Rich Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
Highlighted under: Sweet Treats
I absolutely love making these rich chocolate strawberry brownies whenever I’m in the mood for a decadent treat. The combination of dark chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a delightful balance of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is fudgy, almost like a brownie hug, with the added surprise of juicy strawberries that burst in your mouth. These brownies are perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or just when I need a little bit of sweetness in my life. Trust me, once you try them, they will quickly become a favorite in your home too!
During one baking session, I decided to elevate my classic brownie recipe by adding fresh strawberries. I experimented by folding in the berries just before baking and the result was astonishing. The chocolate became richer, and the strawberries infused their natural sweetness throughout the brownies, creating a delightful contrast.
I also learned to be careful not to overmix the batter, which keeps the texture fudgy and dense. Using high-quality chocolate made all the difference too; it’s worth investing in for this treat!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
- Fudgy texture that satisfies any chocolate lover
- Great for parties or a cozy night in
Achieving the Perfect Fudginess
To achieve that gooey, fudgy brownie texture everyone loves, it's crucial to avoid overbaking. Start checking your brownies at the 25-minute mark, and look for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with moist crumbs rather than clean. This ensures a rich, dense texture, which is especially pleasing when complemented by the burst of strawberries.
Another key to fudgy brownies is the proportion of ingredients. The balance between dark chocolate and butter provides moisture and richness. If you're looking for a slightly lighter touch, consider using a mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolate, which will give you the satisfaction without being too intense.
Berry Best: Working with Fresh Strawberries
When it comes to strawberries, freshness makes all the difference. Opt for ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your brownies. Take a moment to hull and quarter them evenly, as this ensures they bake uniformly and distribute their juice well throughout the batter.
If you're in a pinch and fresh strawberries aren't available, you can substitute with frozen strawberries. However, make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture to prevent the brownies from becoming too soggy. While the fresh berries add brightness, the frozen ones will still provide a nice flavor contrast when baked properly.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chopped dark chocolate and unsalted butter, stirring until smooth.
Combine Sugar and Eggs
Remove from heat, and whisk in the granulated sugar until fully incorporated followed by the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add it to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in the quartered strawberries, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Bake
Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the brownies when they are cooled. You can also substitute the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different twist.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These brownies can be made a day in advance, which actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once they have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider placing them in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for about a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave to regain some of their original fudginess.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your brownie experience, serve these rich chocolate strawberry brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creaminess complements the chocolate and fresh strawberries beautifully, creating a decadent dessert that feels extra special.
Consider adding a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a professional presentation that’s perfect for gatherings. You could also experiment with flavor variations by mixing in a tablespoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor or incorporating nuts for added crunch.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture.
→ How should I store these brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually or in groups with plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
→ What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?
I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the best flavor and richness.
Rich Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
I absolutely love making these rich chocolate strawberry brownies whenever I’m in the mood for a decadent treat. The combination of dark chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a delightful balance of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is fudgy, almost like a brownie hug, with the added surprise of juicy strawberries that burst in your mouth. These brownies are perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or just when I need a little bit of sweetness in my life. Trust me, once you try them, they will quickly become a favorite in your home too!
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chopped dark chocolate and unsalted butter, stirring until smooth.
Remove from heat, and whisk in the granulated sugar until fully incorporated followed by the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add it to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined.
Gently fold in the quartered strawberries, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the brownies when they are cooled. You can also substitute the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g