If you're craving a dessert that marries rich chocolate with fresh, juicy strawberries, you’re in the right place. This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is my go-to when I want something fudgy, elegant, and downright irresistible.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made these brownies—it was like biting into chocolate heaven topped with a fresh berry burst. The combination feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull off.
- Fudgy, Moist Brownies: The brownie base is ultra rich and almost melt-in-your-mouth thanks to a secret blend of pudding mix and brownie mix.
- Fresh, Juicy Strawberries: They add a bright contrast that balances the chocolate’s intensity perfectly.
- Luscious Chocolate Ganache: Silky smooth and glossy, it’s the crowning touch that turns these brownies into a showstopper.
- Easy to Make: Using a boxed brownie mix and pudding keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients you can find at any grocery store. I recommend using fresh, ripe strawberries and good-quality semi-sweet chocolate bars for the best results. Here’s a quick breakdown of the stars in this recipe.
- Brownie Mix: The base that gives our brownies their classic fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate Pudding Mix: Adds extra moisture and richness, keeping the brownies delightfully soft and dense.
- Whole Milk: Helps bind the dry ingredients and makes the batter silky smooth.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the brownies moist without making them greasy.
- Large Eggs: Provide structure and that perfect chewy crumb.
- Fresh Strawberries: Adds natural sweetness and a refreshing contrast to the chocolate.
- Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate: Used to make the luxurious ganache topping that’s rich and velvety.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Combined with chocolate for the ganache, it creates a wonderfully smooth texture.
- Salted Butter: Melts into the ganache for added creaminess and a subtle salty balance.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste or occasion. Feel free to get creative with the toppings or chocolate to make it uniquely yours!
- Use Different Berries: I love swapping strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a twist on the classic. Their tartness pairs wonderfully with the rich ganache.
- Dairy-Free Option: Try coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream and use dairy-free chocolate bars to make these brownies vegan-friendly without sacrificing the decadent ganache texture.
- Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter adds a great crunch and depth of flavor that complements the smooth chocolate and fresh fruit nicely.
- Seasonal Flavors: Around the holidays, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or ginger into the brownie batter or trade fresh strawberries for candied cranberries for a festive flair.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Get your 9×9 inch baking pan ready by lining it with parchment paper — this way the brownies lift out easily, no sticking or crumbling. It’s a simple prep step that saves a lot of hassle later.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix and chocolate pudding mix for an extra fudgy texture. Then add ⅔ cup whole milk, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 2 large eggs. Whisk everything together until the batter is silky smooth—no lumps here! Whether you mix by hand or with an electric mixer, just make sure it’s fully combined.
Step 3: Bake and Cool Your Brownies
Pour the batter into your lined pan and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula. Bake for 37 minutes or until a toothpick inserted about an inch from the edge comes out clean. When done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely right in the pan—this usually takes 35-45 minutes. Patience here is key because removing the brownies too soon can lead to a messy topping process later on.
Step 4: Arrange the Strawberries
Once your brownies have completely cooled, it’s time to add that fresh berry goodness. Lay the halved strawberries in an even layer across the top, flat side down—this helps keep them stable when you pour on the ganache.
Step 5: Prepare the Silky Chocolate Ganache
Chop or break your 12 ounces of semi-sweet baking chocolate into smaller pieces and place them in a heat-safe bowl. Meanwhile, gently warm 1½ cups heavy cream with 2 tablespoons salted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the cream just begins to bubble around the edges—this usually takes about 3 minutes.
Step 6: Combine and Stir to Perfection
Pour the hot cream mixture immediately over the chocolate, making sure all the pieces are covered. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to soften the chocolate. After that, start stirring gently until the mixture turns into a glossy, smooth ganache free of lumps—this luscious texture is what makes the brownies so dreamy.
Step 7: Finish with Ganache and Set
Pour the ganache evenly over your strawberry-layered brownies. To get a perfectly smooth finish, tap the baking pan gently on the countertop to release any air bubbles trapped in the ganache. Let the ganache set at room temperature for about 90 minutes, or speed things up by chilling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Cut and Serve
Once your ganache has fully set, use a sharp serrated or plastic knife to cut the brownies into 16 squares. The trick is to cut cleanly so the chocolate topping stays neat and glossy without smearing. Serve immediately and enjoy each rich, indulgent bite!
Top Tip
Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe for the first time, a few simple tips can make all the difference to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly every time.
- Cool Completely Before Topping: One of the most important steps I learned is to let the brownies cool fully—about 35-45 minutes—before adding the strawberries and ganache. This prevents the chocolate from melting and helps the ganache set beautifully.
- Use Fresh, Firm Strawberries: Choosing fresh, ripe but firm strawberries ensures they hold their shape on top of the brownies and add a refreshing burst without becoming soggy.
- Sharp Knife for Clean Cuts: For slicing, a sharp serrated or even a plastic knife works wonders to cut through the ganache and brownies neatly without smudging or tearing the topping.
- Don't Skip Tapping the Pan: After pouring the ganache, gently tapping the baking pan on the counter releases air bubbles, giving your brownies that smooth, glossy finish we all love.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, dust the brownies lightly with powdered sugar or fluff a small dollop of whipped cream on each piece. If you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a drizzle of white chocolate adds a nice contrast in color and texture.
Side Dishes
These indulgent brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry compote for added sweetness. For a beverage, try a rich, hot coffee or a glass of sparkling rosé to complement the chocolate and strawberry flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Due to the fresh strawberries, it’s best to store leftover brownies in the refrigerator once they’ve been sitting out for a couple of hours. Keep them covered in an airtight container, and they'll stay deliciously fresh for 2-3 days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe later, freeze individual brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
For a warm treat, let the brownie come to room temperature or gently microwave a square for about 10 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the ganache can get too soft and strawberries may lose their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe as frozen berries tend to be mushy and release extra moisture, which can affect the ganache setting and texture of the brownies.
Allow about 90 minutes at room temperature or 30 minutes in the refrigerator for the ganache to fully set before cutting and serving.
Yes! Dark chocolate will give a richer, slightly more bitter flavor which pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the strawberries and fudgy brownies.
Use a very sharp, slightly serrated or plastic knife and cut in one smooth motion. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps maintain neat edges.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe — they bring together a luscious fudgy base, fresh, juicy strawberries, and a silky chocolate ganache in one perfect bite. Whether it’s for a celebration or a sweet moment of self-indulgence, these brownies always impress. Take your time with each step, especially cooling and setting, and enjoy the deliciously rich results. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling and Setting Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and indulgent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, featuring a fudgy brownie base topped with fresh strawberries and a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache. Perfect for a special dessert or treat, these brownies combine classic flavors with an elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 18.3 ounce box brownie mix
- 3.9 ounce box chocolate pudding mix
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and cut in half
- 12 ounce semi-sweet baking chocolate (3 bars of 4 ounces each)
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoon salted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the brownie mix, chocolate pudding mix, whole milk, vegetable oil, and eggs either by hand or with an electric mixer until fully combined and smooth.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 37 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean.
- Cool Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan for about 35-45 minutes. Do not remove the brownies from the pan at this stage.
- Add Strawberries: Once cooled, arrange an even layer of halved fresh strawberries with the flat side down on top of the brownies.
- Prepare Ganache: Place the semi-sweet baking chocolate bars in a heat-safe medium bowl and set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream and salted butter, stirring constantly until the butter has melted and the mixture begins to bubble slightly around the edges, about 3 minutes.
- Combine Chocolate and Cream: Pour the hot cream mixture immediately over the chocolate in the bowl, ensuring the chocolate is fully covered. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
- Mix Ganache: After resting, stir the chocolate and cream mixture until smooth and glossy with no lumps.
- Pour Ganache Over Strawberries: Pour the ganache evenly over the strawberries and brownies. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles for a smooth finish.
- Set Ganache: Allow the chocolate ganache to set at room temperature for about 90 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes to speed up the process.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, cut the brownies into 16 squares using a sharp serrated or plastic knife for clean edges. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Store brownies in the refrigerator after a couple of hours due to the fresh strawberries and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before adding toppings to allow the ganache to set properly.
- Use a sharp, slightly serrated or plastic knife to cut brownies cleanly without smearing the ganache.
- Cut brownies into smaller portions as they are rich and indulgent, making smaller servings more enjoyable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (about 1/16th of recipe)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Leave a Reply