Can I use homemade brownies instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade recipe, use it in place of the mix just keep the batch size the same for an 8"x8" pan. The chocolate and fruit combo shines, no matter which brownie recipe you choose.

Can I make these ahead for a party or potluck?

It’s best to assemble the brownies the day you plan to serve them. If you want to save time, bake the brownie base a day ahead, cover tightly, and store at room temperature. Add strawberries and ganache closer to serving for best texture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the ganache?

In a pinch, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just note, the ganache may be slightly less rich and glossy, but still delicious!

Can I use other berries?

Yes! Raspberries and blueberries are fantastic alternatives, offering a different burst of flavor and color. Just be sure to use fresh, not frozen, to avoid excess moisture.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Looking for a dessert that looks like a dreamy bakery treat but takes almost no effort? Let me introduce you to these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies. Imagine a fudgy brownie base topped with a layer of juicy strawberries, all smothered in silky chocolate ganache. This recipe is the ultimate shortcut to decadence perfect for days when you crave something spectacular but don’t have hours to spare. Whether it’s for a weeknight treat, a last-minute party, or a fun activity with kids, you’ll want to make these brownies again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: With a simple brownie mix, fresh strawberries, and just a handful of pantry ingredients, you’ll have this dessert prepped in under half an hour.
Fast Yet Fancy: It looks straight out of a pastry shop but is so doable and doesn’t require any fancy baking skills.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of deep, dense chocolate, tart strawberries, and rich ganache is pure magic each bite is fudgy, fresh, and lusciously chocolatey.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Makes everything from school lunches to romantic dinners feel extra special with almost zero fuss.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert disappears fast everyone loves the classic combo of chocolate and berries!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brownie Mix: Use your favorite boxed brownie mix for an 8″x8″ baking dish. It’s the base, and saves so much time.
Tip: Want even more chocolate flavor? Choose a fudgy or double chocolate variety.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries, stems removed and cut in half lengthwise. These add freshness and a juicy, tart contrast to the rich brownie.
Note: For best results, pick strawberries that are sweet and a little firm, so they hold their shape.
Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: These create the ganache; feel free to use all semi sweet or mix in some dark chocolate for extra intensity.
Heavy Cream: This transforms your chocolate chips into a glossy, pourable ganache.
Tip: Start with ¾ cup; add more if the ganache seems too thick.
Chocolate Ganache: The finishing touch all you need are the chocolate chips and heavy cream.

Want to experiment? See the variations section below for delicious twists!

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

Different Berries: Try raspberries or blueberries for a tangier twist. They work beautifully and look stunning!
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts like hazelnuts or almonds on top of the ganache for crunch.
Swirl Effect: Swirl a few spoonfuls of peanut butter, caramel, or even Nutella into the brownie batter before baking.
Chocolate Levels: Substitute half the chocolate chips for white chocolate for a pretty marbled ganache.
Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix no other changes needed.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Step 1: Bake the Brownies

Grab an 8″x8″ baking dish and prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions on the box. Bake as directed, then let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This is important—the strawberries and ganache won’t sit well on a warm brownie.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

While the brownies cool, wash the strawberries, remove the stems, and slice them in half lengthwise. Set aside.

Step 3: Top with Strawberries

Once the brownie is cool, arrange the strawberry halves in a single layer over the surface, seed side up. Try to cover the whole brownie so you get strawberries in every bite.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave for 25 seconds, then stir gently. Microwave for another 20 seconds, stirring again. The heat will slowly melt the chocolate—resist the urge to overheat! If the mixture is still lumpy, microwave in 15 second increments, stirring well between each, until you have a smooth, glossy ganache.

Step 5: Pour and Chill

Pour the warm ganache over the strawberries, spreading gently to cover them all. Pop the dish in the fridge for 20–30 minutes, or until the ganache firms up but doesn’t harden completely.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once the ganache has set, slice the brownies into squares and enjoy! These are best eaten within a day, as the strawberries will begin to release moisture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cool Completely: Don’t rush this step. A cool brownie ensures the strawberries and ganache set well and don’t melt together.
Even Slices: Aim for strawberries of similar size for a pretty top and ease of slicing.
Stir, Don’t Overheat: When making the ganache, heating gently and plenty of stirring makes it smooth and shiny no curdled chocolate here!
Chill Briefly: Only chill long enough to set the ganache the texture is perfect when it’s just firm but still creamy.
Plan to Eat Soon: This dessert is at its peak the same day, so invite friends or family and enjoy every bite.

How to Serve

These brownies are so magnificent on their own, you hardly need anything else! For a delightful presentation, plate each square with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra ganache doesn’t hurt. Pair with a cup of rich coffee, a glass of milk, or even a little bubbly for special occasions. For picnics or potlucks, slice into mini squares for a perfect bite-sized treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

With fresh strawberries on top, these brownies are best eaten the same day. If you have leftovers, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. After that, the fruit will release moisture, making the brownies soggy.

Freezing

Not recommended with fresh strawberries freezing will make the berries mushy and alter the texture of your dessert.

Reheating

These brownies are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, warming will make the ganache messy and the fruit too soft.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownies instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade recipe, use it in place of the mix just keep the batch size the same for an 8″x8″ pan. The chocolate and fruit combo shines, no matter which brownie recipe you choose.
Can I make these ahead for a party or potluck?

It’s best to assemble the brownies the day you plan to serve them. If you want to save time, bake the brownie base a day ahead, cover tightly, and store at room temperature. Add strawberries and ganache closer to serving for best texture.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for the ganache?

In a pinch, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just note, the ganache may be slightly less rich and glossy, but still delicious!
Can I use other berries?

Yes! Raspberries and blueberries are fantastic alternatives, offering a different burst of flavor and color. Just be sure to use fresh, not frozen, to avoid excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are proof that stunning desserts don’t have to be complicated. You get all the classic romance of chocolate and fruit wrapped up in a fun, snackable treat that’s as easy as it is spectacular. So, gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to the kitchen, and dive in. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple steps can create something this delicious. Give it a try you really can’t go wrong!