If you love brownies and strawberries, you’re in for a treat! This recipe combines rich, fudgy brownies with sweet, juicy strawberries, all draped in a smooth chocolate glaze. It’s a dessert you’ll want to make over and over again. I’ll guide you through each step, from gathering the ingredients to serving up this irresistible delight. Let’s dive into making these tasty chocolate covered strawberry brownies!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– ½ cup heavy cream
– Additional fresh strawberries for garnish
To make chocolate covered strawberry brownies, you need simple, fresh ingredients. The melted butter gives the brownies a rich taste. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the brownies rise. Vanilla extract brings a lovely aroma. Eggs add moisture and help bind everything together.
Flour and cocoa powder form the base of the brownies. Baking powder helps them rise, while salt enhances the flavor. Fresh strawberries provide a juicy burst of flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into a delicious glaze. Heavy cream makes the glaze smooth and glossy. Don’t forget extra strawberries for a beautiful garnish.
Optional Ingredients for Variations
– Nuts such as walnuts or pecans
– Different types of chocolate for the glaze
– Flavored extracts
Feel free to customize your brownies! You can add nuts for crunch. Use dark or white chocolate for the glaze if you want a different taste. You can also try flavored extracts like almond or mint for a fun twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Brownies
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step makes removal easy later. Next, in a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix it well until everything blends nicely. After that, stir in the vanilla extract.
Making the Brownie Batter
Now, let’s add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. This makes the batter smooth. In a different bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet mix. Stir until just combined. Be gentle here. Now, fold in the quartered strawberries carefully. We don’t want to mash them!
Baking and Glazing the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake the brownies for 25 to 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. While the brownies cool, prepare the chocolate glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it simmers, then take it off the heat. Add the chocolate chips and let them sit for a couple of minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Once the brownies cool for about 10 minutes, transfer them to a wire rack. After they cool completely, pour the chocolate glaze over the brownies. Use a spatula to coat them well. Put the brownies in the fridge for about 20 minutes to let the glaze set. Garnish with more fresh strawberries on top. Cut them into squares and serve!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Brownie Texture
To get the best brownie texture, pay close attention to the baking time. Bake your brownies for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If you overbake them, they will turn dry and crumbly.
Mix the ingredients carefully to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can create tough brownies. Stir until just combined, and no flour pockets remain. This keeps your brownies soft and chewy.
Strawberry Handling Tips
Choosing ripe strawberries is key for great flavor. Look for bright red berries with no white spots. They should be firm but not hard. Sweet, juicy strawberries make a big difference.
To hull and quarter strawberries, use a small knife. Cut off the green leaves and the white core at the top. Then, slice the strawberries into quarters. This method keeps their shape and enhances the look of your brownies.
Glazing Tips
Making a smooth chocolate glaze is easy. Heat the heavy cream gently until it simmers. Remove it from the heat and add chocolate chips. Let them sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth. This gives you a glossy and rich glaze.
For cooling and serving, let the brownies sit for 10 minutes in the pan. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Pour the glaze over the brownies once they are cool. This ensures the glaze sets nicely and looks beautiful.
Variations
Different Flavor Profiles
You can twist your brownies with mint extract or coffee. A few drops of mint add a fresh taste. Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer. If you like coconut, mix in shredded coconut for a tropical touch. For a nutty flavor, add peanut butter to the batter or use it in the glaze.
Dietary Modifications
Need gluten-free brownies? Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap keeps the texture moist and rich. If you want vegan options, replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the glaze.
Seasonal Variations
Change it up with seasonal fruits. Raspberries or blueberries taste great with chocolate. They add a tartness that pairs well with sweet brownies. For holidays, decorate with themed sprinkles or colored chocolate. You can even shape the brownies into festive designs for special occasions.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out. You can also cover them with foil, but a container works best. This keeps moisture in and helps maintain their chewy texture. Place the container at room temperature for easy access.
Freezing Tips
Freezing brownies is simple. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for a long time. To thaw, take them out and leave them at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm, heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Shelf Life
At room temperature, these brownies last about 3-4 days. If you place them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. In the freezer, they can stay good for about 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your chocolate covered strawberry brownies at their best!
FAQs
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
You can check the brownies by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake them a bit longer. Typically, this takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be aware that they might release more juice. This can change the texture of your brownies. If you use frozen strawberries, let them thaw first. Pat them dry with a paper towel to soak up some of that extra moisture.
What’s the difference between cocoa powder and Dutch-processed cocoa?
Cocoa powder is natural and has a strong flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa is treated with an alkali, which makes it milder. It also has a darker color. If your recipe calls for baking soda, use natural cocoa. If it calls for baking powder, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can make the brownies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to prepare the glaze ahead, keep it in the fridge. You can pour it over the brownies just before serving. This helps keep them fresh and tasty!
What’s a good serving suggestion for these brownies?
I love serving these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add some whipped cream and extra strawberries on top. They look great and taste even better! For a fun twist, try drizzling some caramel sauce over the brownies too.
These chocolate covered strawberry brownies combine rich flavors with fresh fruit. You learned about the key ingredients, simple steps, and tips for best results. Remember to store them right and try fun variations. Experiment with different ingredients to find your favorite taste. These brownies will impress and delight anyone who enjoys sweets. Enjoy making and sharing your delicious creation!
