These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a sweet treat! Imagine fudgy brownies topped with a rich layer of chocolate and fresh strawberries—yum!
Every bite feels like a little celebration. Honestly, I can never resist sneaking a piece when they’re around. They’re perfect for any occasion or just a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for its clean flavor and control over the saltiness. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter, though it might alter the taste slightly.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar gives the brownies nice sweetness. For a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, keeping in mind it may impact texture.
Eggs: Eggs add moisture and help bind the brownies. If you need a vegan alternative, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that rich chocolate taste. If you want something smoother, try Dutch-processed cocoa, which has a milder flavor.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a fruity and refreshing touch. If they’re out of season, you can swap with raspberries or blueberries for a similar effect. For a twist, use freeze-dried strawberries!
How Do I Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting the right brownie texture is all about timing and mixing. You want that delicious fudgy consistency! Here are some tips:
- Be careful not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients. Just fold until combined!
- Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different! Test with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set and makes it easier to cut neat squares.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
For the Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Extra strawberries for topping, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Allow for extra time to cool the brownies completely before adding the strawberries and chocolate drizzle. Overall, plan for about an hour before you can enjoy these sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will help the brownies come out easily when they’re done!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well mixed. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each one. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to give it a nice flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs but not wet batter. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary!
5. Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle:
While the brownies are baking, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Do this in 30-second increments, stirring in between until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
6. Cool and Decorate:
Once the brownies are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. After they’ve cooled, sprinkle the diced strawberries evenly on top of the brownies. Then, drizzle the melted chocolate over the strawberries, creating a zigzag pattern. You can use a spoon or if you want, a piping bag for a more fancy drizzle effect!
7. Final Touches:
Let the chocolate set for a few minutes before cutting the brownies into squares. Top with additional strawberry slices if you like before serving. Enjoy your delicious chocolate covered strawberry brownies!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can! If you prefer to use oil, opt for a light flavor like vegetable or canola oil. Use about 1/3 cup of oil instead of the 1/2 cup of butter. Just remember, using oil may make the brownies slightly denser, but they’ll still be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Cocoa Powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder on hand, you can try using unsweetened carob powder as a one-to-one substitute. Keep in mind this will change the flavor slightly, but it still adds a nice chocolatey essence!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just be sure to let them thaw and drain off any excess liquid before dicing and adding them to the brownies. This will help prevent the brownies from becoming too soggy.
