These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a delightful treat! With rich chocolatey brownies topped with sweet strawberries and creamy chocolate, they’re perfect for a treat or a special occasion.
Who can resist the combo of strawberries and chocolate? I always save some for later, but let’s be real, they rarely make it past the day! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of your brownies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter but reduce the added salt. Some people even use coconut oil for a different flavor and texture!
Semi-sweet chocolate: This is crucial for that rich brownie flavor. You can replace it with dark chocolate for a more intense taste or even use milk chocolate if you prefer it sweeter. Chocolate chips usually work well, too!
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a nice fruity touch. If strawberries aren’t available, you can use raspberries, cherries, or even some canned fruit—though the texture might differ slightly.
Eggs: The eggs give structure and moisture. For a vegan option, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
Melted chocolate adds a luscious texture but can burn easily if you’re not careful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use low heat on the stove, or microwave at low power.
- Combine the chopped chocolate with butter in a saucepan. Stir constantly until melted smooth.
- If using a microwave, place chocolate in a bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to check its progress.
- Remove from heat while a few small lumps remain; they will melt as you stir.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect melty chocolate for your brownies!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Additional strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need a short cool-down period, bringing the total time to about an hour or so before you can enjoy your delicious brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. Grease it lightly and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This will help you lift the brownies out later—easy peasy!
2. Melt the Butter and Chocolate:
In a medium saucepan, add the unsalted butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Place it over low heat and stir gently until everything is melted and smooth. Once melted, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit while you move to the next step.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything is nicely blended, and the mixture looks smooth and shiny.
4. Combine the Chocolate Mixture:
Now, pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar blend. Stir that all together until it’s completely smooth. You’re doing great!
5. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Sift the flour and salt right into your chocolaty mixture. Gently fold everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix! This helps keep your brownies nice and fudgy.
6. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Then, layer the sliced strawberries over the top. Pour the rest of the brownie batter on top, ensuring the strawberries are covered.
7. Bake the Brownies:
Pop the baking pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
8. Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift them out and cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Drizzle with Chocolate and Garnish:
After they’ve cooled, it’s time to drizzle! In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the brownies and add some extra fresh strawberries for a beautiful touch.
10. Slice and Serve:
Now, cut the brownies into squares and serve them up! Enjoy your mouthwatering Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies with friends and family. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but the brownies will still be delicious!
How Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw at room temperature before serving!
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Strawberries?
If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use other fruits like raspberries or sliced bananas for a twist. Alternatively, freeze-dried strawberries can work too—just rehydrate them a bit in water before adding them to the brownies.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a 1:1 substitute for the regular flour in this recipe. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, especially the chocolate, are gluten-free as well!
