These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a sweet delight! With rich chocolatey goodness topped with fresh strawberries, they’re perfect for any chocolate lover.
They’re so simple to make, too! Just bake your brownies, add some melted chocolate on top, and layer on strawberries. Watch out, they might disappear quickly! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of your brownies. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil or vegetable oil can work as substitutes—just use slightly less, about 3/4 cup for every cup of butter.
Granulated Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness and moisture. For a healthier option, you could swap half for coconut sugar or use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the brownie and provide moisture. If you want an egg-free version, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder brings that rich chocolate flavor. If you don’t have any, carob powder can be a good alternative, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips create a lovely topping. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate can be substituted depending on your sweetness preference. You can also use a dairy-free version for a vegan option.
How Do I Melt Chocolate Chips Smoothly for Topping?
Melted chocolate can be tricky, but with the right steps, you’ll get a smooth finish! Here’s how:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl for convenience.
- Heat in 30-second intervals to avoid scorching. After each interval, stir the chips to distribute the heat and check their consistency.
- Once almost melted, let it sit for a minute; the residual heat will finish melting it. This way, you avoid overheating.
For a shiny glaze, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate. It helps it drizzle nicely over your strawberries!
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
- ÂĽ cup additional chocolate chips (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare, and another 20-25 minutes to bake. Remember to allow time for the brownies to cool completely before adding the strawberries and drizzle, so plan for an extra 30 minutes after baking. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Tools:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, you can grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help your brownies come out easily once they’re baked!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is fully melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until you have a nice mixture. Now it’s time to add the eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition! Don’t forget the vanilla extract—add that in too, mixing until your batter is smooth and inviting.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This step is important to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients in your brownies.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want our brownies to be fudgy and delicious!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Perfect for brownies!
6. Prepare the Chocolate-Covered Strawberries:
While your brownies are baking, you can start on the chocolate-covered strawberries. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips. Heat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in-between, until the chocolate is smooth and creamy.
7. Cool and Decorate:
Once the brownies are out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a great time to clean up your kitchen! After they’ve cooled down, arrange the sliced strawberries decoratively on top of the brownies. They will look so pretty!
8. Drizzle the Melted Chocolate:
Finish your masterpiece by drizzling the melted chocolate over the strawberries. This little touch makes everything look extra special!
9. Slice and Serve:
Now it’s time to slice your brownies into squares. Serve them up and enjoy your fantastic Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies! They are sure to impress everyone!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture on the brownies. Keep in mind that the texture might be a bit softer compared to fresh strawberries.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. If they’re topped with strawberries and chocolate, they may last a little less due to the freshness of the fruit, so enjoy them quick!
Can I Substitute Cocoa Powder with Dark Chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate. Use about 1.5 ounces of melted chocolate for every 1/3 cup of cocoa powder. Just adjust your butter slightly as you’ll be adding more fat with the chocolate. Melt the dark chocolate and mix it with the butter to start!
What’s the Best Way to Cut Brownies Evenly?
For nice, even cuts, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water, then wipe it dry before slicing. This helps to avoid sticking and creates cleaner edges. Cut the brownies while they’re completely cool for the best results!
