Oh, let me tell you about the sheer joy of combining two of my favorite treats: brownies and strawberries! It’s like a match made in dessert heaven. When I first stumbled upon Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, I was instantly hooked. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, fudgy brownie topped with luscious, chocolate-coated strawberries. The flavors just dance together! I remember the first time I made these for friends; their faces lit up with excitement as they took that first bite. The sweet strawberries cut through the deep chocolate, creating a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, whether it’s for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these brownies are always a crowd-pleaser and a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 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 cup chocolate chips
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
- 8 ounces milk chocolate, for dipping
How to Prepare Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Making these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies is such a fun and rewarding experience! I promise you, once you dive into this process, the sweet aroma of chocolate will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be bursting with excitement. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly from the moment you pop them in.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Stir often to avoid burning! Once it’s melted, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until well combined.
- Mix in the eggs: Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix vigorously until everything is smooth and glossy. This is where the magic begins!
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Bring it all together: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to stop as soon as everything is just combined. Then, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for that extra gooeyness!
- Pour the batter: Grease a baking pan (about 9×13 inches works great) and pour the brownie batter in, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before you top them with those delicious chocolate-covered strawberries.
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries: While the brownies are cooling, melt 8 ounces of milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip 1 pound of hulled fresh strawberries into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off before placing them on a parchment-lined plate.
- Assemble: Once the chocolate has set a bit, place the chocolate-covered strawberries on top of the cooled brownies. Now, you’re ready to slice and serve!
Enjoy the heavenly combination of chocolate and strawberries in each delightful bite of these brownies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent chocolate flavor with the perfect fudgy texture—every bite feels like a hug!
- Beautifully topped with fresh, chocolate-covered strawberries for a stunning presentation.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy night in or a festive celebration!
- A delightful combination of rich chocolate and sweet strawberries that’s hard to resist.
- Great for sharing; these brownies are sure to impress your friends and family.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) stay delicious for days, making them a treat you can enjoy all week long.
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s talk about how to make sure your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies turn out perfectly every single time! First off, when you’re mixing your batter, be careful not to overmix. Just stir until everything is combined—trust me, this keeps your brownies nice and fudgy instead of cakey. If you can, use room temperature eggs; they blend in better and help create that luscious texture we all crave!
Also, don’t skip the cooling step! Letting the brownies cool completely ensures that the chocolate-covered strawberries don’t slide off. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the fridge for a bit to speed things up. And speaking of chocolate-dipping, make sure your chocolate isn’t too hot; if it’s too warm, it might run off the strawberries instead of sticking. I like to let it cool slightly before dipping.
Lastly, always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; you want it to come out with a few moist crumbs. This little trick guarantees you’ll have that perfect brownie texture. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies! For a twist, try using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for dipping—it’s rich, slightly bitter flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries. Or, if you’re a white chocolate lover, go ahead and use that for a different but equally delicious finish!
You can also add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the brownie batter for added crunch and flavor. Feeling fruity? Swap out the strawberries for raspberries or even some sliced bananas for a unique take. And don’t forget about adding a touch of espresso powder to the brownie batter; it enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully! The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity run wild and enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’re completely cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you want to keep them for a bit longer, pop them in the fridge where they can last up to a week. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid any sticky situations!
If you want to enjoy them warm, simply microwave a brownie for about 10-15 seconds. This will give you that delightful gooey texture again, especially if you have some leftover chocolate-covered strawberries to add on top. Enjoy every bite of your sweet creation!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (1 brownie with a strawberry):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
So, go ahead and treat yourself! Just remember, moderation is key to enjoying these delightful brownies while keeping it balanced. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for that juicy taste and beautiful presentation, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture!
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
No worries! To make your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. They’ll still be just as delicious!
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of flavor. Get creative with your toppings!
How should I store the brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re cooled completely first!
What’s the best way to reheat leftover brownies?
If you want a warm brownie experience, microwave a piece for about 10-15 seconds. It’s the perfect way to bring back that gooey texture, especially with those chocolate-covered strawberries on top!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies: 7 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate brownies topped with chocolate-covered strawberries.
Ingredients
- 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 cup chocolate chips
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 8 ounces milk chocolate, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let brownies cool completely.
- While cooling, melt milk chocolate and dip strawberries.
- Place chocolate-covered strawberries on brownies.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Allow chocolate to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie with strawberry
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, brownies, chocolate dessert, strawberry dessert