Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Brownies
Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Brownies are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and fresh fruit. This recipe combines classic fudgy brownies with chocolate-dipped strawberries, creating a luxurious and indulgent treat. The brownies are made with a simple batter of butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, and flour, baked to perfection and allowed to cool completely. Fresh strawberries are then dipped in melted semi-sweet chocolate, and once set, they are placed on top of each brownie square. The result is a decadent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time.
INGREDIENTS- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted for the brownie batter
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness
- Eggs: 2 large, to bind the batter
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/3 cup, to create rich, chocolatey brownies
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup, for the brownie base
- Salt: 1/4 tsp, to balance the sweetness
- Baking powder: 1/4 tsp, for a light rise in the brownies
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup, for melting and dipping the strawberries
- Coconut oil: 2 tbsp, to smooth the melted chocolate
- Fresh strawberries: Washed and dried, to dip in chocolate
- Sprinkles or crushed nuts: Optional, for decorating the dipped strawberries
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Grease the edges to prevent sticking.
- Step 2:
- Melt the butter over low heat, then remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Mix in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Spread the thick batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely.
- Step 5:
- While the brownies cool, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Step 6:
- Dip the strawberries into the melted chocolate, covering two-thirds of each berry, and let the excess drip off before placing on a parchment-lined tray.
- Step 7:
- Optional: Decorate the dipped strawberries with sprinkles or crushed nuts before the chocolate sets.
- Step 8:
- Once the brownies have cooled, cut them into squares and top each one with a chocolate-dipped strawberry, or serve them alongside.
- Store these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- For a more sophisticated look, drizzle the dipped strawberries with white chocolate before placing them on the brownies.
- Ensure that the strawberries are completely dry before dipping to help the chocolate stick better.
- You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Rachel suggests adding a touch of sea salt to the melted chocolate for a sweet and salty twist.
Can I use store-bought brownie mix?
Yes, if you prefer a shortcut, you can use a boxed brownie mix to save time.
What if my chocolate doesn't set properly?
Make sure to use fully dried strawberries and avoid adding too much coconut oil to the chocolate to ensure it sets well.
Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Just thaw them before serving and dip fresh strawberries for topping.
How can I customize the toppings?
Aside from sprinkles and crushed nuts, you can drizzle caramel or white chocolate for added decoration.