These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a sweet treat that combines rich chocolatey goodness with fruity bites. They’re fudgy, messy, and oh so delicious!
Who can resist chocolate and strawberries? I love how easy they are to make! Just whip up the brownie batter, top with fresh strawberries and chocolate, and enjoy a bite of bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for flavor and texture. If you’re short on butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but butter really adds richness that’s hard to replicate.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and moisture, granulated sugar is a must. You can try brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Eggs: Eggs help bind and provide structure. If you’re vegan, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Cocoa Powder: This gives your brownies their chocolate flavor. If you don’t have unsweetened cocoa, you can use Dutch-process cocoa for a milder taste, or even carob powder for a different twist.
Fresh Strawberries: They add both flavor and decoration. If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to use raspberries or even dried fruit like cherries for a different fruity kick.
Chocolate Chips: I prefer semisweet for balance, but dark chocolate chips work too. You can use white chocolate for a sweeter taste or dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option.
What’s the Best Way to Mix the Batter?
Getting the brownie batter right is crucial for the best texture. Start with melted butter to ensure smooth blending. After adding eggs, mix until well combined, but be careful not to over-mix after adding the flour and cocoa. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Melt the butter and combine it with sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time to allow them to blend in fully.
- When mixing in the dry ingredients, stir gently just until the flour disappears for fudgy brownies!
This technique ensures your brownies have that rich, tender texture we all love. Happy baking!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 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
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or dark)
For the Optional Toppings:
- Additional chocolate for drizzling (optional)
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, let your brownies cool for about 15 minutes in the pan, and then cool completely on a rack. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour for the entire process before enjoying your tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it lightly. Line the bottom with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift out the brownies later!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. Smell that buttery goodness!
3. Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then, add in the vanilla extract. Stir until everything is nicely blended and creamy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter mixture. Stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix. We want these brownies to stay fudgy!
5. Add Strawberries and Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in half of your sliced strawberries and half of the chocolate chips into the brownie batter. This is where the magic happens—chocolate and strawberries together!
6. Spread and Top the Batter:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Take the remaining sliced strawberries and press them gently into the top, then sprinkle on the rest of the chocolate chips.
7. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Perfect!
8. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
9. (Optional) Drizzle with Chocolate:
If you’re feeling fancy, melt a bit of chocolate in the microwave or a double boiler, and then drizzle it over the cooled brownies for a beautiful touch.
10. Slice and Serve:
Once completely cooled, slice the brownies into squares. Serve them up with a garnish of fresh strawberries on top, if you wish. Enjoy every bite of your delicious chocolate covered strawberry brownies!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. This will give your brownies a slightly different texture, making them denser and fudgier. Just remember that using oil will also change the flavor a bit, so choose an oil with a neutral taste if you want to maintain that rich brownie flavor!
How Can I Adjust the Sugar in This Recipe?
If you’re looking to reduce the sugar, you can decrease it by up to 1/2 cup without drastically affecting the brownies’ texture. Another alternative is to use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, but make sure to check the conversion ratio as they can vary significantly.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the brownies. Pat them dry with a paper towel for best results!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them thaw completely before enjoying!
