If you love the romance of chocolate covered strawberries and the nostalgic comfort of freshly baked brownies, then Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are about to become your new obsession. With a fudgy brownie base, a gorgeous crown of sweet strawberries, and a silky chocolate ganache drizzle, these bars are pure bliss in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Show-Stopping Dessert: The striking layers of juicy strawberries and glossy ganache are guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
- Foolproof and Fun: Using a brownie mix makes this recipe ultra-easy—no need for fancy equipment or bakery skills!
- Luscious Flavor Combo: Every bite has the lush taste of chocolate covered strawberries mingling with rich, fudgy brownie.
- Customizable for Every Season: You can change up the fruits or chocolate to suit any craving or celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of every day ingredients transform into an unforgettable treat. Each element plays a starring role in the taste, texture, and showstopping appearance of Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!
- Brownie Mix (for 8″x8″ pan): Your favorite boxed mix keeps things simple and ensures a rich, chewy base every time.
- Strawberries (1 lb): Fresh strawberries bring gorgeous color, juicy sweetness, and that irresistible “chocolate covered” vibe.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1½ cups): The backbone of a luxurious ganache—feel free to mix in some dark chocolate for deeper flavor!
- Heavy Cream (¾ cup, up to 1 cup): Gives the ganache its silky, spreadable texture and elegant shine.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies is how easy they are to customize. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them entirely your own—there are so many delicious directions you can take!
- Berry Swap: Try raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a sweet-tart twist or a pop of color.
- Different Chocolate: Use all dark chocolate chips for a more grown-up, decadent ganache, or go milk chocolate for a sweeter vibe.
- Gluten-Free: Use your go-to gluten-free brownie mix—just check that it bakes up nice and fudgy.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts between the strawberries and ganache for extra texture.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Step 1: Bake the Brownie Base
Prepare your favorite brownie mix as directed and bake in an 8″x8″ baking dish. The key here is to let the brownies cool completely so the strawberries sit nicely on top and the ganache sets up properly. Cooling also helps the brownie firm up, making slicing neat and hassle-free later.
Step 2: Prep the Strawberries
While your brownies are cooling, hull the strawberries (removing the green stems) and slice each one in half lengthwise. Arranging the berries cut-side down creates a gorgeous mosaic effect that looks as lovely as it tastes!
Step 3: Arrange the Strawberries
Once the brownies are cool, layer the strawberry halves in a single layer over the top, seed side up. This ensures every bite gets a juicy pop of berry and makes the finished brownies look irresistibly fresh and vibrant.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave for 25 seconds, then stir well. Continue microwaving in short bursts (20 seconds, then 15 seconds if needed), stirring thoroughly after each session until your ganache is perfectly smooth, dark, and glossy. Be patient—gentle heating is your friend here!
Step 5: Pour and Chill
Pour the warm ganache over the strawberry layer, spreading gently to cover every berry. Pop the whole pan in the fridge for 20–30 minutes, until the ganache firms up but doesn’t become rock solid. (This is the hardest part—waiting!)
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Using a sharp knife, slice into decadent squares and serve within a day for the freshest flavor and juiciest strawberries. These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are best enjoyed shortly after assembling, since the berries add extra moisture to the brownies.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
- Chill Before Slicing: Cooling the brownies after adding the ganache ensures gorgeous, clean slices without smearing the chocolate.
- Dry Strawberries Well: Patting berries dry after washing prevents excess moisture from seeping into the brownies.
- Don’t Overheat the Ganache: Microwave in short bursts and stir between each round—the ganache should be just melted and silky, not scorched or grainy.
- Serve Fresh: These brownies are at their absolute best the day they’re made; the longer they sit, the softer the base becomes from the berry juices.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Garnishes
For extra flair, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the ganache or finish each square with an extra strawberry slice or a few chocolate shavings. A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving never fails to add a touch of elegance as well.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are rich and satisfying on their own, but a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can make dessert truly special. For something lighter, serve them with a simple berry salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into heart shapes for Valentine’s Day, or serve each square in a cupcake liner for a party-friendly, handheld treat. Try stacking two small squares with extra berries in between for a dramatic dessert tower worthy of the fanciest bakeshop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies left (good luck!), store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the ganache set and the berries as fresh as possible, though they’re best eaten within a day for maximum deliciousness.
Freezing
Because of the fresh strawberry layer, these brownies don’t freeze well; the berries can become icy and watery when thawed. If you’d like to freeze just the brownie base, do so before topping with fruit and ganache, then assemble fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
There’s really no need to reheat these—Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature for the best texture. If they’ve been refrigerated, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving for slightly softer ganache and a richer flavor.
FAQs
-
Can I use a homemade brownie recipe instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a tried-and-true from-scratch brownie recipe you adore, use it in place of the box mix. Just be sure it fits your 8″x8″ pan and yields a fudgy (not cakey) texture for the best layered effect.
-
Do I have to use semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache?
Nope—feel free to stir in some dark chocolate chips for a bittersweet touch, or go with milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier ganache! Just make sure to use real chocolate chips or bar chocolate for smooth melting.
-
Why shouldn’t I make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies too far in advance?
Because strawberries release moisture over time, the brownies can get soggy if assembled too early. For the prettiest and tastiest results, prep them the day you plan to serve and enjoy within 24 hours.
-
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
Definitely! Raspberries and blueberries both work beautifully as alternative toppings and add a new flavor profile to the classic Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a surefire way to wow your friends and satisfy your own sweet cravings, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are the answer. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this gorgeous, easy dessert today!
PrintChocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of rich, fudgy brownies topped with fresh strawberries and a luscious chocolate ganache. These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 Brownie Mix (for an 8″x8″ baking dish)
Strawberry Topping:
- 1 lb Strawberries, stems removed, cut in half
Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 1/2 cups Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (or use part dark chocolate)
- 3/4 cup Heavy Cream (up to 1 cup if more is needed)
Instructions
- Brownie Layer: Prepare brownies in an 8″x8″ baking dish according to package directions. Let cool.
- Strawberry Topping: Remove strawberry stems and cut in half lengthwise. Arrange on top of brownie layer, seed side up.
- Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Finish: Pour ganache over strawberries. Chill for 20-30 mins until set. Slice and serve within a day.
Notes
- This recipe also works well with raspberries and blueberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg