There’s a certain magic that unfolds when the scent of chocolate fills the kitchen, mingling with the sweet fragrance of fresh strawberries. As I melted the rich cocoa and folded in those juicy slices, I could already envision the delight on my loved ones’ faces when they took their first bite of these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies. This dessert is not just a treat; it’s a celebration in every layer—fudgy, decadent, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively gathering, these brownies are sure to steal the show and have everyone asking for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up an indulgent masterpiece that’s both effortless and irresistible. Let’s dive into the recipe and create something truly special!
Why are Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies a must-try?
Decadent Indulgence: Each bite is a delightful mix of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, ensuring a mouthwatering experience.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this treat in no time.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, these brownies shine whether at a gathering or just for a cozy night in.
Customization Options: Easily adapt the recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free diets, making it accessible for everyone.
Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Irresistibly rich and fudgy, they are sure to disappear quickly from any dessert table! Enjoy these delights by keeping them warm and pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for that extra indulgence.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free treat.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
• Fresh Strawberries – Essential for that fruity burst of flavor; frozen berries can work as a substitute if thawed and well-drained.
• Cocoa Powder – Enhances chocolate richness; Dutch-processed cocoa can also be used with slight flavor variations.
For the Ganache
• Heavy Cream – Creates a luscious ganache finish; coconut cream can make it dairy-free but will reduce richness.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – The star of the ganache, providing a smooth and decadent topping; dark chocolate can substitute for a richer taste.
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are simply irresistible, and you’ll love how easy they come together!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal after baking.
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Melt Butter: Take your unsalted butter and melt it gently in a saucepan. Let it cool slightly—this step is important to avoid cooking the eggs later on.
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Combine Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, add the cooled butter and granulated sugar. Mix them together until fully combined, creating a smooth, creamy base.
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Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Stir in your vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps avoid lumps and ensures your brownies have the right texture.
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Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the sliced strawberries to keep their shape intact.
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Pour and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that fudgy texture.
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Make the Ganache: As the brownies bake, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it simmers. Remove from heat and stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth and velvety.
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Cool and Drizzle: Once the brownies are done, let them cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Drizzle the rich ganache over the top and allow it to set before slicing into squares. Garnish with extra strawberries for that perfect finishing touch!
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
• Cool Butter: Ensure the melted butter is slightly cooled before adding eggs to prevent cooking them, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in strawberries after combining wet and dry ingredients to maintain their shape and keep the brownies fudgy.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking the brownies a few minutes before the timer goes off with a toothpick to avoid over-baking.
• Let Ganache Set: Allow the ganache to fully drizzle and set on top of the brownies before cutting, enhancing the overall appearance and taste.
• Storage Tips: To keep your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these treats with delightful accompaniments that enhance their rich chocolatey goodness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy scoop adds a cool contrast, melting smoothly against the warm brownies for pure indulgence.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it complements the fudgy brownies while adding a touch of sweetness. Consider a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra flair.
- Fresh Berries: A mix of raspberries and blueberries brings freshness and a pop of color, balancing out the richness of the brownies.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling extra chocolate sauce over your brownies creates an ultra-decadent dessert experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the chocolate flavors, making for a comforting pairing that’s perfect for an afternoon treat or evening delight.
- Mint Tea: For a refreshing contrast, mint tea offers a delightful herbal touch that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
- Nutty Biscotti: Serve alongside crunchy biscotti for an added texture contrast—perfect for dipping in coffee or enjoying on the side.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of salted caramel lends a sweet and salty element, enhancing the overall flavor experience with each decadent bite.
- Cheesecake Squares: For a varied dessert spread, delicious cheesecake squares provide a creamy alternative; their tanginess pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Fruity Beer: If you’re looking for something unique, a lightly fruity beer can enhance taste profiles, bridging the gap between chocolate and refreshing flavors.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance before baking. Simply make the batter, pour it into the prepared pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This will help maintain moisture and flavor. On baking day, just pop the pan in the oven and bake as directed. Additionally, the ganache can be made up to 3 days ahead; store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before drizzling over the cooled brownies. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to serve with minimal effort and just as delightful as ever!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these delicious brownies to match your taste buds!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for everyone to enjoy.
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Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream in the ganache with coconut cream to keep it rich and dairy-free.
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Sugar-Free: Use stevia or a sugar substitute of your choice to lower the sweetness without sacrificing taste.
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Fruit Flavors: Switch out strawberries for raspberries or cherries to give your brownies a unique, fruity twist.
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Nuts Included: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for an extra crunchy texture that complements the fudgy base.
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Chocolate Variations: Experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips in the ganache for different flavor profiles and sweetness levels.
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Heat Things Up: Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the batter for a surprising kick that offsets the sweetness beautifully.
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Extra Topping: Top with crushed graham crackers or crushed Oreo cookies before serving for added crunch and flavor!
Explore these variations and make these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies your own deliciously unique creation!
Storage Tips for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fudgy texture and flavor.
Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enhance the taste.
Freezer: Wrap brownies individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If desired, warm brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven experience, perfect for pairing with a scoop of ice cream!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are bright red, plump, and free of dark spots. They should feel firm but slightly soft to the touch, indicating ripeness and juiciness. Avoid any that have been bruised or show signs of mold, as these can affect the overall flavor and integrity of your brownies.
How should I store leftover brownies?
For best results, store your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them to maintain freshness for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving to bring back that delightful texture!
Can I freeze Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
Definitely! To freeze your brownies, first wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag, and they will be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving. For a warm, gooey treat, heat them briefly in the microwave!
What do I do if my brownies turn out too dry?
Very importantly, dryness can happen if they are overbaked. Always start checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off using a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that fudgy texture. If they do turn out dry, try serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream to add moisture back into each bite!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
For those with dietary restrictions, it’s easy to adapt these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies! Use gluten-free flour as a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour to make them gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, opt for coconut oil in place of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the ganache. Always double-check ingredient labels to avoid any allergens, especially if you’re serving guests!
Irresistible Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Melt Butter: Take your unsalted butter and melt it gently in a saucepan. Let it cool slightly.
- Combine Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, add the cooled butter and granulated sugar. Mix them together until fully combined.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined—gently fold in sliced strawberries.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Make the Ganache: As the brownies bake, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it simmers. Stir in chocolate chips until smooth.
- Cool and Drizzle: Once the brownies are done, let them cool for 10 minutes and drizzle ganache over the top.