Indulging in chocolate-covered strawberry brownies is a delight you won’t forget! Imagine rich, fudgy brownies topped with smooth chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries. It’s a treat perfect for any occasion. In this post, I’ll share easy steps and handy tips to create these brownies at home. Whether you’re a baking novice or a kitchen pro, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate brownies and fresh strawberries creates a delightful balance of flavors that is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a treat for yourself, these brownies are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
- Impressive Presentation: The glossy chocolate ganache and vibrant strawberry topping make these brownies look as good as they taste, perfect for serving guests.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
- 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 baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup chocolate ganache (made with 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 cup chocolate chips)
You will need these ingredients to make the brownies rich and tasty. The butter gives moisture, while sugar adds sweetness. Eggs help bind the mix. Vanilla adds a nice flavor.
The flour and cocoa powder form the base. Baking powder helps them rise. Salt enhances taste. Chocolate chips add extra chocolatey goodness. Fresh strawberries make the dish fresh and fruity. Ganache adds a smooth finish.
Baking Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking pan (9x13 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Saucepan for ganache
To make these brownies, you need a few tools. Mixing bowls help combine the ingredients. A whisk makes mixing easy. The baking pan shapes the brownies. Parchment paper helps with easy removal. The saucepan is for the ganache.
By gathering these ingredients and tools, you're ready to bake something special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to even baking.
2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal.
3. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of melted unsalted butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar. Whisk until they blend well.
4. Add 4 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mix. Keep whisking until it looks smooth and fluffy.
5. In another bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
6. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until they just come together. Avoid overmixing as it can make brownies tough.
7. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of sliced strawberries, saving some for the top.
Baking Process
1. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Ganache Preparation
1. While the brownies bake, make the chocolate ganache. Heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan until it simmers.
2. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of chocolate chips. Stir until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
3. Once the brownies cool for about 10 minutes, pour the ganache over them, spreading it evenly.
4. Top with the reserved strawberry slices for a fresh touch.
5. Let the ganache set at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes if you're in a hurry. Then, cut the brownies into squares.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies
- Avoiding overmixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing makes brownies tough. You want them soft and chewy!
- Testing for doneness: Use a toothpick to test the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet, bake a bit longer.
Chocolate Ganache Tips
- Ensuring the ganache is smooth: Heat the cream until it's just simmering. Then add the chocolate chips and stir well. This keeps the ganache silky and glossy.
- Adjusting ganache thickness to preference: For a thicker ganache, use less cream. For a thinner ganache, add a bit more cream. It’s all about what you like!
Strawberry Handling Tips
- Choosing the best strawberries: Look for bright red strawberries that feel firm. Avoid any with bruises or soft spots. Fresh berries make a big difference!
- Properly hulling and slicing: Use a small knife to remove the green tops. Slice the strawberries in half or quarters for even distribution on the brownies. This makes for a wonderful presentation!
Pro Tips
- Use Quality Chocolate: For the ganache, use high-quality chocolate chips to ensure a rich and smooth flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, neat squares.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding crushed nuts or drizzling extra chocolate over the top for added texture and flavor.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the taste of your brownies easily. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch. Chop them finely and fold them into the batter. This adds flavor and texture. You can also use different chocolate chips. Try milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips. Each type brings a unique twist to the brownies.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free brownies, swap all-purpose flour for almond or coconut flour. This keeps the texture light and fluffy. For vegan options, replace eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter. These changes help everyone enjoy the treat.
Presentation Ideas
Plating makes your brownies shine. Cut them into squares and add a fresh strawberry on top. For a fun twist, serve the brownies with ice cream or whipped cream. Drizzle some chocolate sauce over it for extra flair. You can also arrange the brownies on a colorful plate for a pop of color.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Brownies
To keep your brownies fresh, place them in an airtight container. This method prevents them from drying out and losing flavor. Store the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. If you want to maintain the brownies' soft texture, do not refrigerate them. Room temperature storage is best for about three days.
Freezing Brownies
You can freeze brownies before or after adding the ganache. To freeze them, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. This method keeps them moist and fresh. When you're ready to eat them, remove the brownies from the freezer.
For best results, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. If they have ganache, allow it to set before freezing. This way, the texture stays perfect. Enjoy your chocolate-covered strawberry brownies any time!
FAQs
What should I do if my brownies are too dry?
If your brownies are too dry, you can add moisture back easily. Try these tips:
- Add a simple syrup: Mix equal parts water and sugar. Heat until the sugar melts. Brush this syrup over the brownies.
- Use whipped cream: Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream on top. This adds moisture and creaminess.
- Serve with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs well and adds a nice contrast.
Dry brownies often result from too much baking time or not enough fat. Next time, check the baking time closely.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time! Here are some best practices:
- Bake and cool: Bake your brownies and let them cool completely. This helps keep them from getting soggy.
- Store properly: Place the cooled brownies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for about three days.
- Freeze for longer storage: You can freeze the brownies for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
When ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
How can I tell when my brownies are done baking?
To check if your brownies are done baking, look for these signs:
- Visual cues: The edges should pull away slightly from the pan. The top will look set and have a matte finish.
- Texture test: Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Time it right: Bake for 25-30 minutes. Start checking around the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
These indicators help ensure your brownies are perfect every time!
In this post, I shared how to make chocolate covered strawberry brownies from scratch. We covered all the essential ingredients, including butter, sugar, and fresh strawberries. You learned step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to try. Whether you want to explore gluten-free options or serve them with ice cream, there's something for everyone. Enjoy your baking journey, and savor each delicious brownie with fresh fruit and rich ganache. You now have the knowledge to impress yourself and others with this treat!
