These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a delicious treat! They combine rich brownie goodness with fresh strawberries topped off with smooth chocolate. What’s not to love?
Every time I make these, I can’t resist sneaking some of the strawberries! 🍓 Plus, they’re easy to whip up for parties or a sweet night in. Your friends will be begging for the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the brownies. If you need a dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil or dairy-free spread, which will give you similar moisture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
Eggs: Eggs help bind and leaven the brownies. For a vegan version, use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute for each egg.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor. If you’re looking for something milder, Dutch-process cocoa powder can be used, but it might slightly alter the taste.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for that “chocolate-covered” taste. If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries can work too, but pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips give a nice balance of sweetness and richness. Dark chocolate chips can be a delicious swap for a more intense chocolate flavor.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Melted Chocolate for Topping?
Melted chocolate creates a luscious layer on your brownies. It’s key to avoid overheating, as chocolate can seize up. Here’s how to melt chocolate smoothly:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl. Start with 30-second bursts at medium power.
- Stir after each interval to evenly distribute the heat and prevent burning.
- If using a double boiler, keep water simmering below. Avoid letting water touch the chocolate.
- Once melted, whisk it until smooth before spreading on brownies.
With patience, your chocolate should melt perfectly, making your brownies irresistible!
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take approximately 15 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes for baking. After that, give it about 30 minutes in the fridge to set before serving. So, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes altogether!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Pan and Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help your brownies come out easily once they’re baked!
2. Melting the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt your 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and add in the granulated sugar. Stir it all together until it’s well combined – it should look nice and smooth.
3. Mixing in Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, it’s time to add the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps keep your batter nice and fluffy. Don’t forget to add the teaspoon of vanilla extract for that delicious flavor!
4. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the melted butter mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix, or your brownies might be tough!
5. Baking the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once done, let them cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Melting the Topping Chocolate:
Once your brownies are cool, let’s make them even more delicious with chocolate! In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Do this in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s smooth and shiny.
7. Spreading the Melted Chocolate:
Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of your cooled brownies. This will create a lovely, rich layer on top. Yum!
8. Adding the Strawberries:
Now, it’s time for the best part! Arrange the sliced strawberries nicely on top of the melted chocolate layer. Make it look pretty—this is the fun part!
9. Drizzling More Chocolate:
For a beautiful finish, melt the remaining ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Once smooth, use a piping bag or a fork to drizzle the melted chocolate over the strawberries. It will make them look fancy!
10. Setting it Up:
Finally, let your brownies set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the chocolate firm up a bit. After that, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of vegetable or canola oil. However, keep in mind that butter adds a unique flavor, so you might miss that buttery richness. If you use oil, the brownies may also have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
What if I Don’t Have Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips?
No problem! You can use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even chocolate chunks if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure the chocolate you choose is close to semi-sweet in sweetness to maintain the intended balance of flavors.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies 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. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy them at their best!
Can I Add Other Fruits Toppings?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, you can also use alternative fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even banana slices for a twist. Just be aware that different fruits may affect the flavor and moisture of the brownies.
