Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. Frozen strawberries release too much moisture as they thaw, which can make the ganache watery and affect the texture of the brownies. If fresh aren't available, consider the alternative melted chocolate topping mentioned in the notes without strawberries.

Why did my ganache seize or become grainy?

This typically happens when the cream is too hot or cold. Make sure your cream is just warm, not boiling, and that your chocolate is chopped or using chips for easy melting. Also, ensure no water gets into the mixture, as even a few drops can cause chocolate to seize.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

Do I have to refrigerate these brownies?

Yes, because of the fresh strawberries and cream in the ganache, these brownies must be refrigerated. However, I recommend letting them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Name: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅓ cup (200 g) good quality chocolate chips, semisweet or bittersweet; 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; 2 cups (150 g) fresh strawberries, halved; 2 cups (300 g) good quality chocolate chips, semisweet or bittersweet; 6 tablespoons (90 ml or 3 oz) heavy cream, room temperature

These Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies are pure decadence in every bite! Imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy, rich chocolate brownie base topped with fresh strawberries and smothered in a silky chocolate ganache. This dessert combines the classic pairing of chocolate and strawberries in brownie form, creating an impressive treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you need to satisfy that chocolate craving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor Combination: The marriage of rich chocolate brownies with fresh strawberries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply unforgettable.
Impressive Yet Simple: These brownies look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they’re actually quite straightforward to make in your own kitchen.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, dinner parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself on a regular Tuesday!
Customizable: The recipe allows for adjustments to the chocolate intensity and strawberry placement depending on your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Fudgy Brownies:

Chocolate chips: The foundation of our brownie’s rich, fudgy texture. Use good quality semisweet or bittersweet for the best flavor depth.
Butter: Creates that moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love in brownies.
Cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds richness to every bite.
Eggs: Provide structure and that desirable slight chewiness in brownies.
Granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of the chocolate while creating that crackly top layer.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to give structure without making the brownies cakey.
Salt: The secret ingredient that enhances all the chocolate flavors.

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

Fresh strawberries: The star garnish that adds freshness, color, and a sweet-tart contrast to the rich chocolate.
Chocolate chips: Creates a smooth, glossy ganache topping that enrobes the strawberries.
Heavy cream: Brings the ganache together for a silky, pourable consistency.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on these brownies? Here are some delicious ideas:

White Chocolate Drizzle: Add a white chocolate drizzle over the ganache for a stunning visual contrast.
Berry Medley: Mix in raspberries or blackberries alongside the strawberries for a mixed berry version.
Nutty Addition: Fold ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
Boozy Twist: Add a tablespoon of strawberry liqueur to the ganache for an adult version.
Mint Infusion: Add ¼ teaspoon mint extract to the brownie batter for a chocolate-mint variation.

How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Using a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water), melt the chocolate chips and butter, stirring occasionally until completely smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder until well combined, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Pour in the warm chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth. Add the flour and gently fold with a wooden spoon just until no streaks remain – don’t overmix!

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly into the corners with an offset spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until slightly puffed around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Cool completely on a wire rack – this will take about 2 hours.

Step 5: Add Strawberries and Ganache

Arrange halved strawberries cut-side down over the cooled brownies in an even pattern. For the ganache, warm the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat, add chocolate chips, and stir until completely smooth and glossy. Pour this warm ganache evenly over the strawberries, ensuring they’re well covered.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the brownies for at least 30 minutes to set the ganache. When ready to serve, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out, then cut into squares.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Quality Chocolate Matters: Since chocolate is the star ingredient, use the best quality you can afford for a noticeable difference in flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Don’t Overbake: The secret to fudgy brownies is taking them out when they’re just set. They’ll continue cooking slightly as they cool.
Clean Cuts: For picture-perfect squares, wipe your knife clean between cuts and use a gentle sawing motion.
Pat Strawberries Dry: After washing your strawberries, pat them completely dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the ganache.

How to Serve

These brownies are a show-stopping dessert that deserves special presentation:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence
Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side
Pair with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee
For adults, these pair beautifully with a dessert wine like Port or a berry-infused liqueur

Garnish Ideas:

Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving
Add a few fresh mint leaves for color contrast
Include a few whole strawberries on the serving plate

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within 24 hours, but will keep well for up to 4 days. The strawberries will soften over time, which some people actually prefer!

Freezing

While you can freeze the plain brownies before adding strawberries and ganache, I don’t recommend freezing the completed dessert, as the strawberries will change texture upon thawing.

Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare the brownie base 1-2 days in advance and keep it well-wrapped at room temperature. Add the strawberries and ganache within 24 hours of serving for the best presentation and taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. Frozen strawberries release too much moisture as they thaw, which can make the ganache watery and affect the texture of the brownies. If fresh aren’t available, consider the alternative melted chocolate topping mentioned in the notes without strawberries.
Why did my ganache seize or become grainy?

This typically happens when the cream is too hot or cold. Make sure your cream is just warm, not boiling, and that your chocolate is chopped or using chips for easy melting. Also, ensure no water gets into the mixture, as even a few drops can cause chocolate to seize.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
Do I have to refrigerate these brownies?

Yes, because of the fresh strawberries and cream in the ganache, these brownies must be refrigerated. However, I recommend letting them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies transform the classic flavor combination into a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting. The contrast between the rich, fudgy brownie, fresh juicy strawberries, and smooth chocolate ganache creates a truly memorable treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something delicious, these brownies are sure to impress. Trust me, after one bite, they’ll become your new go-to dessert for when you want to show off a little!