Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. Combining the rich, fudgy texture of homemade brownies with the sweet and tart flavor of fresh strawberries, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. The brownies are packed with cocoa and topped with a creamy, glossy layer of chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries. Whether you’re making them for a romantic evening, a family gathering, or a special treat, these brownies are sure to impress. The combination of chocolate and strawberries always hits the mark, and this dessert takes it to the next level with the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and oh-so-delicious. If you love the classic pairing of chocolate and strawberries, you’ll fall in love with this decadent brownie treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent Chocolate Flavor

The brownies themselves are rich, fudgy, and packed with chocolate flavor. The semi-sweet chocolate chips add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, making each bite utterly satisfying.

2. Fresh Strawberries on Top

The fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness and tartness that perfectly complements the dense chocolate brownies. Their vibrant color also enhances the visual appeal of this dessert.

3. Perfect Balance of Texture

These brownies have a perfect balance of textures – fudgy and soft on the inside, with a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache topping and a slight crunch from the fresh strawberries.

4. Easy to Make

This recipe doesn’t require any complicated techniques. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious batch of brownies ready to enjoy.

5. A Showstopper Dessert

Whether you’re serving them for a holiday, a special occasion, or a simple family gathering, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are sure to impress. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt
• Baking powder

For the Topping:

• Fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Heavy cream

Variations

1. Add a Nutty Twist

For extra crunch and flavor, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the brownie batter. This gives the brownies a delicious contrast in texture and flavor.

2. Make it Dairy-Free

To make these brownies dairy-free, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for the ganache.

3. Use White Chocolate

For a fun twist, try using white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache topping. The sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

4. Add a Layer of Jam

Before adding the chocolate ganache and strawberries, spread a thin layer of strawberry jam or preserve on top of the cooled brownies. This will amplify the strawberry flavor and add a little more sweetness.

5. Infuse with a Liqueur

For an adult version of these brownies, try adding a tablespoon of strawberry liqueur or Chambord (raspberry liqueur) to the brownie batter. This will add an interesting flavor profile and enhance the berry topping.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined, forming a thick batter.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake to keep the brownies fudgy.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

While the brownies are cooling, hull and halve the fresh strawberries. Set them aside to allow any excess juice to drain.

In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring constantly until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Brownies

Once the brownies have cooled completely, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. Arrange the halved strawberries on top of the ganache, placing them in a pattern or simply scattered across the surface.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy these decadent brownies on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter

When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense, tough brownies, so stir gently and avoid over-beating.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For best results, make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing them into the batter. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

3. Chill the Ganache Before Topping

If you prefer a firmer ganache layer, let the ganache sit for a few minutes before pouring it over the brownies, or place it in the fridge for a bit to thicken slightly.

4. Let Brownies Cool Completely

Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the ganache and strawberries. This prevents the chocolate from melting into the brownies and ensures a clean, smooth finish.

5. Add Extra Fruit

While strawberries are the classic choice, you can also try other fruits like raspberries or blueberries on top. Their tartness will complement the sweetness of the chocolate and brownies.

How to Serve

Serve these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies chilled or at room temperature. They are perfect for a dinner party, a romantic date night, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. If you’re feeling creative, drizzle some additional chocolate sauce or caramel over the top for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If the weather is hot, it’s best to keep them in the fridge to prevent the ganache from melting.

Freezing

To freeze the brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

Reheating

To reheat, place a brownie in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate. Keep in mind that milk chocolate will make the ganache sweeter, while dark chocolate will add a more intense cocoa flavor.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended, but you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the brownies.

3. Can I make these brownies without the ganache?

While the ganache topping adds a rich layer of flavor, you can skip it if you prefer. The brownies will still be delicious without it, and you can top them with whipped cream or powdered sugar.

4. How do I prevent the brownies from being too dry?

Be careful not to overbake the brownies. The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean. This ensures the brownies stay fudgy and moist.

5. Can I add nuts to the brownie batter?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for extra texture and flavor. Simply fold them into the batter before baking.

6. How long do the brownies need to cool before adding the ganache?

Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the ganache to avoid melting the chocolate. This should take about 1 hour at room temperature.

7. Can I use non-dairy substitutes?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter or coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips and heavy cream to make these brownies dairy-free.

8. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.

9. Can I use chocolate syrup instead of making ganache?

While chocolate syrup can be used as a topping, ganache will give a smoother, richer texture that pairs better with the strawberries and brownies.

10. How do I know when the brownies are done?

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The edges should be firm, and the center should be slightly soft.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a delightful, decadent dessert that brings together the best of both worlds – the rich fudginess of brownies and the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh strawberries. With their beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor combination, these brownies are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy!

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