If you’re craving a dessert that’s both indulgently chocolatey and refreshingly fruity, you’re going to love this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself or impress guests with something both classic and a little unexpected.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have to admit, making these brownies was such a fun twist on my usual sweets routine. The combination of rich fudgy chocolate paired with fresh strawberries smothered in silky ganache? It feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make.
- Rich and Fudgy Base: Combines a boxed brownie and pudding mix for unbeatable moistness and depth.
- Fresh Strawberries: Adds a bright, natural sweetness that balances the rich chocolate perfectly.
- Decadent Ganache Topping: A smooth, glossy chocolate layer that ties it all together beautifully.
- Perfect for Sharing: Yields 16 brownies, great for parties, special occasions, or sharing with chocolate lovers.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you start mixing, make sure you have some good quality basics on hand. I recommend fresh, ripe strawberries and good semi-sweet baking chocolate for the best flavor, plus the brownie and pudding mixes that give this dessert its signature fudgy texture.
- Brownie mix: A reliable shortcut to create a rich and fudgy base effortlessly.
- Chocolate pudding mix: Adds extra moisture and chocolate depth to the brownies.
- Whole milk: Helps keep the batter smooth and adds richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies tender and moist.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the fudgy texture.
- Fresh strawberries: Adds natural sweetness and a juicy contrast to the dense chocolate.
- Semi-sweet baking chocolate: For making the luscious ganache that’s both rich and silky.
- Heavy whipping cream: Combines with chocolate to create the smooth ganache topping.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and a subtle savory note that enhances the chocolate flavor.
Make It Your Way
The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is such a decadent treat, but don’t be afraid to customize it and make it your own! Whether you swap ingredients or add fun extras, this dessert is all about delighting your taste buds exactly how you like.
- Variation: I sometimes try using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer, slightly less sweet ganache. It pairs beautifully with the fresh strawberries and gives a nice depth of flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the whole milk with a nut or oat milk, and use dairy-free dark chocolate and coconut cream instead of heavy cream and butter to make this vegan-friendly.
- Seasonal Twist: In warmer months, try adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint over the ganache for a refreshing touch that brightens the dessert perfectly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper—this makes lifting the brownies out a breeze and ensures clean edges.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, combine an 18.3 ounce box of brownie mix with a 3.9 ounce box of chocolate pudding mix. Add ⅔ cup whole milk, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 2 large eggs. Stir everything together—either by hand or with a mixer—until you see an even, smooth batter with no streaks. This pudding mix gives the brownies an extra fudgy, moist texture that's simply irresistible.
Step 3: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan—don’t forget to smooth out the top for even baking. Bake for 37 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted about 1 inch from the edge comes out clean. Be sure not to overbake; you want these brownies fudgy and full of rich chocolate goodness.
Step 4: Let Your Brownies Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, let your brownies cool completely in the pan for 35-45 minutes. This pause is crucial—it allows them to set so the topping won’t slip off later. Resist the urge to remove them too soon, and be patient for that perfect texture.
Step 5: Arrange Fresh Strawberries
When cooled, evenly place 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and cut in half, flat side down over the brownie surface. This fresh layer adds a juicy burst against the richness of the chocolate, bringing balance and that beautiful pop of color.
Step 6: Prepare the Silky Chocolate Ganache
Place 12 ounces of semi-sweet baking chocolate (about three 4-ounce bars) into a heat-safe medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm 1½ cups heavy whipping cream and 2 tablespoons salted butter, stirring continuously. You'll want to melt the butter fully and watch for gentle bubbling around the edges—this should take about 3 minutes.
Step 7: Combine Cream & Chocolate to Make Ganache
Remove the cream and butter mixture from heat and pour it immediately over the chocolate. Make sure every piece is covered, then let it rest for 5 minutes. This wait softens the chocolate, making it easy to stir into a smooth, shiny ganache.
Step 8: Pour Ganache Over Strawberries
Stir the ganache until velvety smooth, then pour it evenly over the strawberries. Gently tap the pan against the counter to release any trapped air bubbles and help the ganache settle into a flawless glossy coat.
Step 9: Let the Ganache Set
Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for about 90 minutes. If you’re pressed for time, refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up faster. Patience here means clean slices and that perfect chocolate shine.
Step 10: Slice & Serve
Once the ganache is set, use a sharp serrated or plastic knife to cut the brownies into 16 smaller squares. These treats are quite rich, so smaller pieces make for perfect, indulgent bites that everyone will savor.
Top Tip
These tips will help you master the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe, ensuring that your brownies come out perfectly fudgy, beautifully presented, and stay fresh as long as possible.
- Patience is Key: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before adding the strawberries and ganache makes a huge difference in setting the layers perfectly without melting or sliding.
- Sharp Knife Magic: Using a sharp serrated or plastic knife prevents the ganache from smearing and keeps your brownie squares looking neat and professional.
- Even Ganache Pour: Pour your chocolate ganache slowly and tap the pan gently to avoid bubbles and ensure an even, glossy top every time.
- Refrigerate Wisely: After a few hours at room temperature, refrigerate the brownies to keep the fresh strawberries from spoiling, but don’t keep them too long to avoid sogginess.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These brownies are stunning on their own, but you can add a little extra flair for serving. Try sprinkling finely chopped pistachios or toasted coconut over the ganache just before it sets. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves on the side adds brightness and makes the dessert look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve these decadent brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic combo. For something lighter, a fresh fruit salad complements the richness beautifully. If you want to elevate a chocolate lover’s dessert platter, pair with dark chocolate truffles or espresso.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies have set, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the fresh strawberries at their best. They will stay fresh and delicious for 2-3 days when properly covered. Bring them back to room temperature before serving if you prefer a softer ganache texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
For a warm indulgence, remove the brownies from the fridge and microwave a single piece for 10-15 seconds on medium power. This softens the ganache slightly without melting it completely, warming the strawberries and enhancing the fudgy brownie underneath.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Fresh strawberries are best for the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe because frozen berries release extra moisture which can make the brownies soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain well before adding.
Because of the fresh strawberries and ganache, it’s best to keep the brownies at room temperature only for the initial 1-2 hours during setting. After that, refrigerate to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Semi-sweet baking chocolate works perfectly for the ganache, providing a nice balance of sweetness and chocolate intensity to complement the fresh strawberries and rich brownie base.
To make these brownies gluten-free, use a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure your pudding mix and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is such a rewarding treat—combining luscious chocolate, fresh fruit, and rich textures all in one bite. I hope these tips and storage advice help you enjoy every moment of baking and eating these brownies. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth with love in every bite.
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Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling and Setting Time: 55 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies feature a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with fresh strawberries and a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache. This indulgent dessert combines classic chocolate flavors with the freshness of strawberries, perfect for any special occasion or chocolate lover’s treat.
Ingredients
Brownie
- 18.3 ounce box brownie mix
- 3.9 ounce box chocolate pudding mix
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (about ½ of a 1 pound package), hulled and cut in half
- 12 ounce (3 4-ounce) bars semi-sweet baking chocolate
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoon salted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the brownie batter: In a large bowl, mix the brownie mix, chocolate pudding mix, whole milk, vegetable oil, and eggs together either by hand or using a mixer until fully combined and smooth.
- Bake brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 37 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean.
- Cool brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking pan for about 35-45 minutes without removing them to ensure proper setting.
- Add strawberry topping: Once cooled, arrange the halved strawberries evenly over the top of the brownies with the flat side down.
- Prepare chocolate ganache: Place the semi-sweet chocolate bars in a heat-safe medium bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and salted butter over medium heat, stirring continuously until the butter melts and the mixture starts to gently bubble around the edges, about 3 minutes.
- Combine cream and chocolate: Remove the cream mixture from heat and immediately pour it over the chocolate bars, making sure they are fully covered. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften the chocolate.
- Stir ganache: After 5 minutes, stir the mixture until smooth, glossy, and fully combined to form the ganache.
- Pour ganache over strawberries: Pour the ganache evenly over the strawberry layer on the brownies. Gently tap the pan against the counter to release any air bubbles and help the ganache spread evenly.
- Set ganache: Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for about 90 minutes, or refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
- Serve: Once set, use a sharp serrated or plastic knife to cut the brownies into 16 smaller squares and serve.
Notes
- Store brownies in the refrigerator after the first few hours because of the fresh strawberries to keep them fresh. They will last 2-3 days covered.
- To freeze, wrap brownies individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before adding ganache to allow proper setting.
- Use a serrated or plastic knife for clean cuts to avoid crumbling or smearing the ganache.
- Cut brownies into smaller squares as the dessert is rich and a little goes a long way.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg


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