If you have a sweet tooth and love the irresistible pairing of fruit and chocolate, then this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is going to become your new favorite dessert. Imagine fudgy, rich brownies layered with fresh strawberries and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. It’s that perfect balance of decadent chocolate and bright, juicy strawberries that makes every bite a celebration. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe is easy enough to whip up and guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to try it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely crucial to get the perfect texture and flavor in your brownies and topping. Each one plays a role in building that ideal balance of moist, chocolaty, and fresh.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Melted for a rich, buttery texture that anchors the brownies.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Brings just the right amount of sweetness to the brownie base.
- 4 large eggs: Provide structure and keep the brownies beautifully moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet depth to the chocolate.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your brownies their classic texture.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star ingredient for intense, rich chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the chocolate intensity.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just enough to stay tender.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional): Adds extra pockets of melty chocolate delight.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries: Sliced or whole, their juicy tartness cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate: Chopped for the silky, glossy ganache topping.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, luscious ganache to perfectly coat the strawberries.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C), and prepare a 9×13-inch pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, leaving some edges hanging over the sides. This clever trick makes it so easy to lift those brownies out when they’re done.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until smooth and fully mixed. This step sets the stage for a lovely, tender crumb and rich taste.
Step 3: Beat in Eggs and Vanilla
Add your eggs and vanilla extract, then whisk until the batter is light, fluffy, and beautifully combined. This adds air and creates a joyful texture inside the brownies.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder all together for a smooth blend. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mix just until there are no streaks left—overmixing here can toughen your brownies.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you love extra bursts of chocolate, fold in chocolate chips evenly. They create delightful gooey pockets that make every bite a surprise.
Step 6: Pour Batter and Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your pan, smoothing the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, never wet batter!
Step 7: Prepare the Ganache
While the brownies bake, gently heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s just simmering—be careful not to let it boil. Pour the hot cream over chopped semi-sweet chocolate, let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth.
Step 8: Cool, Top, and Set
Once your brownies are completely cool, lift them out of the pan with the parchment edges. Arrange your fresh strawberries on top, then pour the silky ganache over them, ensuring they’re all generously coated. Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let that ganache set perfectly.
Step 9: Slice and Enjoy
Cut into squares and serve up your beautiful, decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe. The combination of fudgy brownie, fresh strawberries, and rich ganache will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Drizzle with extra melted chocolate or sprinkle with finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for a delightful crunch and visual appeal. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to mellow the richness. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the sweetness nicely if serving after a meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these brownies on a beautiful wooden board, surrounded by extra fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a colorful, inviting presentation. Alternatively, cut into small bite-size pieces and serve as part of a dessert tasting platter for a party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Storing ganache-topped desserts in the fridge helps maintain freshness because of the cream, so chilly storage is best if you want them a bit longer.
Freezing
You can freeze brownies before adding the ganache and strawberries. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before finishing with the fresh toppings and ganache.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these brownies warm, gently microwave a single portion for 15 to 20 seconds, but add the ganache and strawberries after reheating to keep them fresh and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries are ideal because they hold their shape and texture better. Frozen berries tend to release extra moisture which can make the brownies soggy, so if you must use them, thaw and drain thoroughly first.
What type of chocolate is best for the ganache?
Semi-sweet chocolate is perfect because it balances the sweetness of the ganache without being too bitter or too sweet, complementing the strawberries and brownies beautifully.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax or chia eggs, use dairy-free butter and cream alternatives, and choose vegan chocolate. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
How do I know when the brownies are baked perfectly?
The toothpick test is key—insert it in the center of the brownies, and if it comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter, they’re perfectly baked for fudgy results.
Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely! Raspberries and cherries make lovely alternatives or additions. Just make sure the fruit is fresh and not too juicy so your brownies don’t get too wet.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe will become one of your go-to treats for any occasion. The perfect harmony of rich chocolate, fresh strawberries, and velvety ganache is just dreamy. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create such a stunning and delicious dessert. So go ahead, grab those strawberries, and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the luscious combination of rich chocolate brownies topped with fresh strawberries and a smooth chocolate ganache. These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies offer a perfect balance of fudgy texture and fruity freshness, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup 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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced or whole)
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 4 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Sift in Dry Ingredients: Sift in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Heat Cream: In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).
- Add Chocolate: Remove from heat and add 8 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled completely, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang and place them on a cutting board.
- Top with Strawberries: Arrange 1 cup of fresh strawberries on top of the brownies, sliced or whole as preferred.
- Pour Ganache: Drizzle or pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the strawberries, ensuring they are well coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate the brownies for about 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set.
- Slice and Enjoy: Once set, slice the brownies into squares and serve, enjoying the delightful combination of chocolate and strawberries.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, reduce baking time slightly and check frequently.
- Fresh strawberries can be substituted with frozen, but fresh is recommended for best texture.
- Chocolate chips in the batter are optional but add extra chocolate richness.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to enhance flavor and texture.
- Store brownies in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
