There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries. I still remember the first time I made these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies – it was for a family gathering, and I wanted a dessert that felt indulgent yet familiar. I had just picked up a box of fresh strawberries from the market, and instead of dipping them in chocolate as I usually would, I had the idea to nestle them right into a batch of freshly baked brownies. The result was a hit – fudgy, chocolatey, fruity, and absolutely beautiful.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to bring something so impressive to life. These brownies aren’t just delicious – they also make the perfect centerpiece for any celebration or dessert table. Whether you’re making them for a date night, a birthday party, or just because you’re craving something special, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with how decadent and satisfying these brownies are. The dense, fudgy base pairs perfectly with the juicy freshness of the strawberries, while the smooth layer of chocolate ganache on top adds a luxurious finish. It’s a treat that feels elegant but requires no fancy ingredients or techniques. This is comfort food elevated to something truly memorable.
Versatile
This recipe can be made in a variety of ways. You can cut them into small squares for bite-sized treats, make them in mini muffin pans for individual servings, or even stack them in layers to create a brownie tower for special occasions. Want to change the flavor? Swap strawberries for raspberries or add a swirl of peanut butter or hazelnut spread to the batter. It’s easy to adjust and experiment.
Affordable
Despite their luxurious appearance, these brownies are very budget-friendly. The ingredients are pantry staples for most bakers – flour, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, and oil – with fresh strawberries and chocolate chips being the only extras. Even when you’re on a tight grocery budget, you can make a batch of these that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.
Ingredients for the Recipe
To make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, you will need the following:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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2 large eggs
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½ cup vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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⅔ cup all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
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¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips (for ganache)
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¼ cup heavy cream (or milk as an alternative)
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1 teaspoon butter (optional, for shine in ganache)
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies is incredibly rewarding and surprisingly quick. This dessert comes together in layers, yet each step is easy to follow. You start by making the brownie base, then press in fresh strawberries, and finally top everything with a smooth chocolate ganache. The contrast in texture and flavor is what makes this recipe truly shine.
If you love baking that feels both indulgent and effortless, this will become a go-to treat. The ingredients are straightforward, the process is streamlined, and the result is always a crowd-pleaser. Now let me walk you through the process, step by step.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the paper with a bit of oil or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This mixture should be smooth and free of lumps, ensuring an even texture throughout your brownies.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the eggs using a whisk or hand mixer until slightly thickened. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, then whisk again until fully blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir slowly using a rubber spatula or spoon, just until combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can make the brownies too dense or chewy. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want for that rich, fudgy result.
Step 5: Fold in the Flour
Add the all-purpose flour and stir it in gently. Mix only until no dry flour remains. The batter should be glossy and thick.
Step 6: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure the batter reaches all corners and is level across the surface.
Step 7: Add the Strawberries
Evenly scatter the chopped fresh strawberries over the surface of the brownie batter. Gently press them down just enough so they are slightly embedded into the top but still visible.
Step 8: Bake the Brownies
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
Step 9: Make the Ganache Topping
While the brownies cool, prepare the ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream (or milk) over low heat until it begins to steam – do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and butter (if using). Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 10: Spread the Ganache
Once the brownies are completely cool, pour the ganache over the top. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the surface, allowing it to settle naturally over the strawberries.
Step 11: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to let the ganache firm up. Once set, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and slice into squares or rectangles.
Quick and Easy
Though the layers may seem complex at first, each one is straightforward and takes just minutes to prepare. From mixing the batter to slicing the finished brownies, the whole process is designed to be as simple and time-efficient as possible. You don’t need a mixer, and the cleanup is minimal.
Customizable
You can customize this recipe to suit different preferences. Want extra crunch? Add chopped nuts to the batter. Prefer a lighter topping? Dust the top with cocoa powder instead of using ganache. You can also use raspberry or cherry pieces instead of strawberries for a flavor twist.
Popular with Many People
This recipe appeals to all ages. Children love the sweetness and bright strawberry flavor, while adults appreciate the richness and elegance of the ganache finish. I’ve made these brownies for bake sales, birthdays, and holiday gatherings – they never last more than a few minutes on the table.
PrintChocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies combine the deep, fudgy richness of classic brownies with the fresh burst of strawberries and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a decadent yet simple dessert that impresses both visually and in taste.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk alternative)
- 1 teaspoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line and grease an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs until slightly thickened. Add oil and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir gently until combined.
- Fold in flour until no dry spots remain.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Scatter chopped strawberries evenly over batter, pressing lightly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely.
- Heat heavy cream until steaming; remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and butter. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir smooth.
- Pour ganache over cooled brownies and spread evenly.
- Chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use fresh strawberries for best results.
Do not overmix the batter to maintain fudgy texture.
Ganache can be made with milk instead of cream but will be less rich.
Optional butter in ganache adds shine and smoothness.
For a vegan version, use flax eggs and dairy-free substitutes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe because they hold their shape and texture better during baking. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid adding extra moisture that could affect the brownie texture.
Q: Can I make these brownies vegan or dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax or chia eggs, use a plant-based oil, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or any dairy-free milk for the ganache. Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it fully vegan.
Q: How should I store leftover brownies?
A: Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the ganache firm. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can bake the brownies and prepare the ganache a day ahead. After assembling, refrigerate to allow the ganache to set fully. This makes them perfect for planning ahead for parties or special occasions.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream in the ganache?
A: You can use whole milk or a plant-based milk alternative like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that the ganache might be a little less rich and set softer without cream, but it will still taste delicious.