If you’re craving the ultimate blend of decadence and freshness, let me introduce you to Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies topped with juicy, bright strawberries and finished with a silky chocolate shell that shatters with every bite. This dessert is pure magic for chocolate lovers and fruit fans alike, combining all the joy of a chocolate-covered strawberry with the comfort of a classic brownie. Whether you want to surprise someone special or treat yourself, this recipe will quickly become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Brownie Base:
- 1 box (18.3 oz) brownie mix, prepared according to package instructions
Strawberry Topping:
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Chocolate Coating:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- cooking spray or parchment paper for lining
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies
Step 1: Bake the Brownie Base
First things first: get that classic brownie smell wafting through your kitchen! Prepare your favorite boxed brownie mix according to the package instructions, then pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Pop it in the oven and bake as directed, keeping a close eye for those tell-tale crackly tops. Once baked, set the pan on a rack and let the brownies cool completely—patience is key so your layers don’t merge into a melty mess.
Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries
While your brownies are cooling, give those strawberries the attention they deserve. Combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir well and let them sit for about 15 minutes to macerate—the sugar draws out their juices resulting in irresistibly syrupy, bright-red fruit. Afterward, drain off any liquid to keep your brownies from becoming soggy.
Step 3: Layer the Strawberries
Once the brownies have completely cooled, evenly scatter the prepared strawberries over the top. Gently press down to create a snug, juicy berry layer that hugs the brownie base. The contrast of vibrant berries atop deep chocolate instantly looks (and smells) incredible!
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Shell
Now for the pièce de résistance. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until everything is silky smooth and pourable. The cream and butter add shine and softness, making this topping more like chocolate ganache than a standard shell.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Pour the warm chocolate mixture directly over the strawberry layer. Use a spatula to gently spread it from edge to edge, making sure those fragrant berries are completely blanketed. Pop your assembled Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies into the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 1 hour. This gives the chocolate time to set, ensuring clean slices and that irresistible snap on top. Once chilled, cut into your desired number of squares and get ready for applause.
How to Serve Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies
Garnishes
To make these brownies look as sumptuous as they taste, sprinkle a few extra chopped strawberries or shavings of chocolate over the top just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny sprig of mint adds instant “wow” factor, especially for parties or special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a swirl of freshly whipped cream for true dessert bliss. If you’re after something lighter, serve alongside a fruit salad for a burst of freshness that echoes the strawberries in the brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly festive presentation, cut the brownies into heart shapes with a cookie cutter or serve individually in pretty cupcake wrappers. At gatherings, try stacking bite-size squares on a tiered tray or drizzle each piece with a little melted white chocolate before setting out for guests to grab and admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fruit and chocolate layers stay perfectly fresh and delicious for up to three days—if you can resist them for that long!
Freezing
Want to enjoy these brownies well after brownie day? Simply wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture, as freezing helps lock in all those juicy layers and rich chocolate flavors.
Reheating
If you love a slightly warm brownie (who doesn’t?), just let a square come to room temperature or give it a 5-10 second zap in the microwave. Keep in mind that microwaving longer may soften the chocolate topping, so brief is best to retain that dreamy ganache finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While you can, frozen strawberries tend to release more moisture, which could make your brownie topping a bit soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding.
What’s the best way to slice Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies cleanly?
For super neat slices, use a sharp knife rinsed in hot water between cuts. Chilling the brownies first is key to getting that lovely, crackly chocolate topping without too much mess.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap the regular brownie mix for your favorite gluten-free boxed mix and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
Do the brownies need to stay refrigerated?
Because of the fresh strawberry layer and chocolate ganache, these brownies are best stored in the fridge, especially in warmer months. They’re lovely served chilled, but can also sit at room temp for an hour or so when serving guests.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and double all the ingredients. Baking time may be a tad longer, so check for doneness per the brownie mix directions. It’s a great way to make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies for parties or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that wows on every level, give these Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies a try! Their mix of rich, fudgy chocolate and fresh, tangy berries feels special yet wonderfully familiar. Don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite treat—after all, some flavor pairings just belong together. Happy baking!
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 9 large brownies or 16 small squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent treat with these Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies. Rich brownie base topped with fresh strawberries and a luscious chocolate coating, these brownies are a delightful fusion of flavors.
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- 1 box (18.3 oz) brownie mix, prepared according to package instructions
Strawberry Topping:
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Chocolate Coating:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- cooking spray or parchment paper for lining
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Base: Make brownie batter according to package instructions. Pour into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake and cool.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping: Mix chopped strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit to macerate, then drain excess liquid. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Make Chocolate Coating: Combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour over strawberries.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until chocolate sets. Slice and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the chocolate topping.
- You can also use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
