Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the heavenly combination of chocolate and strawberries! It’s like a match made in dessert heaven, right? These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, perfectly marrying rich, fudgy brownies with the sweetness of chocolate-dipped strawberries on top. I remember the first time I made these for a gathering; the moment I set them on the table, they were gone in minutes! Everyone couldn’t resist the combination of the dense, chocolatey base and the fresh burst of strawberry goodness. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! They’re not just a dessert; they’re a conversation starter, a celebration of flavors, and a delicious way to impress friends and family. So let’s dive into making these delightful treats together!
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
Make sure you have everything ready before you start! Fresh strawberries are key for that juicy pop, and using unsalted butter helps to control the sweetness. I like to measure everything out ahead of time—trust me, it makes the whole process smoother. Now, let’s get to baking!
How to Prepare Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. I like to use parchment paper for easy lifting later—just line the bottom and sides and leave a little overhang. It makes serving so much easier, trust me!
Make the Brownie Batter
Now for the fun part—making the brownie batter! Start by melting your unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once it’s all melty and fabulous, stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. Then, take it off the heat and let it cool for a minute. You don’t want to cook those eggs! Once it’s slightly cooled, whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by that lovely vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. I always recommend sifting the cocoa powder to avoid any lumps—no one wants a weird bite of dry cocoa! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. And then, the pièce de résistance: fold in those chocolate chips! They’ll melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate goodness throughout the brownies. Yum!
Bake the Brownies
Pour that luscious brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake—nobody wants dry brownies! Once they’re done, let them cool completely in the pan. I know, the smell is so tempting, but patience is key here!
Cool and Prepare the Toppings
While those brownies are cooling, let’s get our strawberries and chocolate ready! Once the brownies are completely cool, melt your milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. If you’re using the microwave, heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s smooth and shiny. And don’t worry, if you accidentally overheat it, just add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to bring it back to life!
Assemble the Dish
Now comes the best part—assembly! Dip each hulled strawberry into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them beautifully on top of your cooled brownies. It’s okay if some chocolate runs down the sides; it just adds to the charm! Once all the strawberries are placed, allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for a quick chill. And voilà! You’ve just created a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are going to be your new favorite treat! First off, they’re super quick to prepare—perfect for when you need a dessert in a pinch or want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
And can we talk about how decadently delicious they are? The rich, fudgy brownies paired with fresh, sweet strawberries and silky chocolate? It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Plus, they’re perfect for celebrations—whether it’s a birthday party, a dinner gathering, or just a cozy night in, these brownies steal the show.
Not to mention, they combine two of our favorite flavors: chocolate and strawberries! It’s like a classic romance in dessert form. And let’s be honest, they’re just visually stunning! The vibrant red strawberries against the dark chocolate brownie base make for a gorgeous presentation that’s sure to wow your friends and family. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be the star of every dessert table!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are some of my best tips to ensure your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies turn out absolutely perfect! First off, always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. You want it to come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean—that’s the secret to that deliciously fudgy texture we all love!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping in dark chocolate chips for an extra rich flavor. Just keep an eye on the sweetness of your brownies since dark chocolate can be a bit more intense. Also, remember to let your brownies cool completely before adding the chocolate-covered strawberries. This step is crucial; otherwise, the heat can melt the chocolate on the strawberries, and we definitely want them looking gorgeous!
When dipping strawberries in melted chocolate, make sure to shake off any excess before placing them on the brownies. This helps prevent a chocolate mess and keeps everything looking neat and tidy. And if you want those chocolate-covered strawberries to set quickly, popping them in the fridge for just a few minutes works wonders!
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun with this recipe! Feel free to get creative with toppings—maybe a sprinkle of crushed nuts or a drizzle of caramel on top? The possibilities are endless, and the joy of baking is all about making it your own!
Nutritional Information Section
Just a heads up—nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these numbers as a general guideline rather than a precise measurement. That said, here’s a typical breakdown for one delicious brownie topped with a chocolate-covered strawberry:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keep in mind, these delightful brownies are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation! Indulging every now and then is absolutely part of the fun of baking and sharing with loved ones. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give your strawberries a richer flavor, which pairs beautifully with the sweet brownies. Just keep in mind that dark chocolate can be a bit more intense, so adjust your expectations for sweetness accordingly!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any brownies left (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also pop them in the fridge if you want them to last a little longer, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You could add a layer of caramel sauce between the brownies and the strawberries for a decadent twist. Or how about crushed nuts or sprinkles on top for some extra crunch and color? You could even swap in different fruits like raspberries or bananas—just have fun with it and let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s chat about how to keep those Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies fresh and tasty! If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is a big if, right?), you’ll want to store them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you live in a warmer climate or just want them to last a bit longer, feel free to pop them in the fridge! Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat them within a week.
Now, if you’re craving that warm, fudgy goodness again, reheating is super simple! Just pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on it—you don’t want it to get too hot! If you’re feeling fancy, you could even heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This way, you’ll get that lovely, gooey texture back, just like when they were fresh out of the oven!
And if you want to elevate your reheated brownie experience, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top while it’s warm. Trust me, it’s pure bliss!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies: 7 Satisfying Secrets
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 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.
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