Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Description of this recipe: Indulge in the perfect marriage of rich, fudgy brownies and the bright, juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries, all enrobed in a decadent chocolate ganache. These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a sophisticated twist on a classic dessert, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Ultimate Decadence: These brownies are a truly luxurious treat. The fudgy brownie base provides a rich, chocolatey foundation that is perfectly complemented by the sweet and slightly tart strawberries. The smooth, glossy chocolate ganache adds another layer of indulgence.
- Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance and taste, these brownies are surprisingly easy to prepare. The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a special event, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, these brownies are sure to impress. Their elegant presentation makes them ideal for gifting or bringing to potlucks.
- Customizable: This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. You can experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache, add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownie batter, or even use different berries depending on the season.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves brownies, and everyone loves chocolate-covered strawberries. Combining the two is a stroke of genius that will have your family and friends begging for more.
Introduction
The combination of chocolate and strawberries is a timeless classic, a pairing that evokes romance and indulgence. These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies take this beloved duo to new heights, creating a dessert that is both comforting and sophisticated. The fudgy brownie base provides a warm, familiar foundation, while the fresh strawberries add a burst of juicy sweetness and a touch of acidity to balance the richness. The chocolate ganache, with its smooth, glossy texture and intense chocolate flavor, ties everything together in perfect harmony.
This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. From the moment you start mixing the ingredients to the moment you take that first blissful bite, you’ll be captivated by the irresistible aroma and the anticipation of the flavors to come. These brownies are a celebration of simplicity, using everyday ingredients to create something truly extraordinary.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Topping:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later. This step is crucial for easy removal and clean slicing.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the sugar and whisk until combined. It’s important to whisk thoroughly at this stage to ensure the sugar is well incorporated into the melted butter, creating a smooth base for the batter. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Be sure to add the eggs one at a time and whisk vigorously after each addition. This helps to emulsify the eggs into the batter, creating a moist and tender brownie. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures that there are no lumps and helps to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough brownies, so it’s important to mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to ensure that the batter is spread evenly in the pan. This will ensure that the brownies bake evenly and have a uniform thickness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check the brownies frequently during the last few minutes of baking. Allowing a few moist crumbs to cling to the toothpick ensures that the brownies will be fudgy and moist. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Cooling the brownies completely in the pan allows them to set up properly and prevents them from crumbling when you cut them.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberries: Once the brownies have cooled, arrange the halved strawberries evenly over the top. Pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel before arranging them on the brownies. This will help the chocolate ganache adhere to the strawberries.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn and become grainy. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate and heavy cream in a double boiler over simmering water.
Step 6: Assemble the Dessert: Pour the chocolate ganache over the strawberries, spreading it to cover the entire surface. Use a spatula or offset knife to spread the ganache evenly over the strawberries.
Step 7: Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to set the ganache. Chilling the brownies allows the ganache to firm up, making them easier to cut and serve. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, then cut into squares.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Taste: Decadent and Delicious
- Presentation: Beautiful and Elegant
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these brownies chilled or at room temperature.
- Garnish with extra fresh strawberries or a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Serve with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Tips:
- Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake the brownies, as they will become dry and crumbly.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the strawberries and ganache.
- Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips in the ganache.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the ganache to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- To make the brownies even more decadent, add a layer of chocolate frosting underneath the strawberries.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 5-7g
- Sodium: 150-200mg
Conclusion
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a true delight, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. The fudgy brownie base, the sweet and tangy strawberries, and the rich chocolate ganache create a dessert that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these brownies are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a truly unforgettable dessert experience!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
A: While fresh strawberries are highly recommended for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel before arranging them on the brownies. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries may release more moisture, which could slightly affect the consistency of the ganache.
Q2: Can I use different types of chocolate for the ganache?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache. Dark chocolate will create a richer, more intense flavor, while milk chocolate will result in a sweeter, milder ganache. White chocolate is another option, though it will have a very sweet flavor.
Q3: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownie batter?
A: Yes, you can definitely add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownie batter to customize the recipe to your liking. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be delicious additions. You could also add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
Q4: How do I store leftover brownies?
A: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The ganache may become slightly firm in the refrigerator, so allow the brownies to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Q5: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. The brownie base can be baked a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The ganache can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the brownies, simply melt the ganache and proceed with the recipe as directed. It’s best to add the strawberries just before serving to ensure they are fresh.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients
- For the Brownies:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- For the Topping:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries hulled and halved
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later. This step is crucial for easy removal and clean slicing.
- Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the sugar and whisk until combined. It’s important to whisk thoroughly at this stage to ensure the sugar is well incorporated into the melted butter, creating a smooth base for the batter. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Be sure to add the eggs one at a time and whisk vigorously after each addition. This helps to emulsify the eggs into the batter, creating a moist and tender brownie. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures that there are no lumps and helps to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough brownies, so it’s important to mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
- Step 3: Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to ensure that the batter is spread evenly in the pan. This will ensure that the brownies bake evenly and have a uniform thickness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check the brownies frequently during the last few minutes of baking. Allowing a few moist crumbs to cling to the toothpick ensures that the brownies will be fudgy and moist. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Cooling the brownies completely in the pan allows them to set up properly and prevents them from crumbling when you cut them.
- Step 4: Prepare the Strawberries: Once the brownies have cooled, arrange the halved strawberries evenly over the top. Pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel before arranging them on the brownies. This will help the chocolate ganache adhere to the strawberries.
- Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn and become grainy. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate and heavy cream in a double boiler over simmering water.
- Step 6: Assemble the Dessert: Pour the chocolate ganache over the strawberries, spreading it to cover the entire surface. Use a spatula or offset knife to spread the ganache evenly over the strawberries.
- Step 7: Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to set the ganache. Chilling the brownies allows the ganache to firm up, making them easier to cut and serve. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, then cut into squares.
