These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a delicious treat! Imagine rich, fudgy brownies topped with sweet strawberries and a smooth chocolate coating. Yum!
I love making these for gatherings; they’re a hit every time! Just cut a piece and watch everyone smile—who can resist chocolate and strawberries together? 🍓🍫
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives the brownies a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. I’ve found that coconut oil adds a nice subtle taste!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or coconut sugar for a less refined option. I love using a mix of both for added richness!
Fresh Strawberries: These add freshness and sweetness. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use raspberries or even frozen strawberries—just thaw and drain them well before using.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are perfect here, but dark chocolate or milk chocolate can also work. If you prefer a healthier choice, try using dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa content.
Heavy Cream: This is key for the ganache. You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free ganache, or use a lower-fat milk for a lighter option, though it will be less rich.
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Are Perfectly Moist Yet Firm?
Getting brownies just right can be tricky! Here are some handy tips:
- Carefully measure your ingredients, especially flour and cocoa powder. Too much can lead to dry brownies.
- Mix your batter until just combined. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Keep an eye on baking time. They should have a few moist crumbs when you insert a toothpick. If it’s completely clean, they may be overbaked.
- Let them cool in the pan before adding the ganache. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Ganache:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Additional fresh strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need to let the brownies cool before drizzling on the chocolate ganache, so overall, plan for about 1 hour before you can dive into these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the brownies from sticking.
2. Make the Brownie Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once it’s nice and melted, take it off the heat and mix in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. Now, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely flavor.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Layer the Strawberries:
Pour half of your brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Then, layer the sliced strawberries on top of the brownie batter. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the strawberries, spreading it out to cover them completely.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with some moist crumbs, not wet batter.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
While those delicious brownies are baking, let’s whip up the ganache! In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Then, take it off the heat and add in the chocolate chips, stirring until it’s smooth and glossy.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool in the pan. After they’ve cooled a bit, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top and add some additional fresh strawberries for a beautiful garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to cut the brownies into squares. Serve them up and enjoy your amazing Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
## FAQs for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just remember to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your brownies. Dab them with a paper towel to ensure they’re not too wet before layering them in the batter.
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can substitute with an equal amount of margarine or coconut oil. Keep in mind that using salted butter might slightly change the flavor of the brownies, so consider reducing other salt in the recipe to balance it out.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store 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 remember to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your cocoa powder and chocolate chips are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. The texture may vary slightly but should still be delicious!
