Prepare to indulge in a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious – these Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Brownies are a true showstopper! Combining rich, fudgy homemade brownies with juicy, fresh strawberries half-dipped in luscious melted chocolate, it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’s perfect for celebrations, romantic gestures, or simply satisfying your deepest chocolate cravings.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Brownies are a personal favorite, and I absolutely adore them for their elegant simplicity and undeniable decadence! What I love most is the way the rich, fudgy brownie base, with its intense cocoa flavor and perfectly chewy texture, provides the ideal canvas. The fresh, sweet-tart strawberries offer a burst of juicy brightness that perfectly complements the deep chocolate. And then, there’s that final touch: the lustrous chocolate dip, which adds another layer of chocolate richness and a satisfying snap. It’s a dessert that feels incredibly luxurious and special, yet the steps are straightforward, making it a surprisingly achievable gourmet treat. They’re perfect for gifting, parties, or simply treating yourself to something truly extraordinary.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Brownies:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled (about 20-25 medium strawberries)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, helps make chocolate smooth for dipping)
Swaps and Notes
- Cocoa Powder: Use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor in the brownies.
- Melted Butter: Ensures a fudgy brownie texture.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, firm, fresh strawberries for the best results. Wash and dry them thoroughly before dipping.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Finely chopped chocolate melts more smoothly than chips. You can use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- Coconut Oil: Optional, but a small amount helps thin the melted chocolate slightly, making it smoother for dipping and giving it a nice sheen. Vegetable shortening can also be used.
- Salt (Brownies): Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor in the brownies.
Instructions
Let’s get these delicious Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Brownies prepared!
- Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.
- Mix Wet Brownie Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs: Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated and the mixture is glossy.
- Fold in Flour: Gently fold in the 1 cup all-purpose flour using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can lead to a tougher brownie.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan and spread it out smoothly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter, but not completely clean, which indicates overbaked brownies).
- Cool Brownies Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial; the brownies must be entirely cool before adding the chocolate-dipped strawberries, or the chocolate will melt.
- Prepare Strawberries for Dipping: While brownies cool, hull and wash the 1 lb fresh strawberries. Pat them verydry with paper towels. Any moisture will cause the chocolate to seize or not adhere.
- Melt Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (creating a double boiler), or in the microwave in 30-second intervals (stirring between each), melt the 8 oz finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate with the 1 tablespoon coconut oil (if using). Stir until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy.
- Dip Strawberries: Holding each strawberry by the hull, dip it halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the dipped strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to set. You can place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to speed up the setting process.
- Assemble & Serve: Once the brownies are completely cooled and the chocolate-dipped strawberries have set, arrange the strawberries on top of the brownies. You can place them in rows or a decorative pattern. Cut the brownies into squares (around the strawberries if needed) and serve.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake Brownies: For fudgy brownies, pull them from the oven when a toothpick still has moist crumbs.
- Cool Brownies Completely: This is crucial before topping; warm brownies will melt the chocolate.
- Dry Strawberries Thoroughly: Any water on the strawberries will cause the melted chocolate to seize. Pat them very, very dry.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: A good quality chocolate will result in a better-tasting dip.
- Coconut Oil for Smoothness: The optional coconut oil helps the melted chocolate be smoother and gives it a nice shine.
- Melt Chocolate Carefully: Don’t overheat the chocolate, as it can seize and become unusable. Low, gentle heat is best.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Brownies are a decadent dessert on their own, perfect for:
- Celebrations: Birthdays, anniversaries, or Valentine’s Day.
- Romantic Dinners: A beautiful and thoughtful end to a meal.
- Dessert Buffets: They add elegance and color.
- Gifting: Arrange them in a pretty box for a delightful homemade present.
- Coffee or Tea: The perfect rich accompaniment.
- For other incredibly indulgent sweet treats, consider our These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession or our The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made A Lot).
Storage and Leftover Tips
These brownies are best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal freshness of the strawberries.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The strawberries will soften over time, and the chocolate will be firm.
- Freezing: Freezing this assembled dessert is not recommended due to the fresh strawberries, which will change texture significantly upon thawing. However, you can freeze the plain brownies (without strawberries) wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw, then top with freshly dipped strawberries.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the rich, chocolatey, and sweet nature of these brownies, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free dessert and snack recipes:
- For another incredibly indulgent chocolate treat, try our These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- If you’re a brownie aficionado, you can’t go wrong with The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made A Lot).
- For a sweet treat you can enjoy without baking, our This Edible Cookie Dough Is My Favorite No-Bake Treat For Late Night Cravings is perfect.
- And for a fun, easy, and sweet no-bake treat, check out This Smores Bark Is My Favorite No-Campfire Treat For Anytime Cravings.
- Finally, for an instant chocolate fix in dip form, try This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert For Instant Chocolate Cravings.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Brownies are a brilliant solution for bringing a truly decadent, beautiful, and incredibly satisfying dessert to your table with ease. They’re perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of chocolatey elegance and fresh fruit delight.
Give this recipe a try and let these delicious brownies become a new favorite! What’s your favorite fruit to pair with chocolate? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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