Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers and fruit enthusiasts alike. The rich, fudgy brownies serve as a perfect base for the sweet and juicy chocolate-covered strawberries that crown them. This dessert is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making it a fantastic choice for special occasions, parties, or even a sweet treat at home.

In this detailed recipe, we will guide you through every step of creating these mouthwatering brownies, including tips for perfecting the brownie base, making the chocolate-covered strawberries, and serving suggestions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible dessert!

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
3. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Mix Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Pour the melted butter over the sugars and stir until well combined.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
6. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
7. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
8. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 2: Bake the Brownies

1. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter).
3. Cool: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Covered Strawberries

1. Wash and Dry Strawberries: While the brownies are cooling, rinse the strawberries under cold water and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure they are completely dry, as water can cause the chocolate to seize.
2. Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
3. Dip the Strawberries: Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, covering about two-thirds of the berry. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
4. Set on Baking Sheet: Place the dipped strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Optional White Chocolate Drizzle: If desired, melt the 4 ounces of white chocolate chips in a separate bowl and drizzle over the chocolate-covered strawberries for an elegant touch.
6. Chill the Strawberries: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies and Strawberries

1. Cut the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.
2. Top with Strawberries: Carefully place one chocolate-covered strawberry on top of each brownie square.
3. Optional Garnish: If desired, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate sauce, or garnish with fresh mint leaves for added color and flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serving: Arrange the brownies with strawberries on a serving platter and serve immediately.
2. Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the strawberries are best enjoyed fresh.

Tips for Success

• Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate for both the brownie batter and the chocolate-covered strawberries for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Be cautious not to overbake the brownies, as they should be fudgy and moist. The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
• Choose the Right Strawberries: Select fresh, ripe strawberries that are firm and have a vibrant color for the best taste and presentation.
• Let the Chocolate Set: Allow enough time for the chocolate-covered strawberries to set in the refrigerator before serving, ensuring they won’t slide off the brownies.

Variations of Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

These brownies can be customized in various ways to suit your preferences. Here are some delicious variations to consider:

1. Nutty Brownies

• Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.

2. Mint Chocolate Version

• Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the brownie batter for a refreshing minty flavor that pairs well with chocolate.

3. Caramel Drizzle

• Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the chocolate-covered strawberries for an extra layer of sweetness.

4. Different Fruits

• Substitute strawberries with other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or banana slices, dipped in chocolate.

5. White Chocolate Brownies

• Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Information (per brownie with strawberry)

• Calories: Approximately 300-350
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 4g

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Storage and Freezing

Storing Leftover Brownies

• Refrigeration: Store brownies with strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The strawberries will stay fresh for a day or two, but the texture may change if stored too long.
• Freezing: To freeze brownies, cut them into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the squares to an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thawing Instructions

1. In the Refrigerator: To thaw, transfer the frozen brownies to the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving.
2. At Room Temperature: Alternatively, you can leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying them.

Serving Suggestions

• Elegant Presentation: Arrange brownies on a tiered dessert stand for a visually appealing display, perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Pair with Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce on the plate before placing the brownies for an added touch of elegance.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a delectable dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. The combination of fudgy brownies and chocolate-covered strawberries creates a beautiful and delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these brownies will not disappoint.

With this detailed recipe, you have all the tools you need to create this amazing dessert from scratch. Enjoy the process of baking, decorating, and, most importantly, indulging in your delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!

Yield: 16 Brownies

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe

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Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers and fruit enthusiasts alike. The rich, fudgy brownies serve as a perfect base for the sweet and juicy chocolate-covered strawberries that crown them. This dessert is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making it a fantastic choice for special occasions, parties, or even a sweet treat at home.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Brownies:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• For the Strawberry Topping:
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• For the Chocolate Ganache:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   
3. Bake the Brownies:
   Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
   Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack.
   
4. Prepare the Strawberries:
   While the brownies cool, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss gently and set aside for about 10 minutes to let the strawberries release their juices.
   
5. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
   In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
   Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
   
6. Assemble the Brownies:
   Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the top.
   Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the ganache in a decorative pattern.
   
7. Chill and Serve:
   Refrigerate the brownies for at least 30 minutes to set the ganache.
   Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Additions: Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the ganache for an extra flavor boost.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!