These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a fun and tasty dessert! With rich brownies topped with fresh strawberries and creamy chocolate, they’re perfect for sharing or indulging.
I can’t resist these cute little treats! They bring together two favorites: brownies and strawberries. Perfect for a party or just because—you know, for “research” purposes! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan butter or coconut oil—both work well in brownies!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness and structure. If looking for less sugar, you could substitute with coconut sugar or use a sugar alternative like agave syrup, adjusting the liquid content as needed.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives depth; however, you can swap half of it for Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can use gluten-free flour blends if needed. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum to help bind the brownies together.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe. If they’re out of season, use frozen ones but keep in mind they may be softer once thawed. You could also replace them with raspberries or cherries.
How Do I Get My Brownies to Be Extra Fudgy?
Getting that fudgy texture is all about the balance of ingredients and baking time. Here’s how:
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can make the brownies tough.
- Remove the brownies from the oven as soon as a toothpick shows some moist crumbs. Overbaking dries them out.
- Let them cool completely in the pan before adding the strawberries and chocolate; this helps set their texture.
By following these tips, you’ll have deliciously fudgy brownies perfect for topping with strawberries!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips (for drizzling)
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat will take about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. Allow additional time to cool before serving, so plan for a total of about 1 hour when you factor in the cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will help your brownies come out easily.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, pour in the melted butter and granulated sugar, then mix them together until they’re nicely combined. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to give it a lovely flavor.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Make sure there are no lumps! This dry mix will add the rich brownie texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Stir gently until everything is just combined; you don’t want to overmix it, or your brownies might end up tough!
5. Pour the Batter:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
7. Add the Strawberries:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and immediately place the sliced strawberries on top while they’re still warm. This allows the berries to meld beautifully with the chocolate.
8. Cool:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This is important to ensure they hold their shape when you cut them.
9. Drizzle with Chocolate:
While the brownies are cooling, you can prepare the chocolate drizzle. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the cooled brownies and strawberries.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for that perfect contrast to the sweetness. Allow the chocolate to set before cutting the brownies into squares. Enjoy your decadent chocolate-covered strawberry brownies!
These brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with fresh strawberries and chocolate drizzle—an irresistible combination sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the brownies from becoming soggy.
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, refrigerate them, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results. This will help maintain the structure of the brownies.
How Do I Reheat Leftover Brownies?
If you want to enjoy the brownies warm again, microwave a square for about 10-15 seconds, or until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat them, or they might dry out!
