These delicious chocolate-covered strawberry brownies bring together rich chocolatey goodness and fresh fruit! Imagine chewy brownies topped with strawberries and a sweet chocolate coating.
Honestly, who can resist chocolate-covered strawberries? I love to whip these up for special treats or just because—it’s a sweet little joy to share! 🍓🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brownie Mix: Using a box mix makes this recipe super easy, but feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe if you prefer. Some delicious alternatives are fudgy or cake-like brownie recipes based on your texture preference.
Fresh Strawberries: Always choose ripe and firm strawberries for the best taste. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with raspberries or cherries for a different fruit flavor!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are a great choice, but dark chocolate or milk chocolate can also work depending on your sweetness preference. White chocolate chips can be fun, too, for a different twist!
Butter: You can replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. It will add a slight coconut flavor that pairs well with the chocolate.
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Brownies and Strawberries?
Layering is an important step that enhances the flavor of your brownies. To do it well, follow these simple pointers:
- Start with half the brownie batter as your base to create an even distribution of flavors.
- Lay down the sliced strawberries carefully so they cover the batter evenly, but don’t overcrowd them. This ensures even baking.
- Top with the remaining brownie batter—spread gently to avoid disturbing the strawberries.
Proper layering helps maintain the brownie’s structure and allows the strawberries to shine through in each bite!
Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 box brownie mix (or 1 batch homemade brownie batter)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (divided)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: fresh strawberry halves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 25-30 minutes to bake, plus about 1 hour to cool, and an additional 30 minutes to set in the fridge. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 2 hours from start to finish, including prep time. It’s totally worth the wait for these delicious brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Bake:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), or follow the instructions on your brownie mix package. Next, grab your baking pan (a square 8×8 inch pan works best) and grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Brownie Batter:
Prepare your brownie batter by following the instructions on the box or your favorite homemade recipe. Make sure it’s smooth and creamy—this is the foundation for your delicious brownies!
3. Create Layers:
Pour half of the brownie batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Then, layer the sliced strawberries on top of the batter in a single layer, making sure they’re nicely spaced. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the strawberries, spreading carefully to cover them.
4. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the oven and bake according to the package directions, usually for about 25-30 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with some moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
5. Cool Down:
Once they’re baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. This step is important for the structure and flavor!
6. Melt the Chocolate:
While your brownies are cooling, it’s time to prepare the chocolate topping. Melt ¾ cup of chocolate chips along with 1 tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Do this in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until it’s nice and smooth.
7. Top and Decorate:
Once the brownies are cooled, pour the melted chocolate over the top and spread it out as evenly as possible. For a finishing touch, melt the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips and drizzle it over the top in a decorative pattern. If you like, add fresh strawberry halves for an even more appealing presentation!
8. Chill and Serve:
Pop the brownies in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set. Once they’re nice and firm, cut them into squares and serve up these tasty treats!
Enjoy your decadent chocolate covered strawberry brownies! They are sure to be a hit among friends and family, combining rich chocolate flavor with the freshness of strawberries. Yum! 🍓🍫
FAQ for Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Can I Use Homemade Brownie Batter Instead of a Box Mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, feel free to use it instead. Just make sure it yields enough batter to fill the pan when layered with strawberries.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain their freshness, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the brownies.
How Do I Prevent My Brownies from Sticking to the Pan?
To prevent sticking, ensure you grease the pan well. You can use butter, baking spray, or even line the bottom with parchment paper for added protection. This will help you remove the brownies easily once they’ve cooled!
