Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies combine the decadent texture of fudgy brownies with the fresh sweetness of ripe strawberries. These treats are brought together with a silky chocolate ganache that glazes over juicy, halved strawberries, making this dessert perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or simply to elevate any everyday treat. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple base, gourmet finish: Uses a box brownie mix, so it’s fast and easy without skimping on indulgence.
• Fresh fruit meets rich chocolate: The strawberry layer adds a juicy, bright contrast to the deep chocolate. 
• Decadent ganache: Smooth, shiny, and creamy — provides a luxurious finish. 
• Perfect for sharing: With an 8×8 pan yield, this is great for a small gathering or romantic dessert. 

Ingredients

• 1 Brownie Mix (for an 8″×8″ baking dish) 
• 1 lb Strawberries, stems removed, cut in half 

Chocolate Ganache

• 1½ cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (or part dark chocolate) 
• ¾ cup Heavy Cream (up to 1 cup if more is needed) 

Directions

1. Prepare the Brownies
   • Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix instructions. 
   • Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish well or line it with parchment. 
   • Mix the brownie batter as the package directs, then pour it into the prepared pan. 
   • Bake the brownies for the full time indicated on the box, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
   • Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely before moving to the next step. 
2. Prepare the Strawberries
   • While the brownies cool, wash the strawberries. Remove their stems. 
   • Cut each strawberry in half, lengthwise, so the cut side will sit nicely on the brownie layer. 
   • Arrange the halved strawberries in a single layer, cut-side up, evenly across the top of the cooled brownies. 
3. Make the Chocolate Ganache
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1½ cups of chocolate chips with the ¾ cup (or slightly more) of heavy cream. 
   • Microwave the mixture for 25 seconds, then stir slowly but thoroughly. 
   • Continue microwaving in 20-second intervals, stirring for at least 20 seconds after each burst. The heat helps the chocolate melt evenly without overheating. 
   • If there are still pieces of chocolate that haven’t melted, microwave again for 15 more seconds, then stir. Repeat as needed.
   • Keep stirring until the ganache is smooth, glossy, and fully melted. 
4. Assemble & Chill
   • Pour the warm ganache gently over the arranged strawberries, spreading it evenly with a spatula so it covers all the berries. 
   • Once covered, transfer the pan into the refrigerator and chill for 20–30 minutes, or until the ganache firms up just a little. 
   • Note: The ganache will not harden like a candy shell — it stays somewhat soft and glossy. 
5. Serve
   • Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares. Simply Happy Foodie recommends about 9 large squares, but you can cut smaller if preferred. 
   • Serve right after slicing so that the strawberries remain fresh and the ganache still looks shiny.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet if you want to cut down the sweetness. 
• Stir the ganache gently but consistently; avoid rushing so the chocolate melts smoothly. 
• If your strawberries are very large, cut them into quarters instead of halves so they don’t tower over the brownies. 
• Letting the brownies cool thoroughly before adding fruit helps prevent the ganache from sliding off.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or slightly cold for the best texture and flavor contrast.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder on top for a decorative finish.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert.

Storage / Reheating

• Store the brownies in the refrigerator, covered loosely, for up to 1 day. Fresh strawberries release moisture, so they’re best enjoyed quickly. 
• These aren’t ideal for freezing, as the strawberries can become mushy when thawed.
• If you want to soften the ganache before eating, let a piece sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, or microwave very briefly (5–7 seconds).

FAQs

Can I make the brownies from scratch instead of using a mix?
A: Yes — Simply Happy Foodie says a homemade brownie recipe works great. They just use a box mix for ease. 

Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: It’s not ideal. Frozen strawberries release a lot of water, which can make the brownies soggy and the ganache runny.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can substitute with a mix of milk and melted butter (Simply Happy Foodie suggests ~¾ cup milk + ¼ cup melted butter), but the ganache may be less rich. 

Why does my ganache get grainy?
A: That can happen if the chocolate or cream gets too hot. Heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid that.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a dreamy combo of fudgy chocolate and fresh berries, made even better by a silky chocolate ganache. They’re elegant, decadent, and surprisingly simple — perfect for a romantic dessert or a special treat.

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