If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate with fresh, juicy fruit, the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These brownies combine fudgy, molten chocolate goodness with sweet, ripe strawberries, all crowned with a glossy, decadent ganache. The contrast of textures and flavors creates an irresistible treat that feels both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple but each ingredient plays such a crucial role in making these brownies sing. From the quality of the chocolate to the freshness of the strawberries, everything counts for maximum flavor and perfect texture.
- Chocolate chips (7 oz semisweet or bittersweet): Choose a good quality chocolate for smooth melting and a deep, rich flavor that forms the base of your brownies.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, room temperature): Butter creates that tender, fudgy crumb that makes brownies so delectable.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3 tablespoons): Adds intense chocolate flavor and gives the brownies their dark, inviting color.
- Large eggs (3, room temperature): Eggs provide structure and moisture, helping the brownies stay soft but set.
- Granulated sugar (1 ¼ cups): Sweetens and helps create that glossy brownie crust we all love.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Introduces warmth and depth that enhances the chocolate.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Just enough flour to hold things together without sacrificing fudginess.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): A pinch that balances sweetness and heightens all the chocolate notes.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, halved): Fresh and juicy, they add bright bursts of flavor and freshness to each bite.
- Heavy cream (6 tablespoons): Used to make the silky ganache that envelops the strawberries and brownies.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This simple prep ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly clean.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
Use a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water to gently melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring frequently for a smooth, shiny mixture. Once melted, whisk in the cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor. Let this cool just a bit to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. This mixing step is quick but key to creating the right texture—just enough to blend without whipping too much air into the batter.
Step 4: Combine Chocolate Mixture and Dry Ingredients
Slowly whisk the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Then fold in the flour gently with a wooden spoon until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your brownies fudgy and tender.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula to reach the corners. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is slightly puffed but a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This ensures a perfect fudgy center. Let cool completely on a wire rack, which takes about two hours.
Step 6: Add Strawberries and Ganache Topping
Once your brownies are fully cooled, place halved strawberries cut side down evenly across the surface. Then, warm heavy cream gently in a saucepan over low heat, remove it from the stove, and stir in your chocolate chips until melted and glossy. Pour this luscious ganache evenly over the strawberries to coat them beautifully.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
When the ganache has set slightly, cut your creation into one-inch squares. Each piece is a perfect combination of tender brownie, fresh strawberry, and rich ganache—a delightful bite every time.
How to Serve Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the brownies for an elegant touch. You can also add a few small mint leaves on top for a pop of color and fresh aroma that enhances the strawberries beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to mellow the rich chocolate. A simple glass of chilled milk or a cup of robust coffee also pairs wonderfully with these decadent treats.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try arranging the brownies on a platter with extra fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings scattered around for a tempting display. You can also drizzle a little white chocolate over the ganache for contrast or layer the brownies individually in clear dessert cups with whipped cream for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These brownies keep best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to five days. The chocolate ganache topping helps lock in moisture, so each bite stays wonderfully fudgy.
Freezing
If you want to make ahead and freeze, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to two months frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you want to soften the ganache and bring out the chocolate aroma. Just be careful not to overheat, as the strawberries can become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because they hold their shape and flavor well. Frozen strawberries tend to release too much moisture, which can make your brownies soggy.
What type of chocolate is best for these brownies?
Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips work beautifully here, providing rich depth without being overly sweet. Choosing high-quality chocolate will give you a smoother ganache and more intense flavor.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture perfect.
Is it okay to skip the ganache topping?
While the ganache adds decadent richness, you could skip it and still have incredible fudgy strawberry brownies. The ganache makes the dessert extra special but isn’t absolutely necessary for a delicious treat.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
The key is to check with a toothpick inserted into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures your brownies are fudgy inside, not cakey or underbaked.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of chocolate and strawberries, especially when paired in a rich, fudgy brownie with a silky ganache topping. The Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is one of those desserts that never fails to impress and delight both the eyes and the palate. Whether it’s a special occasion or just because, these brownies will quickly become a cherished favorite. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every luscious bite as much as I do!
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 25 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate-covered strawberry brownies are an indulgent dessert featuring fudgy semisweet chocolate brownies topped with fresh strawberries and a rich chocolate ganache. The combination of moist, dense brownies with juicy strawberries and smooth ganache creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Fudgy Brownies
- 1 ⅓ cup (7 oz or 200 g) good quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into quarters
- 3 tablespoons (18 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 2 cups (150 g) fresh strawberries, halved
- 2 cups (300 g) good quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
- 6 tablespoons (90 ml or 3 oz) heavy cream, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal, and set aside.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Using a double boiler or a medium heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, gently melt the chocolate chips and quartered unsalted butter together. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth. Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until fully blended. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until combined and slightly frothy, about 30 seconds.
- Combine Chocolate with Eggs: Slowly whisk the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture to temper the eggs and create a smooth batter.
- Add Flour: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour using a wooden spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly and leveling the surface with an offset spatula or spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the brownies have slightly puffed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Brownies: Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature, about 2 hours.
- Arrange Strawberries: Once cooled, evenly place the halved fresh strawberries cut side down over the top of the brownies.
- Prepare Ganache: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until hot but not boiling (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and immediately add the chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. If necessary, return briefly to the heat to fully melt any remaining chunks.
- Apply Ganache: Pour the warm chocolate ganache evenly over the strawberry-topped brownies, covering them completely.
- Serve: When ready to serve, cut the brownies into one-inch squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture and freshness.
- Use good quality chocolate for both the batter and ganache; it melts more smoothly and enhances the overall flavor.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the strawberries and ganache to prevent melting and sliding.
- You can line the baking pan with parchment paper extending over the edges to help lift the brownies out easily for cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
