These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a tasty treat that combines fudgy brownie magic with fresh strawberries covered in rich chocolate. Yum!
Who can resist the sight of those juicy strawberries peeking out? When I make these, I always pretend that the brownies are healthy because, you know, fruit! 🍓😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cocoa Powder: This is the star of the show for flavor! Unsweetened cocoa powder is best. For a milder taste, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead, but it might change the color and texture slightly.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugars add sweetness and moisture. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup, like erythritol or coconut sugar, though the texture might vary.
Butter: Unsalted butter is a must for control over sweetness. If you need a dairy-free option, go for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, but keep in mind that it might alter the final flavor a bit.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are essential for that juicy, fruity flavor. If they’re out of season, you could use frozen strawberries; just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before using.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are perfect for drizzling, but feel free to swap with dark chocolate for a richer taste or white chocolate for a sweeter contrast.
How Do You Get the Best Results for Mixing Your Brownie Batter?
The mixing process is crucial for perfect brownies. You want them chewy and fudgy, not cake-like. After combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, making the brownies rise too much and become fluffy.
- After adding the eggs, mix gently to keep the batter smooth without overworking it.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold in the flour and salt, ensuring there’s no dry flour visible. It should look shiny and thick.
Lastly, be sure to not skip the cooling step after baking; this helps set the brownies and makes cutting them easier!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownies:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 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
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let the brownies cool completely before topping them. So, overall, plan for about 1 hour including cooling time before enjoying your treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Oven and Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well, or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal of the brownies later!
2. Mix The Brownie Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk them together until everything is well mixed. Now, add in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is nice and smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor!
3. Combine The Dry Ingredients:
Gently fold in the flour and salt, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your brownies to be fudgy!
4. Bake The Brownies:
Pour the rich brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick stuck in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Yum!
5. Make The Chocolate Drizzle:
While your brownies are baking, you can prepare the chocolate drizzle. In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over low heat until it’s nice and warm but not boiling. Then, take it off the heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until everything is melted and smooth—this will be your delightful drizzle!
6. Cool Down and Assemble:
Once the brownies are baked, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they have cooled, top the brownies with the sliced strawberries, spreading them out evenly so every bite has some fruit!
7. Drizzle with Chocolate:
Now comes the fun part! Drizzle the melted chocolate over the strawberries. You can do this with a spoon or use a piping bag if you want to be fancy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
For an extra treat, you can add more strawberries or additional chocolate drizzle on top. Finally, cut the brownies into squares and serve them up. Enjoy your delicious chocolate covered strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but it’s best to thaw and slice them first. Drain any excess liquid to prevent soggy brownies. You might also want to bake them for an extra minute or two, as the moisture from the strawberries can make the brownies slightly looser.
Can I Substitute Another Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option. Keep in mind that the taste may slightly change, and the texture could differ, so you might need to experiment a bit to find your preferred balance.
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 make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
What if My Brownies Turn Out Too Cake-Like?
If your brownies are too cake-like, it might be because of overmixing or baking them for too long. To prevent this, mix the batter just until combined, and check for doneness a minute or two earlier than suggested. Remember, brownies are best when slightly underbaked for that fudgy texture!
