Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a delicious twist on your favorite chocolate treat. These brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries, all covered in a smooth layer of chocolate. The combination of the warm brownie base, juicy strawberry bits, and the chocolate coating makes every bite a little celebration of flavors.
I love making these brownies when I want something that feels special but is still easy to share with friends or family. The strawberries add a fun, fruity surprise that everyone tends to love, and the chocolate on top makes it feel extra decadent without being too much. I like to use fresh strawberries and gently press them into the brownie before adding the chocolate—it’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a cozy night in. I usually serve them slightly warm, so the chocolate is soft and the strawberries are just juicy enough. If you’re looking for a dessert that combines fruity freshness with chocolate goodness, these brownies are definitely a winner in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor and moist texture. If you prefer, you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works best to balance the chocolate’s bitterness. Brown sugar can be swapped in for a bit of moisture and a hint of caramel taste.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for that juicy, fruity pop. If fresh aren’t in season, frozen strawberries can work, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid soggy brownie batter.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt smoothly for the drizzle. You can swap in dark chocolate or milk chocolate depending on your sweetness preference.
Heavy Cream: Used for melting the chocolate drizzle, you can use coconut cream to make it dairy-free, though the texture might be slightly different.
How Can I Keep Strawberries From Making the Brownies Too Wet?
Strawberries add great flavor but can make the batter watery if not handled carefully. Here’s how I manage it:
- Chop strawberries into small pieces to distribute moisture evenly.
- Pat strawberries dry with paper towels before adding to batter.
- Fold strawberries in gently to avoid breaking them up too much.
- Bake until a toothpick shows moist crumbs but no wet batter, usually 25-30 minutes.
- Cool brownies completely before adding fresh strawberry slices on top to keep them fresh and vibrant.
These steps help keep brownies fudgy but not soggy, preserving that perfect texture with fresh strawberry bursts!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan – I recommend it because it’s the perfect size for thick, fudgy brownies.
- Mixing bowls – useful for combining wet and dry ingredients separately to keep things organized.
- Whisk or spatula – makes mixing smooth and easy, especially when folding in strawberries.
- Microwave-safe bowl – helps melt the chocolate and cream quickly for a glossy drizzle.
- Parchment paper or cooking spray – to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Small spoon or piping bag (optional) – for drizzling the chocolate neatly on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for different fruity flavors that pair well with chocolate.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and richness.
- Mix in a teaspoon of peppermint extract with the batter to create a peppermint chocolate twist.
- Use white chocolate for the drizzle and decoration, giving a bright contrast to the dark brownies.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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 baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for topping)
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and mix the ingredients, 25-30 minutes to bake the brownies, plus around 30 minutes to cool before adding strawberries and the chocolate drizzle. Overall, plan for about 1 hour from start to serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Mix the Brownie Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Finally, fold in the chopped strawberries carefully.
2. Bake and Cool the Brownies:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread gently. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (avoid overbaking). Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
3. Add Strawberries and Chocolate Drizzle:
Heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 1 minute before stirring until smooth and glossy. Once the brownies are cooled, arrange fresh strawberry slices evenly over the top. Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the strawberries. Let the chocolate set slightly before cutting the brownies into squares. If you like, dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Enjoy your rich, fudgy brownies filled and topped with juicy strawberries and silky chocolate — a perfect treat for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and drain frozen strawberries before adding them to the batter. Excess moisture can make the brownies too wet, so pat them dry with paper towels for best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake and cool the brownies a day ahead, then add fresh strawberries and chocolate drizzle just before serving to keep the fruit fresh and vibrant.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream in the Chocolate Drizzle?
You can use coconut cream or half-and-half as alternatives, but heavy cream gives the best silky texture. If using substitutes, gently heat and stir to achieve a smooth consistency for the drizzle.
