I still remember the summer my cousin Maria and I decided to set up a “chocolate shop” in her backyard, armed with a melting pot, a mountain of strawberries, and an ambitious spirit; our first creation, though a sticky mess, sparked a lifelong love for combining chocolate and strawberries, which is why I’m absolutely thrilled to share this recipe for Fudgy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies with you today! Get ready, because these decadent treats are surprisingly simple to make, and I promise they’ll be a surefire hit with everyone you share them with!
What Makes These Brownies So Special?
Let’s be honest, there are a million brownie recipes out there. So, what makes these Fudgy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies stand out from the crowd? It’s all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. We’re talking intensely fudgy chocolate brownies studded with juicy, fresh strawberries, all topped with a luscious chocolate ganache that mimics the classic chocolate-covered strawberry experience. It’s that simple, yet elegant combination that will have everyone begging for more.
The Fudgy Factor: Achieving Brownie Perfection
The key to a truly incredible brownie lies in its texture. A cakey brownie? No, thank you! We’re aiming for that intensely fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Here’s how we accomplish that:
- High-Quality Chocolate: Don’t skimp on the chocolate! Use a good quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.
- Butter and Chocolate Ratio: A higher butter-to-flour ratio contributes to the fudginess. We want plenty of butter to create that rich, decadent base.
- Underbaking (Slightly!): This is crucial! Brownies continue to cook as they cool. Slightly underbaking them ensures they stay soft and fudgy in the center. We’re talking just a slight jiggle in the middle when you take them out of the oven.
Strawberry Sensations: Choosing and Preparing Your Berries
Fresh strawberries are essential for this recipe. Here’s what to keep in mind when selecting and preparing them:
- Choose Ripe, Firm Berries: Look for bright red, plump strawberries that are firm to the touch. Avoid berries that are bruised or mushy.
- Wash and Dry Thoroughly: Wash the strawberries gently under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the chocolate from adhering properly and make the brownies soggy.
- Size Matters: For the brownie batter, dice the strawberries into small pieces, about ¼ inch. This ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the brownies. For the topping (if you choose to use whole or halved strawberries), select similarly sized berries for a beautiful presentation.
The Fudgy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s the recipe for these irresistible brownies.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Optional: Fresh strawberries, halved or whole, for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the brownies out later.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, melt the butter and chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whisk Sugars and Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Remember, we want them slightly underbaked for maximum fudginess!
- Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important! If you try to frost them while they’re still warm, the ganache will melt right off.
- Make the Ganache: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the ganache. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute. Then, whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Frost and Decorate: Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies and spread evenly. If desired, arrange fresh strawberry halves or whole strawberries on top of the ganache.
- Chill and Serve: Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set. This will make them easier to cut and serve. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Brownies
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Fudgy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a resounding success:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Measure Accurately: Accurate measurements are key, especially when baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs allows them to incorporate more easily into the batter, creating a smoother, more even texture.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removing the brownies a breeze. Plus, it helps prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Start checking the brownies for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
- Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations and Additions
Want to customize these brownies to your liking? Here are a few ideas:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the batter for a little crunch.
- Espresso Powder: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, for a unique flavor twist.
- Strawberry Jam Swirl: Swirl a tablespoon or two of strawberry jam into the brownie batter before baking for an extra burst of strawberry flavor.
Other Delicious Brownie Recipes to Try
If you’re a brownie fanatic like me, you’ll love these other variations:
For an extra intense chocolate experience, check out the Ultimate Fudgy Brownie Boost. It’s packed with chocolate and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Or, if you’re looking for an even more decadent brownie, try the Ultimate Fudgy Brownie Bliss. It’s rich, fudgy, and utterly irresistible.
During cherry season, you absolutely HAVE to try the Roasted Cherry Brownie Perfection. The combination of roasted cherries and rich chocolate is simply divine.
And if you love the strawberry and chocolate combination, you might also like the Fudgy Strawberry Brownie Bliss. It’s a simpler version with intense strawberry flavor throughout.
For a slightly healthier take on brownies, give the Chocolate Zucchini Brownies a try. You won’t even taste the zucchini, but it adds moisture and a subtle sweetness.
If you love the idea of chocolate and strawberries, but are short on time, consider trying these Chocolate Covered Strawberries, for a quick and elegant treat!
Troubleshooting Common Brownie Problems
Even the most experienced bakers encounter occasional baking mishaps. Here are some common brownie problems and how to fix them:
- Brownies are Cakey: This usually means you overmixed the batter or added too much flour. Be careful not to overmix and measure your ingredients accurately.
- Brownies are Too Dry: This could be due to overbaking. Start checking the brownies for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
- Brownies are Too Gooey: This usually means they were underbaked. Bake them for a few more minutes, but be careful not to overbake them.
- Brownies are Sticking to the Pan: Make sure you grease and line the pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and make them easier to remove.
- Ganache is Too Thick: Add a tablespoon or two of warm milk or cream to thin it out.
- Ganache is Too Thin: Add a small amount of melted chocolate to thicken it.
Why You’ll Love These Brownies
I know I’ve already raved about these Fudgy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, but let me reiterate why they’re so amazing:
- The Perfect Combination: The blend of rich chocolate and sweet strawberries is a match made in heaven.
- Fudgy Texture: That melt-in-your-mouth fudgy texture is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: Despite their sophisticated flavor, these brownies are surprisingly simple to make.
- Impressive Presentation: They look beautiful and are perfect for special occasions.
- Customizable: You can easily customize them to your liking with different additions and variations.
Final Thoughts
These Fudgy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience! The rich chocolate, sweet strawberries, and fudgy texture create a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible treats. I guarantee they’ll become a new favorite!
What makes these strawberry brownies different from other brownie recipes?
These Fudgy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies stand out due to the balance of flavors and textures: intensely fudgy chocolate brownies combined with fresh strawberries and a chocolate ganache, mimicking the classic chocolate-covered strawberry.
What is the secret to achieving a fudgy texture in these brownies?
The fudgy texture is achieved by using high-quality chocolate, a higher butter-to-flour ratio, and slightly underbaking the brownies, leaving a slight jiggle in the center when removed from the oven.
How should I prepare the strawberries for the brownie recipe?
Choose ripe and firm strawberries, wash and thoroughly dry them, and dice them into small, approximately ¼ inch pieces for even distribution within the brownie batter. If using whole or halved strawberries as a topping, choose similarly sized berries for presentation.
How should I store leftover brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Irresistible Fudgy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, melt the butter and chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The center should have a slight jiggle.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- While the brownies are cooling, prepare the ganache. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute. Then, whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies and spread evenly. If desired, arrange fresh strawberry halves or whole strawberries on top of the ganache.
- Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set.
- Cut into squares and serve.
