If you have a soft spot for the perfect balance of rich chocolate and fresh fruity bursts, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe. It brings together fudgy, decadent brownies with juicy strawberries all crowned with a silky, luscious chocolate ganache that sets to a glossy finish. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that feels like dessert magic on your tongue. Whether it’s a special occasion or a treat-yourself moment, these brownies are sure to become your new favorite go-to indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients is all it takes to craft these irresistible Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the moist brownie base, the fresh fruit topping, and the rich chocolate coating that ties everything together.
- 1 box brownie mix: The foundation for convenience and consistent fudgy texture—choose your favorite brand for easy prep.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These are generally required by the brownie mix to bring structure and moistness to the batter.
- 1 pint fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced): Adds natural sweetness and a juicy pop to brighten up the brownies.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The heart of the ganache, providing smooth, rich chocolate flavor with a touch of sweetness.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Heated and combined with chocolate chips to create that velvety ganache texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate’s depth and rounds out the overall flavor profile beautifully.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. Follow the instructions on your brownie mix box, usually combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour your smooth batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, testing with a toothpick near the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs for the ideal fudgy texture. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack so they’re ready to hold your delicious toppings without sliding around.
Step 2: Layer the Fresh Strawberries
Once the brownies have completely cooled, gently arrange the hulled and sliced strawberries evenly across the surface. Remember to gently pat your strawberries dry beforehand to avoid sogginess; this ensures the topping stays fresh and vibrant. These fresh berries add a juicy sweetness and a beautiful pop of color that perfectly complements the chocolate base.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
In a small saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl, heat your heavy cream just until it begins to simmer—watch closely to avoid boiling over. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and allow it to sit untouched for about two minutes. This resting time melts the chocolate gently, creating a silky blend. Add the vanilla extract, then stir everything together until the ganache is smooth, shiny, and perfectly glossy, ready to envelop the strawberries and brownies in a rich chocolate embrace.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Carefully pour the warm ganache over the arranged strawberries, spreading it evenly with a spatula so every berry is covered in that luscious chocolate glaze. Transfer the whole pan into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least one hour. This step is key—the ganache will set to a firm, velvety finish that makes slicing these brownies neat and satisfying.
How to Serve Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped toasted nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. A few fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing contrast in both flavor and presentation, making your dessert look almost too good to eat.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want to add some bright acidity, a small bowl of mixed berries or a citrus fruit salad can enhance the strawberries’ freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these brownies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by extra fresh strawberries and small bowls of chocolate chips for a DIY dessert bar. Or stack smaller brownie squares layered with between slices of strawberries and drizzle additional warm ganache on top for an impressive vertical presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and set, store any leftover Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their freshness and texture for up to three days, making them perfect for enjoying over several afternoons.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep the brownies longer, freeze them uncovered on a baking sheet first to solidify the ganache, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen brownies last up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy these brownies warm, let them come to room temperature, then microwave a single piece for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as the ganache can melt and become too runny, but a slight warmth will release all the rich flavors enticingly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best in this recipe because they retain their texture and flavor without adding excess moisture. Frozen strawberries tend to release more water, which can make the brownies soggy. If you must use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them very well, then pat dry before layering.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan-friendly version, select a dairy-free brownie mix and substitute eggs and oil with plant-based alternatives. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate chips for the ganache. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I add a liqueur or flavor extract to the ganache?
Absolutely! Adding a splash of Chambord, raspberry liqueur, or even a hint of almond extract to the ganache can elevate the flavor complexity and complement the strawberries wonderfully. Just add it after the chocolate has melted and before spreading it over the brownies.
How thick should I spread the ganache on top?
A thickness of about a quarter-inch is ideal to provide a satisfying chocolate layer without overpowering the berries. It should be thick enough to set well but still let the bright color and texture of the strawberries show through beneath the glossy chocolate.
What’s the best way to cut these brownies neatly?
Use a sharp knife warmed with hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This technique helps the ganache cut cleanly without cracking. Cutting straight down without a sawing motion will also keep your brownies looking polished.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe a try is like inviting a party of flavors and textures into your kitchen with effortless charm. It’s a dessert that brings the comfort of brownies and the elegance of fresh strawberries and ganache together in the most delightful way. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this unforgettable, chocolatey joy.
Print
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent and delicious Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies combining fudgy baked brownies, fresh strawberries, and a rich chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for a festive dessert or special occasion treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box – usually eggs, oil, and water)
Toppings
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make brownie batter: Prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions, incorporating the required eggs, oil, and water as directed. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake brownies: Bake the brownies for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain fudginess.
- Cool brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to ensure the ganache can be spread without melting and the strawberries remain fresh.
- Arrange strawberries: Once cool, evenly arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the baked brownies.
- Prepare ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl just until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a separate bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
- Mix ganache: Add the vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture and stir gently until the ganache is smooth, glossy, and fully combined.
- Top brownies: Pour the ganache evenly over the strawberries, spreading it gently to cover all the fruit and seal in the flavors.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to firm up before slicing.
- Serve: Slice into 9 equal squares and serve chilled or at room temperature for a rich and fruity dessert experience.
Notes
- Pat the strawberries dry before layering to prevent excess moisture from soaking into the brownies.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Add a splash of liqueur like Chambord to the ganache for a grown-up twist.
- Store leftover brownies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
