If you are ready to fall in love at first bite, this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe will sweep you off your feet. Combining fudgy, rich brownies with juicy, fresh strawberries and a luscious glossy chocolate ganache topping creates a dessert that truly feels like a celebration. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these brownies are a showstopper with simple ingredients and a gorgeous finish that tastes as delightful as it looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe comes together with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to balance flavor and texture. The brownie mix ensures a perfectly fudgy base, fresh strawberries add bright juiciness, and the homemade ganache brings an irresistible silky chocolate layer that ties everything together.
- Brownie Mix: Use a box mix designed for an 8″x8″ dish to keep things easy and ensure a rich, chewy foundation.
- Strawberries (1 lb): Fresh and ripe, cut in half with stems removed to add natural sweetness and a juicy burst.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups): Choose semi-sweet or a mix with dark chocolate for depth and perfect ganache consistency.
- Heavy Cream (¾ cup, up to 1 cup): The secret to a smooth and glossy ganache that drapes beautifully over the strawberries.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
Start by preparing the brownie mix according to the instructions on the box, using an 8″x8″ baking dish for the best texture and thickness. Once baked, let your brownies cool completely. This is crucial to prevent the strawberries and ganache from melting or sliding off when you add them.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
While the brownies cool, remove the stems from your fresh strawberries and slice them in half lengthwise. Arranging these bright, juicy halves in a single layer across the cooled brownie layer with the seed side facing up will create a beautiful canvas for your chocolate topping.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
This part feels a bit like magic. Combine your chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and warm gently. Start with 25 seconds, then stir slowly to encourage even melting. Repeat with short bursts and stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. The key here is patience—gradually heating and stirring ensures the ganache develops that perfect silky texture without burning.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour the finished ganache evenly over the strawberries, coating every berry with a shiny, decadent layer. Then chill the entire dish in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the ganache to firm up nicely. It won’t be totally solid but will hold beautifully for slicing.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, sprinkle a few finely chopped pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely pop of color and a refreshing hint against the chocolate sweetness.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want to keep things light, a simple bowl of fresh berries on the side can complement the richness without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, consider serving these brownies on a pretty slate board or colorful platter. Arrange leftovers in neat rows and garnish each piece with a strawberry slice or a drizzle of extra ganache for that wow factor. You can also experiment by swapping strawberries for raspberries or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sophisticated twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since the strawberries release moisture, it’s best to enjoy these brownies within a day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the ganache firm and the strawberries fresh, but don’t expect the texture to remain as perfect as right after baking.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because the delicate strawberries and ganache don’t freeze well together—they become watery and lose their fresh appeal once thawed.
Reheating
Because of the fresh berry topping, reheating is a bit tricky. If you prefer warm brownies, try separately warming the plain brownies before adding fresh strawberries and ganache fresh made, or enjoy as is to savor the perfect chilled contrast.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to start with your favorite scratch-made brownie recipe. Just make sure it fits an 8″x8″ pan and is fully cooled before assembling.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for the ganache?
You can substitute with half-and-half, but the ganache may be slightly less rich and glossy. Heavy cream gives the best texture and finish.
How ripe should the strawberries be?
Choose bright, ripe strawberries that are firm but juicy. Overripe berries might become mushy and affect the overall texture of the brownies.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by using a dairy-free brownie mix and replacing the heavy cream with coconut cream, you can adapt this recipe while keeping that luscious ganache texture.
Why do the brownies get watery after a day?
The natural moisture from the fresh strawberries seeps into the brownies over time, making them softer and wetter. That’s why it’s best to enjoy them within 24 hours for optimal texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is one of those rare desserts that balances ease, elegance, and incredible flavor. It’s perfect for surprising your loved ones or treating yourself. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving these luscious layers of fudge, fruit, and ganache again and again—so don’t be shy, dive in and enjoy every blissful bite!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus 20-30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and fudgy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, featuring a luscious homemade chocolate ganache topping fresh, juicy strawberries. Baked in an 8×8 inch pan, these brownies are perfect for any chocolate lover craving a fruity twist. The ganache is made with semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream, poured over the strawberries and chilled to set, creating a glossy, decadent finish.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1 Brownie Mix (for an 8″x8″ baking dish)
Fruit Topping
- 1 lb Strawberries, stems removed, cut in half lengthwise
Chocolate Ganache
- 1½ cups Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (or part dark chocolate)
- ¾ cup Heavy Cream (up to 1 cup if more is needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Brownies: In an 8″x8″ baking dish, prepare brownies according to package directions. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
- Prepare Strawberries: Remove stems from the strawberries and cut each in half lengthwise to reveal the juicy insides.
- Arrange Strawberries: Place the strawberry halves in a single layer on top of the cooled brownies, with the cut (seed) side facing up for an attractive presentation.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave for 25 seconds, then stir slowly to begin melting the chocolate.
- Continue Melting and Stirring: Microwave the mixture again for 20 seconds and stir thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. The residual heat helps further melt the chocolate. It is important to heat the mixture gradually to avoid overheating.
- Finish Ganache: If chocolate chips remain chunky, microwave for an additional 15 seconds and stir again. Repeat until the ganache is smooth, glossy, and dark.
- Pour Ganache Over Strawberries: Evenly pour the smooth, shiny ganache over the arranged strawberries, covering all berries completely.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the brownies with ganache for 20-30 minutes until the ganache firms up but is not completely solid.
- Serve: Slice the brownies and serve within one day, as the strawberries release moisture that can make the brownies soggy if stored longer.
Notes
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before adding strawberries to prevent melting the fresh fruit and ganache.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate ganache to keep it smooth and glossy without burning.
- Use good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for the best flavor in your ganache.
- The dessert is best enjoyed within a day due to moisture from strawberries softening the brownies.
- You can adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your desired ganache consistency.
