Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies

This decadent chocolate-covered strawberry brownie recipe transforms two beloved desserts into one showstopping treat that satisfies both chocolate cravings and fruit lovers alike. The rich, fudgy brownies provide the perfect canvas for fresh, juicy strawberries enrobed in silky chocolate.

I first created these brownies for a Valentine's Day dinner at home when restaurant reservations fell through. What started as a backup plan has become our most requested dessert for special occasions and quiet date nights alike.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Gives you complete control over the salt content while providing essential richness
• Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness and helps create that crackly brownie top
• Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and structure
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor without overwhelming it
• All purpose flour: Keeps the brownies tender when used sparingly
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor; choose Dutch processed for a deeper color
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor
• Baking powder: Provides just enough lift without making them cakey
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of intense chocolate throughout the brownies
• Fresh strawberries: Add juicy brightness and visual appeal; select firm berries with vibrant color
• Heavy cream: Creates the silky ganache coating for our strawberries
• Semisweet chocolate: For dipping complements the strawberries perfectly without being too sweet

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Space:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. This preparation step saves frustration later when trying to remove perfectly intact brownies.

Create The Base:

Whisk melted butter and sugar vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns slightly lighter in color and develops a glossy sheen. This step incorporates air and helps create that signature crackly brownie top.

Add The Moisture:

Incorporate eggs one at a time mixing thoroughly after each addition then stir in vanilla extract until just combined. The mixture should be smooth and uniform with no streaks of egg visible.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk together flour cocoa powder salt and baking powder until evenly distributed. Sifting these ingredients can remove lumps and ensure your brownies have a uniform texture.

Bring It All Together:

Gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture using a spatula with a light hand just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing develops gluten which results in tough rather than fudgy brownies.

Add Chocolate Enhancement:

Fold in chocolate chips distributing them evenly throughout the batter then transfer to your prepared pan spreading into an even layer reaching all corners.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake for exactly 22 minutes for perfectly fudgy centers then test with a toothpick. A few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick indicates they're done while wet batter means they need more time.

Cool With Patience:

Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. Room temperature brownies cut cleanly and have a more developed flavor profile.

Prepare The Ganache:

Heat heavy cream just until bubbles form around the edges never allowing it to boil then pour over chopped chocolate letting sit for 2 minutes before stirring gently until smooth and glossy.

Transform The Strawberries:

Dip each strawberry slice halfway into the ganache holding it over the bowl to let excess drip off then place on parchment paper to set up for about 30 minutes.

Assemble Your Masterpiece:

Cut cooled brownies into squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts then top each square with a chocolate dipped strawberry slice positioned at a slight angle.

Serve And Amaze:

Present your creation on a serving platter and watch as everyone reaches for seconds before finishing their first piece.

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The strawberries are truly the star of this dessert. I discovered this perfect pairing when my daughter accidentally dropped strawberries into brownie batter years ago. Instead of starting over we embraced the happy accident and discovered our new favorite dessert combination.

Make Ahead Options

These brownies can be prepared up to one day in advance but I recommend adding the chocolate covered strawberries just before serving. The moisture from the strawberries can soften the brownies if they sit together too long. If you need to work ahead bake and cool the brownies then store them covered at room temperature. Prepare the chocolate covered strawberries up to four hours before serving keeping them refrigerated but not touching each other.

Storage Guidelines

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The chocolate covered strawberries are best consumed within 24 hours as they will begin to release moisture after that. For longer storage you can freeze the plain brownies tightly wrapped for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh chocolate covered strawberries before serving.

Seasonal Variations

While strawberries create the classic pairing you can adapt this recipe throughout the year based on seasonal fruit availability. In summer try using raspberries or blackberries which pair beautifully with chocolate. During fall apple slices quickly sautéed with cinnamon make a delicious alternative. Winter citrus segments like blood orange can provide a tangy contrast to the rich chocolate brownies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for this dessert?

Fresh strawberries work best for this dessert as they provide the ideal texture and flavor. If you must use frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before dipping in chocolate, but be aware the texture may be softer than with fresh berries.

→ How should I store these brownies?

Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fresh strawberries are perishable, so refrigeration is necessary. For best taste and texture, bring to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

→ Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

You can bake the brownies 1-2 days ahead and store them covered at room temperature. However, it's best to prepare the chocolate-covered strawberries shortly before serving for the freshest result. Assemble the final dessert within a few hours of serving.

→ What's the best chocolate to use for dipping strawberries?

High-quality semisweet chocolate (around 60% cacao) works best for dipping strawberries. You can use chocolate chips or baking bars, but avoid chocolate candy coating or products with additives. The small amount of heavy cream creates a ganache that sets beautifully while remaining smooth.

→ How do I know when the brownies are perfectly done?

The key to fudgy brownies is slight underbaking. When you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean or wet with batter. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft. They'll continue to set as they cool.

→ Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?

Yes! While strawberries pair perfectly with chocolate, you can experiment with raspberries, blackberries, or sliced bananas. Each fruit will create a different flavor profile, but maintain the same technique of dipping in chocolate ganache before placing on the brownies.