If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s bursting with fresh fruit and luscious chocolate, this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is just what you need. Imagine fudgy, rich brownies topped with juicy sliced strawberries, all enrobed in a silky, glossy chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect balance of decadent and fresh, simple to make but sure to impress whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or keeping it all to yourself. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—classic chocolate brownie goodness with the sweet, tangy juiciness of strawberries, delivering a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that are easy to find but all play a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. Each one adds its own touch, from the fudgy brownie base to the fresh fruit topping and smooth ganache.
- Brownie mix (1 box, 18–20 oz): The foundation of our dessert, it brings that classic fudgy texture with minimal effort.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Usually required by the brownie mix, they help bind ingredients and give the brownies moisture and richness.
- Fresh strawberries (1 lb, hulled and sliced): Adds natural sweetness and a delightful juicy freshness that cuts through the chocolate.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Essential for the ganache, they provide a smooth, rich chocolate flavor that coats the strawberries beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Gives the ganache its silky texture and luscious mouthfeel.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): A subtle flavor enhancer that lifts the chocolate to the next level.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweet flavors and deepens the chocolate taste.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Brownie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and get your 9×9-inch pan ready by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. Whip up the brownie batter according to the box instructions—usually mixing the mix with eggs, oil, and water—and pour that beautiful chocolatey batter into your pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. This bake time ensures the brownies stay moist and fudgy, which is the perfect foundation for our toppings.
Step 2: Cool the Brownies Completely
Patience is key here. Let the brownies cool fully in the pan before moving on. This step is important because your ganache and strawberries will sit on top, and if the brownies are still warm, the chocolate will melt and the strawberries could get soggy. It also helps with cleaner cutting later on.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Strawberries
Once the brownies have cooled, slice up your fresh, firm strawberries and spread them evenly over the surface. Using firm strawberries prevents extra moisture from seeping into the brownies, keeping everything deliciously fresh and not mushy.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
In a small saucepan on medium heat, warm your heavy cream just until it begins to simmer—don’t let it boil. Remove it from the heat and add your semisweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for about two minutes to allow the chocolate to soften perfectly. Then stir until your ganache is smooth, shiny, and luxuriously glossy.
Step 5: Pour Ganache Over Strawberries and Chill
Gently pour the ganache over the strawberries, making sure to cover them evenly without disturbing the arrangement too much. Spread lightly if needed with a spatula to get a nice smooth surface. Pop the whole pan into the fridge and chill for at least an hour, allowing the ganache to set into a firm yet creamy layer.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once set, cut into squares and get ready to wow your taste buds. These brownies are fantastic served chilled to hold their shape nicely, but you can also bring them to room temperature if you prefer a softer ganache. Enjoy every bite of that amazing chocolate-covered strawberry goodness!
How to Serve Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, consider a few extra touches like a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprig of fresh mint, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for contrast. These little finishes make your dessert look as irresistible as it tastes and add subtle layers of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of chilled sparkling wine or a cup of freshly brewed coffee works beautifully to complement the richness and fruitiness of the dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving these brownies on a wooden board layered with fresh strawberry slices and edible flowers to create a rustic yet elegant look. Alternatively, you can cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them as part of a dessert platter with other fruit and chocolates for a crowd-pleasing party spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies covered tightly in the refrigerator to keep the ganache firm and the strawberries fresh. Leftovers stay delicious for up to 3 days, though they rarely last that long!
Freezing
If you want to freeze these brownies, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Because of the fresh strawberries and ganache topping, reheating should be gentle if you want to maintain texture—consider warming a piece briefly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or letting it sit at room temperature for a while. Avoid heating too long or the strawberries can become mushy and the ganache might melt excessively.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe as the base. The mix is convenient, but fresh brownies made from scratch can add a personal touch and allow you to customize the flavor exactly how you like.
What type of chocolate works best for the ganache?
Semisweet chocolate chips are ideal here because they strike a great balance between sweet and rich flavors. You can experiment with bittersweet or milk chocolate if you prefer a different taste, just adjust the sweetness and cream accordingly.
Can I substitute frozen strawberries?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries for this recipe to avoid excess moisture which can make the brownies soggy. If you have to use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before slicing and layering.
How do I make the brownies more chocolatey?
Try adding about 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder to your brownie batter—it intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding any coffee taste. Also, using high-quality chocolate chips for the ganache can make a big difference.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or gelatin products. It’s a delightful dessert option for a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is truly a match made in dessert heaven. It’s simple enough to whip up any day but special enough to turn heads at celebrations. The combination of luscious brownies, fresh strawberries, and silky ganache is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So grab those strawberries and get baking—you’re about to create a new favorite dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious!
Print
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these decadent Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies featuring a moist, rich brownie base layered with fresh strawberries and topped with a silky semisweet chocolate ganache. Perfect for any occasion, this American dessert combines the classic flavors of chocolate and strawberry with a luscious creamy finish.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 box (18–20 oz) brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: typically eggs, oil, and water)
Fruit Layer
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions, mixing in eggs, oil, and water as instructed.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs remaining. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Layer Strawberries: Once the brownies are fully cooled, evenly spread the sliced fresh strawberries over the surface of the brownies, creating a fresh fruit layer.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream just until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the semisweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let this mixture sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth, glossy, and well combined.
- Assemble & Chill: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the strawberry layer, spreading gently to cover all the berries. Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate ganache topping is fully set.
- Serve: Cut the brownies into 16 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm strawberries to avoid excess moisture that could make the brownies soggy.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter before baking.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
