These chocolate covered strawberry brownies are a delicious treat that combines gooey chocolate with fresh strawberries on top. They look as good as they taste!
Honestly, who can resist the combo of chocolate and strawberries? I love serving these at parties—they’re always the first dessert to disappear! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is the base for your brownie batter. Unsalted is key so you can control the saltiness. If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil or a butter substitute like margarine.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps to create the brownie’s texture. If you prefer, you can swap part of it with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or use a sugar substitute for a healthier option.
Fresh Strawberries: They give moisture and a fresh burst of flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to use frozen strawberries, just ensure they are thawed and drained first.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is essential for that deep chocolate flavor. If you want a sweeter brownie, you can use Dutch-process cocoa, but adjust the sugar down a bit.
Chocolate Chips: For the ganache, any chocolate chips work – semi-sweet, dark, or white. If you want a dairy-free version, look for vegan chocolate chips.
How Do I Properly Melt Chocolate for the Ganache?
Melted chocolate can be tricky, but it’s key for a shiny ganache. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the cream in a saucepan until it simmers, but don’t boil it. This gentle heat helps to soften the chocolate.
- Add chocolate chips and let them sit for a minute. The heat from the cream will gently melt them.
- After a minute, stir until smooth. If it’s not fully melted, return it to low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Make sure not to get any water in your chocolate, as this can cause it to seize!
These steps will ensure a lovely ganache that’s perfect for topping your brownies!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup 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
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for melting)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
For Garnish:
- Additional strawberries, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll let the brownies cool for about 10 minutes before adding the ganache and toppings. Make sure to allow enough time for cooling before diving in—so plan for about 1 hour in total before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will help you easily lift the brownies out later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well mixed together.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Let the butter and sugar mixture cool down a bit; then, add the eggs one at a time. Be sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a delicious flavor boost!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. You want to avoid overmixing!
5. Fold in the Strawberries:
Gently fold half of the sliced strawberries into the brownie batter. Then pour this mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You can check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs sticking to it.
7. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
While the brownies are baking, let’s prepare the chocolate ganache! In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove it from the heat and add the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until it’s nice and smooth.
8. Cool the Brownies:
Once the brownies are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Then pour the smooth chocolate ganache over the brownies, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
9. Add the Final Touches:
Top your brownies with the remaining sliced strawberries, gently pressing them into the ganache so they stick. If you want to get fancy, drizzle some extra melted chocolate over the top for decoration!
10. Let it Cool:
Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This might take a little time, but it will be worth the wait!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, it’s time to dig in! Serve your delightful chocolate-covered strawberry brownies and enjoy every delicious bite. Share with friends or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
Can I Substitute the Unsalted Butter?
Yes! You can use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute. If you’re using salted butter, just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to compensate. Remember to keep consistency similar to ensure the brownies bake perfectly.
What if I Can’t Find Fresh Strawberries?
No worries! You can use frozen strawberries instead, just be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the brownies. You can also replace them with other fruits like raspberries or cherries for a different flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze brownies for up to 3 months—just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your chocolate chips and any additional ingredients are also gluten-free to maintain overall compatibility!
