Description
Indulge in these luscious Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies, where fudgy, rich brownies are topped with fresh, juicy strawberries and enveloped in a smooth, decadent chocolate ganache. This irresistible dessert combines the deep chocolate flavor with the natural tartness of strawberries, creating a perfect treat for romantic evenings, special occasions, or any time you crave a delightful, fruity chocolate dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Topping:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. To the melted butter, add the granulated sugar and whisk until combined. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly until the mixture is smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it to ensure an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely inside the pan.
- Prepare the Strawberries: When the brownies have cooled, arrange the halved, hulled fresh strawberries evenly over their surface, ensuring good coverage.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Dessert: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the strawberries, spreading gently to cover the entire surface of the brownies and strawberries.
- Chill to Set: Place the assembled brownies in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set firmly.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature for a decadent, fruity chocolate experience.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the brownies are completely cooled before adding strawberries to prevent them from sinking or becoming soggy.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate chips for the ganache.
- If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen strawberries can be used but should be thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.