Name: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/3 cup (7 oz or 200 g) good quality chocolate chips (semisweet or bittersweet); 1/2 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 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (125 g) all purpose flour; 1/2 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)

I absolutely love sharing this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe with friends because it combines two of my favorite treats in one irresistible dessert. Each bite reveals the rich, fudgy texture of homemade brownies topped with luscious, fresh strawberries enveloped in a silky chocolate ganache that feels truly decadent. From the first taste, I knew this recipe was a keeper—it delivers on flavor and presentation with such ease that it quickly became my go-to for celebrations and casual indulgences alike.

Why You'll Love This Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe

What makes this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe stand out for me is the perfect harmony of intense chocolate richness contrasting with the bright, juicy strawberries. The brownies themselves are dense and fudgy with just the right amount of cocoa intensity, while the cocoa powder and melted chocolate provide layers of chocolate flavor that keep me coming back for more. Adding fresh strawberries on top introduces a fresh, slightly tangy burst that complements the chocolate ganache beautifully. It’s like a little bite of chocolate heaven enhanced by the natural sweetness and freshness of strawberries.

I also appreciate how straightforward this recipe is to make, even though it looks and tastes like something right out of a bakery. The preparation steps are intuitive, and melting the chocolate gently ensures that the brownies stay silky and moist. Plus, assembling the strawberries and chocolate ganache on top feels like a simple, fun final flourish that anyone can master. You don’t need to be a professional baker to nail this one, which makes it perfect for weekend baking or impressing guests without stress.

Lastly, this brownie recipe is a fantastic choice for so many occasions. Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a casual weekend treat, these brownies bring smiles and are soon devoured. I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or slicing them small for a party platter. The combination of chocolate and strawberries always feels festive and special, making these brownies a standout dessert that gets requested time and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

Three thick, dark chocolate brownie squares are stacked on top of each other on a white plate. Each brownie has whole fresh red strawberries inside, visible in the middle. The brownie texture looks dense and soft, with a slightly rough top. Surrounding the plate are whole and sliced strawberries adding a bright red color contrast to the dark brownies. The scene sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple but essential ingredients create this dessert’s magic, from quality chocolate chips to fresh strawberries. Each element plays a crucial role: butter and chocolate provide richness, cocoa powder adds depth, and the strawberries bring brightness and color. Using fresh, ripe strawberries and top-notch chocolate really elevates the final taste.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Chocolate chips (semisweet or bittersweet): I always choose good quality chocolate for the best flavor and smooth melting.
Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter helps it blend evenly with the chocolate.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds an extra layer of rich, deep chocolate flavor without excess sweetness.
Large eggs: They bring structure and moisture, ensuring the brownies stay fudgy yet set.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create the perfect chewy crust.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and complements the chocolate beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to hold the brownies together without making them cakey.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
Fresh strawberries: Halved strawberries add freshness and a lovely pop of color on top.
Heavy cream: Key for making the ganache smooth and silky when combined with melted chocolate.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the brownies easily lift out once baked. This step makes cleanup and cutting a breeze.

Step 2: Melt the chocolate chips and butter together using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Stir occasionally until the mixture is perfectly smooth and glossy. Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder for an extra punch of chocolate goodness, then set aside to cool slightly—this is important to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until they’re well combined and just a bit frothy—about 30 seconds. This helps with the texture. Slowly add your warm chocolate mixture to this bowl, mixing gently to marry the flavors before folding in the flour carefully with a wooden spoon. The key is to not overmix so the brownies stay irresistibly fudgy.

Step 4: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges with an offset spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the brownies look slightly puffed and a toothpick inserted comes out with some sticky crumbs—this ensures they’re moist inside. Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack, which takes about 2 hours. Patience here pays off!

Step 5: For the chocolate ganache topping, when the brownies are fully cooled, arrange the fresh halved strawberries with the cut side down evenly across the surface. This visually stunning layer makes the dessert feel extra special.

Step 6: Warm the heavy cream gently on the stove over low heat for about 2 minutes—watch carefully so it doesn’t boil. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until fully melted. If needed, return briefly to low heat to melt remaining chocolate. Pour this luscious ganache evenly over the strawberries, letting it cascade and coat each berry.

Step 7: Let the ganache set slightly at room temperature before slicing the brownies into one-inch squares. This ensures clean cuts and beautiful servings.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 25 one-inch squares, making it ideal for large gatherings or sharing with family and friends. The prep time is around 20 minutes, but cooling the brownies fully takes about 2 hours, which is crucial for the ganache to set perfectly. Baking itself requires about 30 to 35 minutes. In total, you’ll spend nearly 3 hours from start to finish, but trust me, the wait is worth every bite!

How to Serve This Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe

The image shows close-up square brownies with a dark brown, smooth, and thick chocolate base. On top of each brownie, there are thin, bright red strawberry slices arranged flatly, covering most of the upper surface. Dark chocolate sauce is drizzled in thin lines over the strawberries, creating a shiny, textured layer that contrasts with the matte strawberries and base. The brownies are placed on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is slightly visible near the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies slightly chilled or at room temperature, which lets the ganache firm up just enough to hold its shape while the brownies remain tender and fudgy. For a cozy family dessert, I often pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that melts deliciously over the warm fudgy base. It’s such a comforting and indulgent combination.

If I’m hosting a party, I like to arrange these brownies on a pretty platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Drizzling a little extra melted dark chocolate in a zigzag pattern adds an elegant touch that always impresses guests. For beverage pairings, a glass of rich red wine like a Zinfandel or a fruity Kir Royale cocktail works beautifully to complement the berry notes and chocolate richness. Non-alcoholic options like a berry-infused sparkling water or a creamy hot chocolate are also great choices.

This dessert is so versatile that it can brighten up casual weekends or take center stage at holiday celebrations. I find cutting the brownies into smaller portions perfect when serving alongside coffee or tea during a relaxed afternoon gathering with friends. The fresh strawberry topping keeps it feeling light and festive—definitely a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion!

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is how adaptable it is. For instance, if you want to switch things up, try substituting the semisweet chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier experience or even dark chocolate for a more intense cocoa flavor. You can even experiment with adding a tablespoon or two of espresso powder into the batter to enhance the chocolate depth.

If you’re accommodating dietary needs, this recipe can be modified quite easily. Using gluten-free flour blends instead of all-purpose flour works well to make it gluten-free without sacrificing texture. For a vegan twist, I swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine, and replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute, though the texture will be a bit different—still delicious! For dairy-free ganache, plant-based creams like coconut cream are a perfect replacement.

Some of my other favorite variations include adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for crunch or layering sliced bananas instead of strawberries for a creamy fruity topping. You can also experiment with baking these as cupcakes or in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties and gatherings.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the freshness of the strawberries and prevent the ganache from melting or becoming too soft. I like using a glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Stored properly, these brownies will stay fresh up to 4 days, though they tend to disappear much faster in my house!

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, especially if you want to prepare it in advance. I recommend cutting the brownies into squares first, then arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Frozen brownies keep their best quality for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming them gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes to restore that freshly baked warmth without compromising the texture. Microwaving can work in a pinch but be careful as the strawberries and ganache can get too soft or watery. You want to bring the brownies back to life while keeping their fudgy center intact and the ganache slightly firm but melty.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for this recipe?

While frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch, I highly recommend using fresh strawberries for this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe. Fresh berries retain their firmness and bright flavor better, which contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate. Frozen berries tend to release more moisture and can make the topping watery.

Is it necessary to let the brownies cool completely before adding the strawberry and ganache topping?

Yes, allowing the brownies to cool thoroughly—at least 2 hours—before adding the strawberries and chocolate ganache is crucial. If the brownies are still warm, the ganache may melt unevenly and the strawberries can wilt, leading to a soggy texture rather than a glossy, firm topping.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These brownies are perfect make-ahead desserts. I usually prepare them a day before, cool completely, add the strawberry ganache topping, and refrigerate overnight. This helps the flavors meld and the ganache to set nicely, making serving super easy and stress-free on the day of your event.

What other fruits could I use if I don’t have strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are classic here, other berries like raspberries, sliced kiwis, or even thinly sliced peaches can be wonderful substitutes that add a fresh, fruity dimension. Just keep in mind the moisture content of the fruit, as juicier options may affect the texture of the topping.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, doubling this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe works well. Just be sure to use a larger pan (like a 9x13 inch) and adjust baking time by checking for doneness 5 to 10 minutes earlier—baking times can vary slightly with pan size. The layering and assembling techniques remain the same.

Conclusion

I’m so excited for you to try this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe because it truly brings together the best of chocolate and fresh fruit in a way that feels special yet incredibly easy. These brownies never fail to impress my friends and family, and I hope they’ll become one of your favorite go-to desserts, too. Trust me, once you’ve savored that fudgy brownie base topped with ripe strawberries and silky ganache, this recipe will hold a sweet spot in your heart.