If you are searching for a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with the fresh sweetness of fruit, this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine fudgy, moist brownies topped with luscious chocolate-dipped strawberries that add a burst of juicy freshness and elegance. This delightful dessert perfectly balances indulgence and brightness, making it ideal for special occasions or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully, each contributing to the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. From the richness of melted butter and chocolate to the fresh pop of strawberries, every component plays a key role in crafting this crowd-pleaser.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Provides a luscious, moist texture that’s essential for fudgy brownies.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter while helping to create a shiny, crackly crust.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Gives structure while keeping the brownies tender.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Intensifies the chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate’s depth.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Ensures the brownies rise just enough for a pleasant texture.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Melt into gooey pockets of rich chocolate surprise.
- Fresh strawberries (6-8, hulled and sliced): Deliver juicy freshness and a vibrant color contrast.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates the luscious ganache for dipping strawberries.
- Semisweet chocolate (4 ounces, chopped): Used in the ganache to coat the strawberries for an irresistible finish.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked brownies that won’t stick or crumble.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns smooth and shiny. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is fully combined. This blend creates a rich base that contributes to both texture and flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Take a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps ensure they’re evenly distributed, which prevents clumps and leads to a uniform batter.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Overmixing can make brownies tough, so a gentle hand will keep them tender and fudgy. Once combined, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips for extra bursts of melty chocolate.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures your brownies stay rich and moist, not dry or cakey.
Step 6: Cool and Prepare Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. While they cool, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then remove from the heat. Add the chopped semisweet chocolate to the cream and stir until silky smooth. Dip each strawberry slice into this ganache, then place them on parchment paper to set, creating the ultimate chocolate-covered strawberry topping.
Step 7: Assemble and Enjoy
Once the brownies have cooled and the chocolate-covered strawberries are set, cut the brownies into squares. Top each piece with a luscious chocolate-covered strawberry slice. Serve these beauties to your family or friends and watch the smiles appear.
How to Serve Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For added charm, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the brownies just before serving or drizzle extra melted chocolate in a zigzag pattern. Fresh mint leaves can also provide a refreshing color contrast and enhance the presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk perfectly balances the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or celebrations, arrange the brownies on a decorative platter with extra dipped strawberries around the edges. You can also serve smaller, bite-sized brownie squares on fancy toothpicks topped with chocolate-covered strawberries for a fun and elegant finger food option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and flavorful without drying out. Keep the chocolate-covered strawberry toppings separate to maintain their crisp texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, placing the chocolate-covered strawberries in a separate container or freezing them uncoated, to be dipped fresh later. Frozen brownies maintain their freshness for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat brownies at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer them a bit fudgier. Avoid reheating the chocolate-covered strawberries, as this may cause the chocolate to melt and the fruit to lose texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries are best for the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe because they hold their shape and texture better. Frozen strawberries tend to become mushy and release extra moisture, which can affect the brownies.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute butter with a plant-based margarine, use flax eggs or another egg replacer, and choose dairy-free chocolate and cream alternatives. The results will still be delicious, though the texture may vary slightly.
Can I make the chocolate ganache ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ganache a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Before dipping the strawberries, gently warm the ganache until smooth again for easy dipping.
What is the best way to slice brownies?
For clean cuts, allow the brownies to cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped with a warm, damp cloth between cuts. This helps prevent crumbs and uneven edges.
Can I use different types of chocolate for the ganache?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate according to your preference. Each type adds its own unique flavor to the strawberries and the overall dessert.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to experience a dessert that balances rich chocolate decadence with the fresh sweetness of strawberries, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of elegance and a whole lot of joy to any occasion. Once you’ve tasted one, I bet you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies, combining rich, fudgy brownies with luscious chocolate-covered strawberries on top for a dessert that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat, these brownies feature a moist cocoa base dotted with chocolate chips and crowned with fresh strawberries dipped in silky melted chocolate.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
- 6–8 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy, creating a rich base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, blending well until fully combined and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder evenly to ensure a uniform dry mix.
- Make Brownie Batter: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, careful not to overmix which can lead to tough brownies.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Pour Batter: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips to add pockets of melty chocolate, then pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the brownies are perfectly fudgy.
- Cool Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to set properly before topping.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache for Strawberries: While brownies cool, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped semisweet chocolate, stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Coat Strawberries: Dip each strawberry slice into the melted chocolate ganache, ensuring each piece is fully coated, then place them on a parchment-lined plate and let them set until firm.
- Assemble the Dessert: Once the brownies have cooled, cut them into 12 squares and garnish each with a chocolate-covered strawberry slice placed on top for a visually stunning and delicious finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Present the chocolate-covered strawberry brownies as a delightful dessert and enjoy the luscious combination of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Ensure brownies have fully cooled before adding chocolate-covered strawberries to prevent melting.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
- For a richer ganache, you can add a teaspoon of butter to the cream-chocolate mixture.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Optionally, refrigerate if you prefer chilled brownies and to keep the chocolate-covered strawberries firm longer.
