Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Introduction & Inspiration

There’s something irresistibly romantic about the combination of chocolate and strawberries. It’s rich, sweet, fresh, and indulgent all at once. These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are the perfect dessert for when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

I came up with this recipe for Valentine’s Day, but it quickly became an all-year favorite. It starts with a rich, fudgy brownie base, topped with fresh strawberries and a layer of silky ganache. The contrast of textures and flavors is truly addictive.

These brownies feel fancy but are incredibly simple to make. Every layer is made from scratch, and each bite tastes like something you’d find in a high-end bakery. Whether for a date night, a party, or just a weekend treat, they always hit the spot.

Now, whenever I see fresh strawberries in season, I can’t resist picking up a pint just to make these again. They never disappoint.

Nostalgic Appeal

Chocolate brownies have always been one of my favorite desserts. They were the first thing I ever baked by myself. I still remember stirring cocoa into the batter and licking the spoon with wide-eyed excitement.

Adding strawberries on top takes me back to the summer fruit stands we’d visit as kids. My mom would buy a basket of freshly picked berries and we’d eat half of them on the car ride home. They were sweet, juicy, and impossible to resist.

Combining those two memories—chocolate brownies and fresh strawberries—feels like baking nostalgia into every square. The ganache on top is like the grown-up version of those chocolate-dipped strawberries from special occasions.

It’s amazing how something so simple can evoke such strong memories. These brownies make me feel like a kid again, but with a grown-up twist that makes them feel extra special.

Homemade Focus

Everything about this recipe is homemade, and that’s what makes it shine. From the rich cocoa brownie base to the glossy ganache on top, every element is made with care and simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Baking from scratch lets me skip the boxed mixes and control the quality of every bite. I know exactly what’s going into the batter and I can tweak things to taste—more vanilla, deeper cocoa, or slightly less sugar when I want something darker.

Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and color. They’re not cooked or sugared—just halved and laid over the cooled brownies for a burst of freshness.

The ganache is just chocolate and cream, melted together into a silky finish. It pours easily over the berries and sets into a smooth, sliceable layer.

This dessert might look elegant, but it’s totally doable. And once you make it, you’ll see why homemade is always worth it.

Flavor Goal

With these brownies, I wanted a bold chocolate flavor that could hold its own against the strawberries. Not too sweet, not too bitter—just deeply chocolaty and dense, the way brownies should be.

The strawberries provide a juicy, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness. They’re fresh and slightly tart, which balances out the dense base and creamy ganache.

The ganache is the finishing touch. It’s smooth, luxurious, and ties everything together. It melts when you bite into it, mingling with the berries and the brownie for the perfect bite.

The layers work in harmony—fudgy, fruity, and silky. It’s a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful.

Ingredient Insights

Unsalted butter is the base of the brownie batter. It adds richness and moisture, helping to create that perfect fudgy texture. Melting it first makes the batter easier to mix by hand.

Granulated sugar sweetens the brownies and contributes to that signature crackly top. It also helps balance the bitterness of the cocoa.

Eggs provide structure and chew. Using four large eggs gives these brownies a dense but soft texture that holds up under the toppings.

Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth. Just a teaspoon elevates the chocolate flavor and adds a comforting aroma.

All-purpose flour gives structure to the brownies without making them cakey. I use just enough to hold everything together while keeping the texture moist.

Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers intense chocolate flavor. I use a high-quality natural cocoa powder for the best taste.

Salt enhances the sweetness and sharpens the chocolate flavor. A little goes a long way.

Baking powder adds a tiny bit of lift, keeping the brownies from becoming too dense.

For the topping, I use fresh strawberries, halved and hulled. They’re sweet, juicy, and add a beautiful pop of color.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips form the ganache. They melt smoothly and give the topping a rich, mellow flavor.

Heavy cream creates the silky texture of the ganache. When warmed and mixed with chocolate, it becomes glossy and luscious.

Essential Equipment

You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. I always leave some overhang on the sides to make it easy to lift the brownies out once chilled.

A microwave-safe bowl is helpful for melting butter and later for making the ganache.

A whisk and a rubber spatula are key for mixing the batter. The whisk makes the wet ingredients smooth, and the spatula is great for folding in the dry ingredients without overmixing.

A sharp knife helps cut the cooled brownies cleanly. Wiping the blade between cuts helps keep the layers neat.

A small saucepan and heatproof bowl are useful if you prefer to melt the ganache on the stove instead of the microwave.

Finally, don’t forget your fridge. Chilling is essential to set the ganache and keep the strawberries fresh.

List of Ingredients (With Measurements)

For the Brownies
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Topping
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Brownie Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the sugar and whisk until combined. It should look glossy and thick.

Add the eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth and pale. This step helps create that fudgy texture.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This can take about an hour.

Step 2: Add the Strawberries
Once the brownies are cool, arrange the halved strawberries cut-side down in even rows on top. Cover as much of the surface as you can for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Make sure the berries are dry before placing them on the brownies to prevent the ganache from sliding.

Step 3: Make the Ganache
Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan or microwave, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2–3 minutes. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Let the ganache cool slightly so it thickens but is still pourable.

Pour the ganache over the strawberries, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the fruit. Work gently to avoid moving the strawberries.

Step 4: Chill and Serve
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the ganache is firm.

Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts.

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Troubleshooting

If your brownies are dry, they may have baked too long. Check them early and remove when the center is set but still moist.

Ganache too thin? Use slightly less cream or let it cool longer before pouring.

Strawberries sliding around? Make sure the brownies are cool before adding the fruit and ganache.

Ganache not setting? Be sure the chocolate-to-cream ratio is correct and give it enough time to chill.

If the brownies are hard to slice, run your knife under warm water and wipe it clean between cuts.

Tips and Variations

Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense ganache flavor.

Add a splash of espresso to the brownie batter for deeper chocolate notes.

Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.

Substitute raspberries or cherries for the strawberries if you want to mix things up.

Make mini versions in a muffin tin using the same layering technique.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These brownies are rich and elegant, so serve them in small squares for maximum enjoyment.

Pair with a glass of red wine or a hot espresso for a perfect after-dinner dessert.

Serve them as part of a dessert platter with fresh fruit, chocolate truffles, or a cheese board.

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a brownie sundae with a twist.

Bring them to a party or picnic—they travel well and always impress.

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Square)

Calories: 360
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies combine a fudgy brownie base, fresh berries, and silky ganache for a dessert that’s both elegant and decadent.

Can I make them ahead?
Yes! They’re perfect for making the night before. Just keep them chilled until ready to serve.

Can I use boxed brownie mix?
You can, but the homemade version adds richer flavor and texture.

Do I have to use fresh strawberries?
Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before adding.

Can I freeze them?
Yes—freeze after assembling and let thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

This is one of those desserts that’s always met with “wow.” Simple ingredients, easy steps, and a stunning final result.