There’s a little magic in the air, a hint of romance wafting from street vendors and corner bakeries around the globe. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a Parisian café or wandering through a vibrant bazaar in Istanbul, no one can resist the allure of strawberries and chocolate. Enter the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies — the sweet ambassadors of culinary creativity, whisking you away on a decadent journey with every bite!
Why make this recipe?
Let’s be real. Life’s too short for ordinary desserts! These brownies are not just a treat; they’re an experience, a fusion of flavors and textures that promise to ignite your taste buds. Picture this: fudgy brownies cradling succulent strawberries, all enveloped in a luscious chocolate ganache. It’s a love story your dessert dreams are made of, straight from the heart of your kitchen!
How to make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Get ready to roll up your sleeves, channel your inner chocolatier and embark on this chocolaty adventure in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Directions:
- Preheat that marvelous oven of yours to 350°F (175°C) and grease up a 9×13 inch baking pan like it’s your best friend.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. As the aroma fills the air, remove from heat and stir in the granulated and brown sugars – let them mingle until they’re perfectly combined.
- Crack those eggs like a pro, one at a time, mixing them in vigorously until your batter starts to look like it means business. Don’t forget the vanilla extract — because what’s a brownie without a little magic?
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt; then slowly whisk this dry oasis into the wet mixture until just combined. You want it to be smooth but not overloaded — let’s keep that mysterious brownie texture alive!
- Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and let it bake for 20 minutes. It’s a mini spa day for brownies!
- Remove the pan from the oven and elegantly layer the fresh sliced strawberries over the warm, fudgy masterpiece. It’s like a summer picnic in your kitchen!
- Now, pour the remaining brownie batter over those beautiful strawberries and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean — you’ll know when it’s time!
- But wait, let’s whip up a decadent chocolate ganache! In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers, then remove it from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips until you achieve a silky-smooth finish. That’s the stuff!
- Let these brownies cool completely (if you can bear the anticipation), then pour your rich ganache over the top like it’s a fancy hat on a sunny day.
- Slice into squares and indulge in the heavenly fusion of Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies — voilà!
How to serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Serve these delightful brownies warm, paired with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with extra sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect sweet and salty punch. Imagine serving these on a picnic spread in the park, whipping out your dessert while everyone else is munching on their stale granola bars. You’ll be the rockstar of the outing!
How to store Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
These beauties can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you’re looking to stretch your indulgence a bit longer, they can also be refrigerated for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before savoring the fudgy goodness again.
Tips to make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter to enhance that chocolate flavor.
- If you prefer your strawberries a bit more intense, try macerating them with a little sugar and lemon juice before layering — the syrupy sweet goodness will seep into the brownies!
- Want to mix it up? Add in some chopped nuts or peanut butter swirls to the brownie batter for a crunchy surprise!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Swap out fresh strawberries for raspberries or even sliced bananas to create your own fruity twist on this delightful treat. Add some crushed cookies or candy bars to the top for an unexpected crunch — because life is too short for plain brownies!
FAQs
1. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Easy peasy!
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead?
While fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw, drain any excess liquid, and pat them dry before using.
3. How can I make my ganache shine?
For a shiny ganache, try using high-quality chocolate chips and ensure that the cream is hot enough to melt them properly. Stir until completely smooth — it should have a glossy finish!
So grab your apron, unleash your culinary creativity, and let the world be your dessert playground with these magical Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies! Each bite is a celebration, a nostalgic adventure reminding us that life is quite simply, better with chocolate and strawberries. Safe travels on your sweet journey!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then mix in the granulated and brown sugars until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously. Then add the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt together. Gradually whisk into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and layer the sliced strawberries over the fudgy brownie layer.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the strawberries and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it simmers, then remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until smooth.
- Let the brownies cool completely, then pour the ganache over the top.
- Slice into squares and serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.