Get ready for a treat! These chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are a yummy mix of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries. Each bite is a little piece of joy!
Honestly, who can resist chocolate and strawberries together? I love serving these at parties, and they disappear in a flash! They’re simple to make and always a hit.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the brownies. If you’re out, you can use margarine or a neutral oil like canola. I prefer unsalted butter as it gives you control over the saltiness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the brownies their sweetness and helps with the texture. You can swap half of it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you’re reducing sugar, consider using a sugar alternative that measures like sugar.
Eggs: Eggs bind the brownie mixture. If you’re looking for egg substitutes, use 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg. I’ve tried this and it works well while keeping the brownies moist.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for that rich chocolate flavor. If you have Dutch-processed cocoa, it can be substituted for a slightly different taste. Just remember, it may change the pH slightly.
Fresh Strawberries: They add a nice natural sweetness and freshness. You can use other berries like raspberries or blueberries if strawberries aren’t available. They also make a fun twist!
What’s the Best Way to Make a Smooth Ganache?
Making a chocolate ganache is easy, but here are tips to get it just right. The goal is a creamy chocolate topping that complements your brownies perfectly.
- Heat the cream gently in a saucepan. Avoid boiling; just warm it enough to melt the chocolate.
- Add the chocolate chips to the warmed cream. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to soften before stirring.
- Stir continuously until smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a tad more cream to reach your desired consistency.
Let the ganache cool slightly before drizzling over the brownies. This helps it set beautifully without sliding off!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons 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:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake. After cooling, you’ll let the brownies set for a few minutes before garnishing. Overall, you can expect to spend about 1 hour to have these scrumptious brownies ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare for your brownies. This will help them come out easily once they’re baked!
2. Mix the Batter:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, take it off the heat and whisk in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring gently until it’s fully blended and smooth. You want no lumps!
4. Layer the Brownies:
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Now, take your sliced strawberries and arrange them over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter on top of the strawberries, spreading it out to cover them completely.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
6. Prepare the Ganache:
While your brownies are baking, it’s time to make the chocolate ganache! In a small saucepan over low heat, mix the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir until everything is melted and smooth, creating a rich and glossy ganache.
7. Cool and Top the Brownies:
Once the brownies are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, drizzle the warm ganache over the top of the brownies and allow it to set for a few minutes.
8. Serve with a Fresh Twist:
Finally, cut your brownies into squares and place a fresh strawberry on top of each piece for a beautiful garnish. Now you’re ready to serve and enjoy your delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
Can I Use Different Types of Berries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change slightly. If you use raspberries, they may be tart, so adjust the sugar if desired!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure that the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or add some to help with the texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag!
Can I Prepare the Ganache in Advance?
Definitely! You can make the ganache a day ahead. Just let it cool and then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth again.
