When fresh strawberries are in season, there’s an almost magnetic pull to create something sweet and indulgent. That’s how I found myself whipped into a delightful frenzy in the kitchen, whipping up a batch of Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies. Each bite of these decadent treats transports you to a realm of fudgy chocolate bliss, perfectly complemented by the juicy burst of strawberries. Topped with a silky ganache that ties everything together, they strike a perfect balance of flavors without overwhelming your palate.
These brownies are more than just dessert; they can elevate any gathering, from casual family dinners to romantic evenings. Let’s face it—we’re all craving something a bit more exciting than take-out, and these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies bring a touch of gourmet flair to homemade cooking! If you’ve been searching for a recipe that impresses without complicating your life, you’re in for a treat. Get ready to indulge in something truly special!
Why are Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies a must-try?
Indulgence Awaits: These brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich chocolate and fresh strawberries in every bite.
Flavor Harmony: The smooth ganache brings a luxurious finish that complements the fudgy brownie and juicy strawberries perfectly.
Versatile Treat: Ideal for any occasion—be it celebrations, romantic dinners, or simple cravings, they never fail to impress!
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, you’ll have these delicious brownies baking in no time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Bring people together with this irresistible dessert; it’s bound to spark joy and compliments at any gathering.
Perfectly Balanced: Enjoy the sweet flavor without overwhelming sweetness, making it a dessert you can feel good about serving.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness while achieving a fudgy texture; reduce slightly for a less sweet variant.
• Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients for texture; use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water, let sit) for a vegan version.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor depth; opt for pure vanilla for the best results, though artificial works in a pinch.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the brownies; substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor; use Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder taste or carob powder for a caffeine-free alternative.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor; essential for bringing out the best in your brownies.
• Baking Powder – Helps brownies rise slightly; can be omitted for denser brownies.
For the Topping
• Fresh Strawberries – Provides natural sweetness and freshness; substitute raspberries or other berries for a twist.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Used for ganache, creating a rich topping; dark chocolate can be used for an intense flavor.
• Heavy Cream – Forms the ganache; coconut cream or milk is a great non-dairy substitute.
Delight in these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies that promise to elevate your dessert game—one scrumptious bite at a time!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
-
Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal later.
-
Melt Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquid, then mix in granulated sugar, whisking it together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
-
Mix Wet Ingredients: Next, add the large eggs and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mix, whisking well to ensure everything is fully combined and incorporated.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix this dry blend into your wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
-
Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
-
Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial to avoid sogginess when you add the strawberries.
-
Prepare Strawberries: While the brownies cool, hull fresh strawberries and slice them in half. Once the brownies are cooled, beautifully arrange the strawberries on top.
-
Make Ganache: In a bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and the ganache is smooth.
-
Assemble: Pour the silky ganache over the strawberries, making sure to spread it evenly. This luscious layer ties the entire dessert together beautifully.
-
Chill & Serve: Refrigerate the assembled brownies for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set. Once chilled, cut them into squares and prepare to indulge!
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful brownies for your taste and dietary preferences!
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan twist.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter to add a delightful crunch and boost flavor.
- Berry Burst: Instead of strawberries, try a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a colorful and tangy variation.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili powder to the brownie mix for a surprising hint of heat amidst the sweetness.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the batter for a refreshing minty flavor that complements the chocolate.
- Caramel Swirl: Before baking, drizzle some caramel sauce over the brownie batter and swirl it in for a luscious, sweet surprise in every bite.
- S’mores Style: Top the brownies with mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers under the ganache to reimagine them as a cozy s’mores dessert.
Experiment and find the combinations that make your heart sing with joy!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Cool Properly: Ensure the brownies cool completely before adding strawberries to avoid sogginess; this step is key for the best texture.
Quality Matters: Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to truly enhance the flavor of your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies; it makes a noticeable difference.
Check for Doneness: When baking, insert a toothpick into the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, for a fudgy texture.
Use Fresh Berries: Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and presentation; they should complement the rich chocolate beautifully.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to try different fruits or even a drizzle of white chocolate to elevate the taste and visual appeal of your brownies!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Fridge: Store your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, place the brownies in the fridge overnight to thaw gently, which helps preserve their fudgy texture.
Reheating: For a warm treat, gently microwave a brownie slice for 10-15 seconds, ensuring the chocolate ganache stays melted and gooey!
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time on dessert prep! You can make the brownie base up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake, cool completely, and store in an airtight container at room temperature. For the strawberry and ganache topping, prepare your strawberries by slicing them (they can be stored in the refrigerator overnight); however, it’s best to add them fresh right before serving to maintain their vibrant texture. The chocolate ganache can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before pouring it over the strawberries. With these prep suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress guests with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
Pair these luscious brownies with delightful accompaniments that elevate their indulgent flavor while enhancing your dessert experience.
- Whipped Cream: A light dollop adds a creamy contrast to the dense brownies, amplifying the decadent experience.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: The fragrant freshness brightens each bite, balancing the richness of the chocolate and strawberries.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess of ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast while complementing the flavors beautifully.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A little extra chocolate sauce ties in the flavor, making every bite impossibly rich and delightful.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitter notes of coffee perfectly complement the sweet brownies, enhancing the chocolate flavor and creating a cozy pairing.
- Raspberry Coulis: The tartness from the raspberry sauce creates an amazing counterbalance to the sweetness, adding a fruity flair to each bite.
Whether you prefer a refreshing garnish or a comforting side, these pairings are sure to amplify your dessert experience with the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries should I use for the brownies?
Absolutely! Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Look for strawberries that are vibrant red with no dark spots or bruises—these will offer the sweetest taste and perfect juiciness to balance the rich chocolate.
How long can I store Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
Very! Store your brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you don’t think you’ll finish them in that time, consider freezing for longer enjoyment.
Can I freeze Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
Definitely! To freeze, individually wrap each brownie piece in plastic wrap, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. Then place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
What should I do if my brownies are too dry?
If your brownies come out too dry, it may be due to overbaking or incorrect measurements. To avoid this, always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time and ensure that you’re measuring your ingredients accurately. Remember, you want a toothpick to come out with just a few moist crumbs, not a clean stick!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum, which helps in achieving the right texture for brownies.
Are these brownies safe for pets?
No, it’s best to keep these brownies away from pets, especially chocolate. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats, so ensure they’re indulging in pet-friendly treats instead!
Irresistible Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies to Indulge
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter and mix in granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mix, whisking well to combine.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Hull the fresh strawberries and slice them in half. Once the brownies are cooled, arrange the strawberries on top.
- In a bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave until melted and smooth.
- Pour the ganache over the strawberries and spread it evenly.
- Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set. Cut into squares to serve.