes it easy to transfer them to a rack.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (180g) strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional for the brownie batter)
For the Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup (100g) melting chocolate or dark chocolate for drizzling
- Extra strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take you about 15 minutes for prep and around 30-35 minutes for baking. After baking, allow for 15 minutes of cooling in the pan, plus additional time for the brownies to cool completely. Altogether, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, you’ll want to get your oven cranking! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, take an 8×8-inch baking pan and grease it lightly. Then, line it with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the edges. This will make it super easy to lift the brownies out later!
2. Mix the Sugars and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Use a whisk or a wooden spoon to stir it all together until it’s nice and smooth. This is the sweet base for your brownies!
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, crack in the eggs one at a time. Mix well after adding each egg. This helps the mixture become fluffy. Next, pour in the vanilla extract and give it a good stir to combine all the flavors!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This step helps to avoid lumps and makes your brownies extra smooth. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold them in for a melty surprise!
5. Layering the Brownies:
Time to get your batter into the pan! Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Evenly layer the sliced strawberries over this first layer of batter. Then, pour the remaining brownie batter on top and gently smooth it out.
6. Baking Time!
Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, not batter.
7. Cooling the Brownies:
When the brownies are finished baking, take them out and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out and set them on a cooling rack to cool completely.
8. Drizzle Time:
Once your brownies are completely cool, it’s time to melt the chocolate for drizzling. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and melt it in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until it’s nice and smooth.
9. Finish and Garnish:
Now for the fun part! Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled brownies in any fashion you like—make it pretty! Then, add some extra strawberries on top for that beautiful finishing touch.
10. Cut and Serve:
Finally, cut your brownies into squares. Serve them up and enjoy the yummy goodness of your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Substitute Coconut Oil for Butter?
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for butter in this recipe! Use the same amount of melted coconut oil (1 cup) to keep the texture similar. Just note that the flavor might be a bit different, with a subtle coconut taste.
Can I Use Other Berries Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can replace strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Just ensure they are hulled and sliced if needed, and adjust the quantity to keep the balance of flavors in your brownies.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any 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. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing!
How Can I Make These Brownies More Fudgy?
To achieve a more fudgy texture, reduce the flour slightly to about 3/4 cup (95g) and avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness at around 25 minutes to keep that perfect fudgy center!
