Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Imagine biting into a luscious, fudgy brownie topped with juicy strawberries and a silky layer of chocolate. These chocolate covered strawberry brownies are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers and fruit fans alike! Whether you’re planning a romantic dessert or just indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is guaranteed to wow. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to for celebrations or even just a cozy night in.

Brownies and strawberries have always been a match made in dessert heaven. The rich, decadent chocolate pairs beautifully with the fresh, tangy sweetness of strawberries. Add a glossy chocolate coating, and you’ve got yourself a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

The Story Behind Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Brownies have been a staple in my kitchen since I was old enough to hold a whisk. But the idea of combining them with chocolate-covered strawberries came to me one Valentine’s Day when I wanted something unique yet easy to make for my family. That’s when these chocolate covered strawberry brownies were born.

While brownies originated in the United States in the late 19th century, chocolate-covered strawberries are thought to have first appeared in the 1960s. Combining these two classics creates a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Over time, I’ve tweaked this recipe to perfection, ensuring every bite delivers rich chocolate, fruity brightness, and a touch of elegance.

Though ideal for romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, these brownies are also perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any day you’re craving something special. Plus, they’re easy to customize, making them a versatile dessert for any season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s break it down:

• Unsalted Butter: The butter gives the brownies their rich and fudgy texture. If you’re out of butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolatey flavor. Dutch-process cocoa works well if you want a smoother, less acidic taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness while also contributing to the crackly top layer of the brownies.
• All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour is perfect here, but if you’re gluten-free, almond flour or a gluten-free blend works too.
• Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients and adding structure. For a vegan option, you can use flax eggs.
• Fresh Strawberries: Look for ripe, firm strawberries—they should be bright red with no soft spots. Frozen strawberries can work, but they may release extra moisture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are melted to create the chocolate coating. You can substitute dark chocolate or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is used to create the smooth chocolate ganache. If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream is an excellent alternative.

When buying strawberries, try to get them in season. They’ll be sweeter and juicier, which makes a big difference in the final dish.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets to make these chocolate covered strawberry brownies. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: A couple of bowls for mixing the brownie batter and melting the chocolate.
• Whisk and Spatula: A whisk for blending the wet ingredients and a spatula for folding the dry ingredients into the batter.
• 8×8 Baking Pan: This size pan ensures a good thickness for the brownies. If you don’t have one, a round cake pan works in a pinch.
• Parchment Paper: This helps with easy removal and cleanup.
• Double Boiler or Microwave: For melting the chocolate smoothly.
• Knife: A sharp knife for slicing strawberries evenly.

If you don’t own a double boiler, you can simply use a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. It’s an easy workaround!

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the brownie batter: Melt 1/2 cup (115g) of unsalted butter in a microwave or on the stovetop. Stir in 1/3 cup (40g) of unsweetened cocoa powder, then mix in 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar. Add 2 large eggs and whisk until smooth. Fold in 1/2 cup (65g) of all-purpose flour until combined.
3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely.
4. Prepare the strawberries: Wash and dry 10-12 fresh strawberries. Slice off the tops and set them aside.
5. Make the chocolate ganache: Heat 1/2 cup (120ml) of heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until warm (don’t boil). Pour it over 1 cup (175g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
6. Assemble: Arrange the strawberries on top of the cooled brownies. Pour the ganache over the strawberries, ensuring they’re fully covered. Use a spatula to smooth the chocolate.
7. Chill: Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the ganache.
8. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into squares. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges.

Pro tip: If your ganache looks too thick, add a splash of heavy cream to thin it out. If it’s too runny, let it cool slightly to thicken.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some helpful tips to make your chocolate covered strawberry brownies absolutely perfect:

• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the brownies tough. Fold the flour gently until just combined.
• Cool completely: Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before adding the strawberries and ganache. Warm brownies will melt the chocolate.
• Use room temperature strawberries: Cold strawberries can cause the ganache to seize, so let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before assembling.
• Chill for clean cuts: Refrigerating the brownies before slicing helps the ganache set and makes it easier to cut neatly.

Honestly, I’ve learned these tricks the hard way—especially the cooling step. Trust me, patience pays off!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and heavy cream with coconut cream.
• Seasonal Twist: Swap strawberries for raspberries in summer or sliced pears in fall for a seasonal variation.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for extra crunch.
• White Chocolate Ganache: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Personally, I love adding a pinch of sea salt to the ganache for a sweet-and-salty contrast!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These brownies are best served chilled or at room temperature. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair. Pair them with coffee, tea, or even a glass of champagne for a truly indulgent experience.

For storage, keep the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them come to room temperature or microwave in 10-second bursts.

Fun fact: The flavors deepen after a day, making them even better as leftovers!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these chocolate covered strawberry brownies are definitely a treat, they do offer some nutritional perks:

• Strawberries: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Cocoa Powder: Rich in antioxidants and known to boost mood.
• Moderation is key: Each brownie is about 250 calories, depending on portion size.

If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia in the brownie batter.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, these chocolate covered strawberry brownies are it. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, who can resist the combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries?

I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen. Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste, and don’t forget to share your version in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you made it your own!

Now grab your apron and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to these irresistible brownies. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but they may release extra moisture, so pat them dry before using.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate?

A double boiler works best, but you can also use a microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring frequently.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Sure! Just note that milk chocolate is sweeter, so the flavor will be slightly different.

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