Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies combine two beloved desserts—rich, fudgy brownies and fresh, juicy strawberries coated in decadent chocolate—into one irresistible treat. These brownies feature a dense, chocolatey base that’s topped with sweet strawberries and a silky chocolate ganache, making every bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The brownies are perfectly moist and chewy, with the strawberries adding a burst of freshness, while the chocolate topping brings it all together in a luxurious way. This dessert is an excellent choice for special occasions, celebrations, or whenever you’re in the mood for something indulgent yet refreshing. The best part? These brownies are incredibly easy to make, and the combination of chocolate and strawberries will leave everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are the ideal treat for anyone who loves a combination of rich chocolate and fresh fruit. The brownie base is dense and fudgy, providing a perfect foundation for the sweet, tangy strawberries and the velvety chocolate ganache. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a party, a family gathering, or enjoying it for a special treat at home. The strawberries give a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the brownies, while the chocolate topping adds a glossy finish and extra indulgence. It’s an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make but looks and tastes impressive, making it the perfect way to impress guests or satisfy your own chocolate cravings.

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

• Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, you can fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter before baking.
• Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a deeper chocolate flavor, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
• Fruit Substitutes: While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can also try using raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
• Whipped Cream: For an extra layer of indulgence, top the brownies with freshly whipped cream in addition to the strawberries and chocolate ganache.
• Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.

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, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the brownies after baking.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

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

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

While the brownies are cooling, hull and halve the strawberries. Set them aside.

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from the heat and pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Assemble the Brownies

Once the brownies have cooled, place the halved strawberries on top of the brownies. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the strawberries, allowing it to run down the sides and cover the fruit and brownies.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Let the chocolate topping set for about 30 minutes, allowing the ganache to firm up slightly. Slice the brownies into squares and serve. You can also refrigerate the brownies for an hour to let the ganache harden completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Let the Brownies Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the chocolate ganache and strawberries to avoid melting the topping.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the brownie batter until just combined to avoid dense or tough brownies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to ensure a smoother batter.
• Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerating the brownies for about 30 minutes after adding the ganache will make them easier to cut and help the chocolate set properly.
• Garnish: You can sprinkle extra chocolate shavings or crushed nuts on top of the ganache for added texture and decoration.

How to Serve

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are delicious on their own but can be even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve them alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate dessert experience. If you want to make them extra special, consider garnishing with additional fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the ganache softens at room temperature, you can refrigerate them to keep the topping firm.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies for up to 2 months. After they’ve cooled completely, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To reheat, place the brownies in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. If the ganache has softened, you can re-drizzle with fresh melted chocolate before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best in this recipe, but you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

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

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so be sure to check early.

3. Can I make these brownies in advance?

Yes, you can make the brownies in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

4. Can I add other fruits to the topping?

Yes, you can add other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a variety of flavors. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to your liking.

5. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate will work, but it will make the ganache sweeter. Adjust the amount of sugar in the brownies if you prefer a less sweet flavor.

6. How can I make the ganache thicker?

To make a thicker ganache, reduce the amount of cream or add more chocolate chips to the hot cream. Stir well until it reaches the desired consistency.

7. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?

You can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or a lighter cream, but the ganache may be less rich and creamy.

8. Do I need to chill the brownies before cutting them?

Chilling the brownies makes them easier to cut and helps the ganache set properly. You can chill them for 30 minutes or longer in the refrigerator.

9. Can I use a different type of flour for these brownies?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option, but the texture may vary slightly.

10. How long will the ganache stay firm?

The ganache will stay firm for several hours at room temperature, but refrigerating the brownies will keep the ganache firm for a longer period.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are the perfect indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and strawberries. With their rich, fudgy brownie base, sweet strawberries, and smooth chocolate ganache, these brownies are a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy as a dessert at home, they’re guaranteed to impress. Simple to make yet absolutely delicious, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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