If you love the rich, fudgy decadence of brownies and the fresh, juicy sweetness of strawberries, get ready to fall head over heels for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies: A Decadent Dessert Recipe. This dessert combines the best of both worlds—moist chocolate brownies as the perfect base topped with luscious strawberries dipped in velvety melted chocolate. Every bite offers a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that will have you craving more. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is an absolute must-try for any dessert lover.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dessert lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a vital role, contributing to the perfect balance of rich chocolate, buttery texture, and fresh fruity brightness that makes these brownies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks): Provides a creamy richness that makes the brownies tender and moist.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the batter and helps create a slightly crisp crust on top.
- Large eggs (4): Bind ingredients together and add structure for perfectly chewy brownies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Gives the brownies structure without being too dense.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): Packs in deep, intense chocolatey goodness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the brownies rise slightly for the perfect texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt within the batter, creating pockets of gooey chocolate.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pound, hulled and dried): Add a juicy, fresh contrast to the rich brownies when dipped in chocolate.
- Semi-sweet chocolate (8 ounces): For dipping the strawberries, providing a glossy, delicious coating.
- Coconut oil (1 tablespoon, optional): Ensures smooth, shiny melted chocolate perfect for dipping.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies: A Decadent Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Melt Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. Melt the butter gently in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. Once melted, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly so it blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until they’re beautifully combined and slightly glossy. Then, add the eggs one by one, whisking thoroughly after each to incorporate air and achieve a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract last to infuse a wonderful aroma.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This step is crucial for removing any lumps and ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents for those perfectly baked brownies.
Step 4: Bring Batter Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing here to keep the brownies tender instead of cakey. Then, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to create pockets of melty chocolate surprises.
Step 5: Prepare and Bake
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour in your brownie batter and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Don’t overbake—check with a toothpick that should come out with a few moist crumbs to keep your brownies fudgy.
Step 6: Cool and Prepare Strawberries
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes, then carefully lift them out using the parchment paper and let cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare your strawberries by making sure they’re fully dry after washing—this is key to helping the chocolate stick beautifully.
Step 7: Melt Chocolate and Dip Strawberries
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate and coconut oil (if using) and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth and glossy. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
Step 8: Assemble
Once your brownies and chocolate-covered strawberries are set and cool, cut the brownies into 2-inch squares. Place one chocolate-covered strawberry on each brownie square. For an extra touch, drizzle more melted chocolate over the strawberries. Arrange on a beautiful platter and get ready to wow everyone!
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies: A Decadent Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can brighten up your presentation and enhance the flavors with an extra hint of freshness. Chopped nuts like toasted pecans or almonds can also add a delightful crunch contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dreamy dessert experience. A drizzle of raspberry sauce can bring a vibrant tartness that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making a dessert platter with these brownies alongside fresh berries, or stack the brownies with alternating layers of ganache and strawberries for an elegant layered treat. You can even serve them on dessert sticks for easy and fun bites at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm. Storing them this way keeps them moist and fresh without losing the chocolate’s shine or the strawberries’ juiciness.
Freezing
To freeze, place the baked and cooled brownies in a single layer on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Separately, freeze the chocolate-covered strawberries on parchment paper to avoid sticking, then store them together or wrapped individually for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm brownies gently in the microwave for a few seconds to revive their fudgy texture. Avoid direct heat for strawberries to maintain their fresh flavor and crisp chocolate coating; instead, let them thaw slowly in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries work best since they’re firm and dry, which helps the chocolate stick nicely. Frozen strawberries release extra moisture when defrosted, making dipping difficult and resulting in a less appealing texture.
Do I have to use semi-sweet chocolate for dipping?
Nope! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate depending on your taste preferences. Just keep in mind white chocolate is sweeter and may require careful melting to avoid burning.
How do I keep the brownies fudgy rather than cakey?
Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients, and don’t overbake. Pull the brownies out when a toothpick shows just a few moist crumbs to get that perfect fudgy texture.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking and follow the recipe as usual for fantastic results.
What if I don’t have coconut oil for melting the chocolate?
Coconut oil helps make the melted chocolate smooth and shiny, but it’s optional. You can melt the chocolate on its own, just stir continuously to avoid overheating and clumping.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies: A Decadent Dessert Recipe is truly a showstopper dessert that effortlessly combines simple, high-quality ingredients with stellar technique. It’s perfect for celebrations or whenever you need a little indulgence. I can’t wait for you to bake these at home and enjoy that satisfying blend of fudgy brownies and velvety chocolate-coated strawberries. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you know!
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Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies: A Decadent Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, combining rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with luscious chocolate-dipped fresh strawberries. Perfect for celebrations or a luxurious treat, this recipe yields moist brownies with a delightful fresh fruit topping, enhanced by smooth melted chocolate drizzles.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) 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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and dried
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, for dipping
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smooth melting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownies.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution and remove lumps.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold Chocolate Chips: Fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and cool completely before decorating.
- Melt Chocolate for Dipping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Prepare Strawberries: Ensure the strawberries are completely dry to allow the chocolate to adhere properly.
- Dip Strawberries: Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place the dipped strawberries onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set Chocolate: Refrigerate the strawberries for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is fully set and firm.
- Cut Brownies: Once cooled, cut the brownies into approximately 2-inch squares for serving.
- Assemble Dessert: Place one chocolate-covered strawberry on top of each brownie square. Optionally, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the strawberries for added decoration.
- Serve & Enjoy: Arrange the finished brownies on a serving platter and enjoy this indulgent dessert.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are fully dry before dipping to prevent chocolate from sliding off.
- If coconut oil is unavailable, the melted chocolate can be used alone, but coconut oil helps achieve a smoother finish.
- For best results, store finished brownies in the refrigerator if not serving immediately to maintain the chocolate coating.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to lift brownies from the pan effortlessly.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on oven calibration; check brownies a little early to avoid overbaking.
