These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are the ultimate treat! Rich, fudgy brownies topped with sweet strawberries and smooth chocolate make them so tempting.
Who can resist that combo? Every bite is like a tiny party in your mouth! 🎉 I always bring these to parties, and they’re gone in minutes—trust me, everyone loves them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is key for controlling the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just remember that coconut oil has a distinct flavor!
Chocolate: Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate gives the brownies depth. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use milk chocolate, though it will be sweeter. You can also use chocolate chips for an easily meltable option.
Sugars: I love the mix of granulated and brown sugar. The brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute one for the other, but the texture may vary slightly.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add brightness! If they’re out of season, feel free to use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How Do I Get Fudgy Brownies Every Time?
To achieve fudgy brownies, it’s all about technique! Start by gently melting your butter and chocolate together. Be patient and use low heat to avoid burning. When mixing, whisk until just combined—overmixing introduces air and can lead to cake-like brownies!
- Layering strawberries can seem a bit tricky. A good tip is to distribute them evenly, so every bite has a fruity taste.
- Check for doneness 2-3 minutes before the timer goes off. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, indicating fudginess.
- Let brownies cool completely before cutting—this helps them set and makes for cleaner slices!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 oz (115g) dark chocolate or chocolate chips (for topping)
- Flaked sea salt, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the brownies to cool completely and set in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. So, set aside about 1.5 hours total to enjoy this delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some parchment overhang on the sides—this helps you lift the brownies out later!
2. Melt the Chocolate & Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and the chopped chocolate together over low heat. Keep stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth and melted. Remove it from heat and let it cool a bit. You want it warm, not hot!
3. Mix in the Sugars:
Now, whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until everything is combined well. The warmth from the chocolate and butter will help melt the sugars, creating a nice, smooth batter.
4. Add the Eggs & Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time into the mixture, whisking well after each addition. This helps to incorporate them fully. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor!
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This helps to remove any lumps and ensures even mixing.
6. Mix It All Together:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture. Be careful not to overmix—just mix until you see no more flour streaks.
7. Layer the Brownies:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Next, arrange the fresh strawberry slices on top of this layer. They’ll add a fruity surprise in the brownies!
8. Add the Final Batter Layer:
Carefully spoon or spread the remaining batter over the strawberries, covering them up. It’s okay if some strawberries peek through—it just means more strawberry goodness!
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick near the center. It should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
10. Cool Down:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key here!
11. Add the Chocolate Topping:
When the brownies are cool, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler until silky smooth. Drizzle this lovely chocolate over the brownies, and don’t forget to add more fresh strawberry slices on top!
12. Final Touch:
If you like, sprinkle a bit of flaked sea salt over the top for an extra touch of flavor. Now, pop the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help set the chocolate.
13. Slice and Serve:
Finally, use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy your decadent chocolate-covered strawberry brownies with family and friends!
These brownies are sure to be a hit, combining rich chocolate goodness with fresh strawberries for a truly delightful treat. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! While strawberries add a wonderful flavor and texture, you can substitute them with raspberries, cherries, or even diced bananas. Just make sure the fruit is firm enough to hold up when baked!
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh, store them 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 or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make these brownies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend you choose includes xanthan gum for better structure!
What Temperature Should I Use for Melting Chocolate?
When melting chocolate, use low heat to prevent burning. If you’re using a microwave, start in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler for gentle melting.
