These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a sweet treat you won’t forget! Chewy chocolate brownies topped with fresh strawberries and smooth chocolate are simply irresistible.
They’re great for sharing, or you might just want to keep them all to yourself—no judgment here! 😄 I love serving them at parties; they always steal the show!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives rich flavor to the brownies. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a non-dairy butter substitute. Both will still keep that moist texture.
Granulated Sugar: It sweetens and helps with the brownie texture. For a healthier twist, coconut sugar or brown sugar can also work. They add a different flavor and moisture!
Cocoa Powder: This is key for chocolate flavor. If you want a less intense flavor, feel free to use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Just keep in mind it will alter the taste slightly.
Chocolate Chips: Used for melting and drizzling. Semi-sweet is common, but dark or white chocolate chips could also enhance your brownies. If you’re avoiding chocolate, try a butterscotch or caramel chips instead.
Fresh Strawberries: They keep the brownies fresh and fruity. You can swap them with other berries like raspberries or blueberries according to what’s available.
How Do I Get My Brownies to Bake Just Right?
Getting brownies perfectly baked is an art! The key is to monitor the baking time and check for doneness carefully.
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, but start checking at around 25 minutes.
- Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Once you take them out, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack; this helps maintain texture.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Topping:
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for melting and drizzling)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for melting chocolate)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow some cooling time—about 10 minutes in the pan and then a bit longer on a wire rack. Altogether, you’re looking at around an hour before you can enjoy these scrumptious brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper so your brownies don’t stick.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter gently. Once it’s totally melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it mixes in smoothly.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
One by one, add the eggs, mixing well after each one. Follow it up by adding the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—it will keep your brownies nice and soft!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs when they’re done.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
While the brownies are baking, get started on the topping. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, doing so in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until it’s nice and smooth. Stir in the vegetable oil—this will give your chocolate a lovely glossy finish.
7. Cool the Brownies:
Once the brownies are finished baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully remove them from the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Top with Strawberries:
When the brownies are fully cooled, layer the sliced strawberries on top, arranging them however you like. Then, drizzle the melted chocolate over the strawberries in a fun, decorative way!
9. Slice and Serve:
Now it’s time to slice up your chocolate covered strawberry brownies and serve them. Sit back and enjoy this delightful treat!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter in this recipe! Just make sure to use the same amount (1 cup) and check that it’s a baking-friendly margarine for best results. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get delicious brownies!
What If I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can replace it with an equal amount of carob powder for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you could use melted unsweetened chocolate; use about 3 oz of melted chocolate for every 1 cup of cocoa powder needed, but reduce the butter by 2 tablespoons to adjust the fat content.
How Should 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 enjoying for the best texture!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Frozen strawberries can be used, but it’s best to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before adding them on top of the brownies. This will prevent the brownies from becoming soggy. For best flavor, use fresh strawberries when possible!
