Name: Irresistibly Indulgent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 1 box Brownie Mix (Feel free to substitute with your favorite homemade brownie recipe.); 1 cup Strawberries (Use firm, ripe strawberries for the best results.); 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Consider swapping with dark or white chocolate.); ½ cup Heavy Cream (Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.)

The aroma of freshly baked brownies wafted through my kitchen, mingling with the sight of glossy strawberries whispering for attention. It’s amazing how a simple dessert can transform into something extraordinarily elegant! These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies deliver a delightful fusion of fudgy goodness and fruity brightness, instantly elevating your dessert game. Using a boxed brownie mix keeps prep quick and stress-free—perfect for any home chef looking to create something special without the fuss. Plus, this recipe allows for a fun twist; feel free to customize it with different chocolates or a sprinkle of nuts! Whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating a loved one on date night, or simply indulging yourself, these brownies are bound to impress. Ready to dive into a sweet adventure? Let’s get started and whip up a batch of these irresistible treats!

Why are these brownies a must-try?

Irresistible Indulgence: These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies blend rich, fudgy texture with juicy strawberries, creating a dessert that’s simply divine.
Effortless Preparation: Using a boxed brownie mix means you’ll whip these up in no time, perfect for busy home cooks.
Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or add nuts, making each batch uniquely yours!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to impress guests and loved ones alike.
Dairy-Free Friendly: Want to accommodate dietary preferences? Just swap to coconut cream and choose dairy-free chocolate for a guilt-free indulgence!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Ingredients

For the Brownies
Brownie Mix – The base of our dessert, providing essential sweetness and structure; feel free to substitute with your favorite homemade brownie recipe.
Strawberries – Freshness personified! Use firm, ripe strawberries as they add a burst of natural sweetness to every bite.
For the Ganache
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – The heart of the ganache, offering rich chocolate flavor; consider swapping with dark chocolate for a deeper taste or white chocolate for a lighter twist.
Heavy Cream – This beloved ingredient creates a smooth, creamy ganache; substitute with coconut cream for a delicious dairy-free option that complements our Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies perfectly.

Enjoy bringing these delightful ingredients together for a treat that’s not just a dessert but an experience!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8″x8″ baking dish. In a large bowl, follow the instructions on your brownie mix package, combining the mix with required ingredients until smooth. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. Once mixed, pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer across the bottom.

Step 2: Add Fresh Strawberries
Wash and slice your strawberries in half, keeping them firm for the best results. Once the brownie batter is evenly spread, gently place the halved strawberries on top, cut side down, allowing them to nestle into the batter. This adds a lovely fruity brightness to your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies and should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The edges should be firm, while the center remains slightly soft but set. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as every oven varies.

Step 4: Prepare the Ganache
While the brownies are cooling, it’s time to make the ganache. In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of heavy cream over medium heat, stirring frequently until it reaches a gentle simmer. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Once simmering, pour the cream over 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes without stirring.

Step 5: Stir Until Smooth
After letting the chocolate chips rest, grab a whisk or spatula and stir the mixture until it becomes a smooth and glossy ganache. If your ganache is too thick, feel free to add a splash more cream until it reaches your desired consistency. This step should take about 2-3 minutes, yielding a luscious topping for your brownies.

Step 6: Combine Brownies and Ganache
Once the brownies have cooled to room temperature, gently pour the ganache over the top, covering the strawberries completely. Using a spatula, spread the ganache evenly across the surface. The glossy ganache will create a beautiful finish for your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, and this should take about 5 minutes to fully spread.

Step 7: Refrigerate to Set
To allow the ganache to firm up nicely, place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling period ensures that all the flavors develop and the ganache sets perfectly. You’ll know they’re ready when the ganache is firm but not overly hard, making slicing easier once chilled.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
After chilling, remove your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water, slice them into squares for a clean cut. The brownies can be served as is or garnished with powdered sugar or whipped cream for an extra touch. Enjoy the rich, fudgy texture combined with fresh strawberry sweetness!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Variations

Ready to personalize your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies and make them your own delightful creation? Let your culinary imagination run wild!

Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the brownies and the juiciness of the strawberries.
Minty Freshness: Add a hint of peppermint extract to your ganache for a refreshing twist that will awaken your senses and elevate the chocolate experience.
Berry Medley: Swap strawberries for a mix of fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries, creating a colorful and tangy berry explosion that’s bursting with flavor.
Lighter Ganache: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half to create a lighter ganache, yielding a equally creamy yet less rich topping for those who prefer a subtle touch.
Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the brownie batter for a warm, spicy kick that enhances the chocolate and strawberry flavor beautifully.
Dairy-Free Delight: Embrace a dairy-free option by replacing heavy cream with coconut cream and using dairy-free chocolate, allowing everyone to indulge without worry.
Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the ganache before it sets for an indulgent caramel-chocolate-strawberry trifecta that’s undeniably decadent.
Gourmet Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the ganache before it sets for a sophisticated touch, offering a delightful harmony between sweet and salty in every bite.

Feel free to explore these variations and make your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies truly one-of-a-kind. The kitchen is your playground!

What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?

Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that complement the luscious flavors and textures of these brownies.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream wonderfully balances the rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, creating a delightful contrast. A scoop next to your brownie adds an indulgent touch.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream serves as the perfect topping, bringing an extra layer of sweetness. This topping makes every bite feel like a special occasion.
Fresh Berries Salad: A medley of fresh berries adds brightness and acidity, enhancing the chocolatey richness of the brownies. The freshness of the fruits creates a vibrant contrast that sings of summer.
Chocolate Ganache Dip: Take your flavor profile to new heights by serving a small side of extra chocolate ganache. This allows those who crave a richer experience to indulge further, dipping their brownies for an even more decadent treat.
Mint Tea: The refreshing nature of mint tea perfectly cleanses the palate, ensuring your taste buds are ready for the next bite of fudgy delight. Its herbal notes offer a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the dessert.
Espresso: A shot of espresso acts as a delightful counterpart to the brownies, its bold flavors adding a touch of sophistication. The coffee’s bitterness perfectly balances the sweetness, leaving you wanting more.
Chocolate-Covered Fruit: For those who can’t get enough chocolate, pairing your brownies with chocolate-covered fruit keeps the theme deliciously cohesive while adding a pleasing crunch and texture.
Chocolate Milkshake: Rich and thick, a chocolate milkshake creates a playful pairing that delights chocolate lovers. This creamy beverage complements the brownie’s fudgy texture for an ultra-chocoholic experience.
Powdered Sugar Dusting: Just a light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the brownies adds a decorative touch and a touch of sweetness, elevating the presentation. It’s simple, elegant, and oh-so-tasty!

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time! You can prepare the brownies and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before adding the ganache. Just bake and cool the brownies completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to maintain their fudgy texture. The ganache can be made up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it in a covered container. When you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled ganache over the brownies, let it set for an hour, and enjoy a dessert that tastes just as delicious as if it were made fresh!

Expert Tips for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Check Baking Time: Start checking the brownies a few minutes early to prevent overbaking, ensuring that they remain fudgy and moist.
Cool Ganache First: Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the brownies to keep the strawberries from melting, preserving their freshness in your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies.
Use Hot Knife: For clean cuts, run a knife under hot water before slicing the brownies. Wipe dry after each cut to maintain neat edges.
Store Right: Keep the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months; just wrap them well.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to customize your brownies! Add nuts or use different chocolates for your ganache, making your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies uniquely yours.

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Fridge: Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh while allowing the chocolate ganache to maintain its luscious texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their fudgy charm.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the brownies in the refrigerator overnight for optimal flavor. This method preserves the freshness of the strawberries and ganache beautifully.

Reheating: If desired, gently warm individual brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a delightful gooey experience. Enjoy your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to choose strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for firm, bright red ones with a fresh green cap. Avoid strawberries with soft spots or dark patches, as these indicate overripeness. I often choose berries that are slightly glossy, as they tend to be the sweetest!

How should I store leftover brownies?
Very! Store your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their rich, fudgy texture and keeps the strawberries fresh. Just ensure they’re well-sealed to avoid drying out!

Can I freeze Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
Yes, you can! Wrap the cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, they can stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, so the strawberries retain their flavor.

What should I do if my ganache is too thick?
No problem at all! If your ganache turns out too thick, start by adding a small splash of warm heavy cream, about 1 tablespoon at a time, and stir until you achieve the desired consistency. You can also reheat the ganache over low heat, stirring continuously, to loosen it up while keeping it silky smooth.

Are these brownies safe for people with dairy allergies?
Absolutely! To make these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Just ensure to double-check labels, as some brands might contain dairy products. It’s a delightful alternative that retains all the decadence!