If you love the heavenly combination of chocolate and strawberries, wait until you try this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie layered with a luscious, slightly tangy strawberry jam, all topped with a silky chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. This dessert is a showstopper for any occasion, blending familiar flavors in a delightful new way that will have you reaching for seconds—and thirds. It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience of sweet, chocolatey, and fruity harmony in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic of this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance between fudgy, fruity, and creamy textures, while delivering rich flavors that complement one another beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds moisture and a buttery richness to the brownie base.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the brownies.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together while contributing to the structure and softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth to the brownie batter.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): The essence of chocolate that gives the brownies their deep, rich taste and color.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Provides the structure necessary for fudgy brownies without making them cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a touch of lift for a soft texture.
- Fresh strawberries (1 1/2 cups, hulled and finely chopped): Create the fresh and fruity layer that brightens the dessert.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the strawberry topping for a jam-like consistency.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the strawberry mixture so it stays put over the brownies.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Used for the luscious ganache that crowns the dessert.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Blended with chocolate chips to create a silky ganache topping.
- Optional fresh strawberry halves: Perfect for garnishing and adding extra charm.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and bake the brownie base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this ensures easy removal later. Mix melted butter and sugar in a bowl until smooth, then whisk in eggs and vanilla extract until you have a glossy batter. Next, stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder gently until everything is combined but don’t overmix. Spread this rich brownie batter evenly in your pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy texture. Let the brownies cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Make the strawberry layer
While your brownies are cooling, bring together chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step infuses freshness and a hint of natural tartness that balances perfectly with the rich brownie. Allow this strawberry mixture to cool slightly, then spread it evenly over the cooled brownie layer.
Step 3: Prepare the chocolate ganache and assemble
For the chocolate coating, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring each time until you achieve a smooth, silky ganache. Pour this decadent topping over the strawberry layer, spreading it out evenly to seal all the luscious layers beneath. Pop the assembled brownies in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let everything set firmly.
How to Serve Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh strawberry halves on top of the ganache is an easy way to enhance both presentation and flavor. The vibrant red adds a pop of color, while their natural juiciness contrasts with the dense chocolate layers beautifully. You can also dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess balances the richness and adds a refreshing element. For a crowd-pleasing spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a glass of chilled sparkling rosé to elevate your experience even further.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving individual brownie squares in clear cups layered with whipped cream and extra strawberry slices for a stunning parfait. Or stack them into mini towers with a drizzle of melted chocolate and mint leaves on top for a sophisticated look. This recipe truly offers endless ways to impress your guests with just a little flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying over several indulgent moments.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies by wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen brownies can last up to 3 months. Defrost them in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve the strawberries and ganache layers perfectly.
Reheating
For a warm treat, remove the brownies from the fridge and microwave a single piece for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the ganache slightly and brings out the gooey chocolate elements without overheating the strawberry topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?
Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and firm texture, but if you only have frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly first to avoid excess moisture that could make the layer too runny.
Is there a dairy-free option for the ganache?
Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk to create a luscious, dairy-free ganache that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate chips.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. This keeps the texture fudgy and just as delicious.
What is the best way to cut these brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife warmed slightly under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This prevents the ganache from cracking and gives you smooth edges every time.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can bake the brownies and make the strawberry layer a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble with ganache just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is one of those desserts that effortlessly steals the spotlight at any gathering or cozy night in. With layers of chocolatey goodness, fruity brightness, and creamy ganache, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—you might just find it becoming your new favorite indulgence to share with friends and family.
