Description
Delight in these luscious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, featuring rich, fudgy brownies topped with fresh strawberries and a silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies combine the classic flavors of chocolate and strawberry in a decadent, show-stopping dessert that’s simple to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Strawberry Layer
- 1 lb (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until well incorporated. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then gently mix until just combined to avoid overmixing. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
- Prepare the Strawberry Layer: While the brownies cool, hull and slice the fresh strawberries evenly to ensure good coverage. Once the brownies have completely cooled, evenly arrange the sliced strawberries over the top, creating a fresh and colorful layer.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can affect the texture. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over them. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften, then stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour the prepared chocolate ganache over the strawberry layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover all the berries. Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for about 1 hour or refrigerate for 30 minutes until it firms up sufficiently.
- Serve: Once the ganache has fully set, cut the brownies into squares. For an elegant finish, optionally garnish with additional strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before adding strawberries to prevent melting or bleeding.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overbake the brownies to keep them fudgy and moist inside.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate and cream.
- Store leftover brownies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
