If you are a lover of rich chocolate desserts with a fresh twist, then this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine fudgy, moist brownies topped with juicy, vibrant strawberries all drenched in a glossy, decadent chocolate ganache—that perfect harmony of flavors and textures makes this dessert an absolute showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests at a gathering, these brownies deliver a delightful experience that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, using ingredients that are pantry staples yet come together to create an extraordinary flavor profile. Each element plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of fudgy texture, sweet brightness, and creamy chocolate goodness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks): Melted for a smooth, rich base that adds depth to the brownies.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Essential for sweetness and a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (4): Provide structure and moisture to keep the brownies dense yet soft.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The backbone that holds the batter together perfectly.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): Adds that intense, rich chocolate flavor crucial to any great brownie.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brightens the chocolate notes.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives just a slight lift without compromising fudginess.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pint, hulled and halved): Bursting with juiciness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): For the luscious ganache that cloaks the strawberries.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates that silky ganache that sets with a beautiful shine.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to properly grease and line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper or a non-stick spray; this will ensure your brownies come out cleanly with perfect edges. This initial setup makes all the difference in presentation and texture.
Step 2: Whisk the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes smooth and a bit glossy. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla, beating until everything’s fully blended. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to keep the dry ingredients light and lump-free. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring gently until just combined—you don’t want to overmix as that could make your brownies tough.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour your luscious batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes; the key is to check with a toothpick inserted in the middle—there should be just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack inside the pan to set the fudgy base before topping.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
While the brownies cool, it’s time to prepare the ganache that takes this recipe to luxurious heights. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to gently simmer. Remove it from the heat and pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a separate bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes, then stir until silky, smooth, and beautifully glossy.
Step 5: Assemble the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Now comes the fun and visually stunning part—arranging the halved strawberries over the cooled brownie layer. Pour the glossy chocolate ganache over the strawberries, ensuring each berry is drenched beautifully. For an extra touch of artistry, use a skewer or knife tip to create lovely swirled patterns in the ganache before it sets.
Step 6: Chill and Set
To let everything come together perfectly, pop the brownies into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the ganache to firm up so that when you slice into these beauties, you get clean cuts with that irresistible combination of fudgy brownie, fresh strawberry, and creamy chocolate.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a finishing flourish can elevate your serving experience. Try sprinkling a little powdered sugar over the top or decorating with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of green and freshness. You can also drizzle some white chocolate for a pretty contrast that pairs wonderfully with the berries.
Side Dishes
These brownies are rich, so pairing them with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can create a perfectly balanced dessert plate. For an extra refreshing note, serve alongside a simple fruit salad with citrus segments to cut through the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a charming, casual vibe or on elegant dessert plates with individual berry and ganache decorations to impress your guests. You could even cut them into bite-sized squares for parties or afternoon treats; their glossy ganache and bright strawberries make for stunning individual bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your brownies tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature if you plan to eat them within one to two days. This keeps the tops from drying out while maintaining their luscious fudginess and fresh strawberry flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze them after baking but before adding the ganache and strawberries. Wrap the cooled brownie slab tightly in plastic and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and add fresh strawberries and ganache just before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheating is usually best done gently if you want that just-baked warmth. Microwave individual slices for about 10 seconds or so, but avoid heating too long or the strawberries will become mushy. Alternatively, enjoy them cold, as the ganache is deliciously decadent straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe?
Fresh strawberries work best since they retain their shape and juiciness under the ganache. Frozen strawberries tend to release excess moisture, which can make the brownies soggy, so it’s best to stick with fresh.
What if I’m allergic to dairy—can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut cream in place of the heavy cream. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
It’s all about the toothpick test — insert one into the center, and when it comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it (but not wet batter), your brownies are done. This ensures they stay fudgy and not overbaked.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one substitution to maintain the right texture.
Is it possible to make mini Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe versions?
Yes! Use a mini muffin tin to bake smaller portions, adjusting baking time to about 15-18 minutes and topping each with halved strawberries and ganache after cooling for a darling, bite-sized treat.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is truly a dessert that captures the best of both worlds—intense chocolatey bliss and fresh fruity brightness. Sharing these with friends or family guarantees smiles and requests for seconds, so I wholeheartedly encourage you to bring this delightful recipe into your kitchen soon. Trust me, the combination of textures and flavors will become an instant favorite everyone will rave about!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these rich and fudgy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, featuring a luscious chocolate ganache topping and fresh strawberries for a perfect balance of decadent and fruity flavors. These brownies are moist, chocolaty, and elegantly topped, making them ideal for gatherings or a special dessert treat.
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 and Ganache
- 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 to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then whisk until fully incorporated. In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is well combined without overmixing.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased and lined baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream just until it begins to simmer—do not let it boil. Remove from heat and immediately pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the chocolate, then stir gently until the ganache becomes smooth, shiny, and well combined.
- Assemble the Topping: Once the brownies are completely cooled, arrange the halved fresh strawberries evenly on top of the brownies. Pour the prepared chocolate ganache over the strawberries, making sure to cover them thoroughly. If desired, swirl the chocolate lightly to create a beautiful marbled effect on top.
- Chill and Set: Place the assembled brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the chocolate ganache to fully set and firm up, making the topping deliciously glossy and stable.
- Serve: After the ganache has set, remove the brownies from the refrigerator and carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice the brownies into 12 servings and enjoy the perfect combination of fudgy chocolate and fresh strawberries.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are completely cool before adding the ganache to prevent melting or sliding of the chocolate topping.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture contrast with the rich brownies.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
- For a decorative touch, consider drizzling additional white chocolate over the ganache.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
