If you have a sweet tooth and love the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and fresh fruit, you are in for a real treat with this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe. Imagine fudgy, chocolatey brownies topped with juicy, vibrant strawberries all smothered in a luscious, glossy chocolate ganache—each bite bursts with flavor and texture. Whether it’s for a special occasion or an everyday indulgence, this dessert is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make and absolutely delightful to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients is all it takes to create this fabulous dessert. Each one plays a key role — from the buttery richness of the base to the fresh brightness of the strawberries and the creamy depth of the ganache.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks): Melting this adds that luscious, moist foundation for the brownies.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetness that balances the chocolate’s deep cocoa flavor perfectly.
- Large eggs (4): These bind everything together and add structure to the brownies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a touch to enhance all the other flavors naturally.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The backbone of the brownie texture, providing just enough chewiness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): For that signature rich chocolate taste that makes brownies so irresistible.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the brownies a slight lift, ensuring they’re dense but not too heavy.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pint, hulled and halved): The star fruit topping, adding freshness, color, and juiciness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The core of the luscious ganache coating the strawberries.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Mixed with the chocolate to create that smooth, rich ganache.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for perfectly baked brownies. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Prep matters because a well-prepared pan ensures your brownies come out in one beautiful piece.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together until silky and smooth. Next, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until your mixture is silky and homogenous. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder together to avoid lumps and ensure even rising. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently to create that classic brownie batter that’s thick and decadent.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This timing keeps your brownies fudgy and soft rather than cakey. Then, let this delicious base cool completely on a wire rack—cool brownies hold the toppings better and prevent sogginess.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Place the heavy cream in a small saucepan and heat it over medium until it just begins to simmer. Don’t let it boil! Pour this warm cream over your semi-sweet chocolate chips in a mixing bowl. After letting it sit for about 2-3 minutes, stir gently until the ganache becomes smooth, glossy, and absolutely dreamy. This is the magic glaze that brings everything together.
Step 5: Top with Strawberries and Ganache
Once the brownies are cooled to room temperature, arrange the halved strawberries across the entire surface. Pour your luscious chocolate ganache over the fruit, ensuring you cover all those juicy berries. If you’re feeling artistic, swirl the ganache gently with a toothpick or spoon for a marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Chill and Let Set
Place your creation in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This cool-down period allows the chocolate ganache to set firmly over the strawberries so each square can be sliced cleanly without the topping sliding off. Patience here will be well rewarded!
Step 7: Slice and Serve
After chilling, cut the brownies into squares and serve. You’ve just made a dessert that’s bursting with decadent chocolate, bright berry freshness, and silky ganache. Trust me, these brownies will disappear fast!
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle finely chopped nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top after slicing. A fresh mint leaf on each brownie can add a lovely pop of green and a refreshing hint that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and strawberries.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollops of freshly whipped cream for that classic dessert combo that never fails to impress. If you want something fruity, a simple mixed berry salad can balance out the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a party, try presenting your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe on a pretty platter lined with fresh strawberry slices and chocolate shavings. You can also serve smaller bite-sized squares on cocktail sticks for an elegant finger-food version everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover brownies covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fridge keeps the ganache firm and the strawberries fresh, so you can enjoy the same amazing flavors even a few days later.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain their deliciousness for up to 2 months. Thaw the brownies in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve their texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you want your brownies a little warmer, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the ganache smooth and not melted away.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones as long as you thaw and drain them well to avoid making the brownies soggy. Just be aware that thawed berries may release more moisture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, making sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the brownie’s structure.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the ganache?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the ganache sweeter and creamier, which some people love, but it may be less intense in chocolate flavor.
How do I get the brownies fudgy instead of cakey?
Be careful not to overbake your brownies and use the precise measurements of butter and eggs. Also, avoid adding flour beyond what the recipe calls for to maintain that dense, fudgy texture.
Can I prepare the ganache ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the ganache a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. When ready to use, gently warm it up and stir until it’s pourable again before topping your strawberries.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a little indulgence wrapped in love, this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. From the rich brownies to the fresh fruit and silky chocolate ganache, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become a treasured go-to whenever you want to treat yourself or impress friends and family.
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies featuring a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with fresh strawberries and a luscious chocolate ganache. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a mix of chocolate and fruit in every bite.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Topping
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Topping: Once the brownies are completely cool, arrange the halved strawberries on top of the brownies. Pour the chocolate ganache over the strawberries, covering them completely. If desired, you can swirl the chocolate to create a marbled effect.
- Chill and Set: Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate ganache to set and firm up.
- Serve: Once the ganache has set, slice the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before adding strawberries and ganache to prevent melting.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- For easier slicing, chill the brownies well to firm up the ganache before cutting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
