If you have a sweet tooth and adore the perfect harmony of fruit and chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe. Imagine fudgy, rich brownies topped with a fresh layer of juicy strawberries, all crowned with a silky smooth chocolate ganache. This delightful treat not only looks stunning but offers an irresistible blend of texture and flavor that’s perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in your own cozy moments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is a star in its own right, working together to create a luscious combination of fudgy brownies, fresh berries, and creamy chocolate. These simple, classic components are essential for balancing taste, texture, and visual appeal.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Melted butter adds rich moisture and depth to the brownies’ texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps create that perfect fudgy crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and add structure without weighing down the brownies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings out the chocolate flavor with subtle warmth and complexity.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Delivers intense chocolate flavor and deep color.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): The base that holds everything together just right.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness and chocolate notes.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift for a perfectly tender bite.
- Fresh strawberries (1 lb, hulled and sliced): Juicy and vibrant, they add freshness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The foundation for a rich, creamy ganache topping.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates the luxuriously smooth ganache that ties the whole dessert together.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownies
To begin this delicious adventure, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prep an 8×8-inch baking pan with either greasing or parchment paper for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, mix your melted butter with sugar until fully combined—this is where the fudgy magic starts. Add in the eggs and vanilla, stirring until everything is totally smooth. Now gently fold in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, taking care not to overmix; this preserves that moist, tender brownie texture. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Patience is key here as you let your brownies cool completely in the pan before moving on.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
While the brownies are cooling, take a moment to prepare your fresh strawberries. Carefully hull and slice them—think thin enough to layer beautifully yet thick enough to hold their juicy bite. Once the brownies have cooled, arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the surface, creating a gorgeous, ruby red carpet atop your chocolate base.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Next, it’s time for the ganache, which will give this dessert its luxe finish. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it starts to simmer; be careful not to let it reach a boil. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, then pour the hot cream over them. Let this sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir gently until silky smooth and glossy. This luscious ganache will coat every strawberry slice perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Brownies
Pour the warm ganache slowly over your strawberry-topped brownies, spreading it evenly until all the berries are fully covered. It’s okay if some ganache drips down the sides—that just means extra chocolatey goodness. Let your masterpiece set either at room temperature for about an hour or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until firm but still soft to the touch.
Step 5: Serve
Once your ganache topping has set, slice the brownies into squares and get ready to wow everyone. Feel free to add a few strawberry slices on top or a gentle dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. This is your moment to shine and savor every bite of this incredible Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
The great thing about this dessert is that the strawberries and chocolate already make it look stunning, but to add a little extra flair you could sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top to heighten the chocolate flavor or add fresh mint leaves for a refreshing contrast. A drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder can also add an elegant finish for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Since this dessert is rich and indulgent, pairing it with a lighter side like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a refreshing dollop of whipped cream can create a delightful balance. For a hint of sophistication, serve it alongside a cup of espresso or a glass of sparkling rosé—the perfect companions for this elegant treat.
Creative Ways to Present
You can take this recipe from classic to wow with a few creative touches. Try serving the brownies as part of a dessert platter with assorted berries and other chocolate treats, or cut them into bite-sized cubes and insert toothpicks for an easy party finger food. Layering the brownies in a clear trifle bowl with whipped cream and extra strawberries can also transform it into a show-stopping dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the ganache firm and the strawberries fresh. This will maintain the flavor and texture for up to 3 days. Be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy the ganache at its most luscious.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze the brownie base before adding strawberries and ganache. Wrap the cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw completely, add fresh strawberries and prepare the ganache for a fresh topping that tastes like it was made in the moment.
Reheating
When it’s time to indulge, gently warm individual servings in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften the ganache slightly without melting the strawberries. Avoid reheating too much to keep the texture perfect, or serve chilled for a more refreshing experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe?
While fresh strawberries are best for this recipe to maintain texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture that could affect the brownies and ganache.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream for the ganache. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips to keep every element free of dairy while enjoying the same delicious taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Many blends work well in brownies without altering the texture too much, but be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent.
How long does the ganache take to set fully?
Ganache usually sets in about 1 hour at room temperature or 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating is the faster and more reliable option to achieve that perfect, firm yet creamy consistency.
Can I add nuts to this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter before baking adds a wonderful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft strawberries and smooth ganache. Just fold them in gently to keep the texture balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors and textures that will delight anyone lucky enough to try it. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a decadent dessert, this recipe brings a joyful, comforting experience with every bite. So grab your ingredients, have fun assembling these beauties, and enjoy sharing what just might become your new favorite brownie twist!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these luscious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, featuring rich, fudgy brownies topped with fresh strawberries and a silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies combine the classic flavors of chocolate and strawberry in a decadent, show-stopping dessert that’s simple to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Strawberry Layer
- 1 lb (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until well incorporated. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then gently mix until just combined to avoid overmixing. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
- Prepare the Strawberry Layer: While the brownies cool, hull and slice the fresh strawberries evenly to ensure good coverage. Once the brownies have completely cooled, evenly arrange the sliced strawberries over the top, creating a fresh and colorful layer.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can affect the texture. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over them. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften, then stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour the prepared chocolate ganache over the strawberry layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover all the berries. Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for about 1 hour or refrigerate for 30 minutes until it firms up sufficiently.
- Serve: Once the ganache has fully set, cut the brownies into squares. For an elegant finish, optionally garnish with additional strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before adding strawberries to prevent melting or bleeding.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overbake the brownies to keep them fudgy and moist inside.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate and cream.
- Store leftover brownies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
