This Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight combines fudgy brownies, fresh strawberries, and a silky chocolate ganache topping to create a dessert that’s rich, vibrant, and downright irresistible. If you love the pairing of juicy berries and deep chocolate, get ready for your new favorite treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Classic Flavors, One Showstopper: The legendary combination of chocolate and strawberries turns every bite into a romantic, crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
- Fudgy, Never Dry: These brownies are melt-in-your-mouth moist, with a rich texture that’s the very definition of decadent.
- Jaw-Dropping Visual Appeal: Vibrant strawberries peek through glossy ganache, making this dessert as stunning to serve as it is delightful to eat.
- Minimal Fuss, Maximum Wow: This recipe looks bakery-fancy, but is totally do-able for a home baker using simple, staple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients can transform into the unforgettable Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight. Each part of this recipe—from the gooey brownies to that shiny ganache—relies on a few pantry staples and a pop of fresh berries.
- Good quality chocolate chips (semisweet or bittersweet): These form the rich, chocolatey base and the ganache—choose a chocolate you love to eat straight!
- Unsalted butter: Adds that signature fudgy texture and lets you control the salt content for perfect flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor, bringing depth and a beautiful dark color.
- Large eggs: Room temperature eggs help the brownies set into that tender, chewy crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the bittersweet notes and creates a glossy, crackly top.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with sweet, aromatic warmth—don’t skip it!
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to bind everything together without making the brownies cakey.
- Salt: A pinch brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh strawberries: Placed cut-side-down, they create pockets of jammy tartness and striking contrast.
- Heavy cream: Swirled with chocolate chips, it makes the ganache silky and luxurious.
Variations
One of the best things about Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight is how easy it is to personalize—whether you’re switching up the fruit, tweaking for dietary needs, or going wild with toppings, this recipe welcomes your creativity with open arms!
- Berry Swap: Feel free to try raspberries, blackberries, or a medley for a fun twist on the classic duo.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a one-for-one gluten free flour blend to make these treats indulgent for everyone.
- Nuts for Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the ganache before it sets for added texture and flavor.
- White Chocolate Ganache: White chocolate and strawberries are a dreamy match—swap out for a totally different (but equally stunning) finish!
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Leave a bit of overhang on the sides—it makes lifting your Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight out of the pan effortless.
Step 2: Make the Fudgy Brownie Batter
Gently melt together the chocolate chips and butter, using a double boiler or a bowl over simmering water. Once glossy and smooth, whisk in the cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla until just combined, then blend in your warm chocolate-butter mixture. Fold in the flour carefully—you want to keep that batter tender and thick!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out with an offset spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until just set and a toothpick comes out with some sticky crumbs (not dry!). Let the brownies cool completely in the pan—patience is key for that signature fudge factor.
Step 4: Strawberry Crown
Once the brownies are cooled to room temperature, arrange the halved strawberries cut side down over the top, covering every inch. Their fresh, tart bite is what makes Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight so special!
Step 5: Blanket in Ganache
Warm the heavy cream in a saucepan just until steamy, then pour it over the remaining chocolate chips. Stir until you have a velvety, shiny ganache—if needed, return to gentle heat for a few seconds. Pour the luscious ganache evenly over your strawberry-studded brownies and let everything set until the ganache is firm but glossy.
Step 6: Slice and Savor
Use the parchment overhang to lift your masterpiece out of the pan. Cut the Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight into neat squares—an inch wide is perfection—and get ready for gasps of delight and chocolatey fingers!
Pro Tips for Making Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight
- Chop and Space Your Strawberries: For evenly distributed strawberry flavor in every bite, halve each berry and place them snuggly but not overlapping.
- Don’t Overbake: For that gooey-centered delight, start checking a few minutes before the timer—brownies will continue setting as they cool.
- Ganache Gloss 101: Heat the cream just until trembling; if it boils, it may split your ganache, so slow and steady wins this chocolate race.
- Chill Before Slicing: Pop your pan in the fridge before cutting for the cleanest, most beautiful squares (and extra-fudgy texture, too!).
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight
Garnishes
A glossy drizzle of melted chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a tiny handful of chocolate curls makes your Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight look positively party-ready. For a hint of elegance, add a sprig of fresh mint or a few sliced berries on the side.
Side Dishes
To complement the richness, serve these brownies with freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or tangy Greek yogurt. A hot cup of espresso or a glass of cold milk is the perfect finishing touch with each decadent bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight as a centerpiece: stack the squares on a tiered cake stand, serve individually in cupcake liners for a picnic, or present them on a platter with fresh berries scattered around. For special occasions, you can even use heart-shaped cookie cutters for a playful touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the ganache and the freshness of the strawberries for up to four days—though they’re always best within 24 hours when the berries are at their juiciest!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cut brownies on a baking sheet, then wrap individually. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. While the ganache and brownies freeze beautifully, know the strawberries may release moisture as they thaw—still, every bite is full of flavor, if a little messier!
Reheating
Pop refrigerated brownies in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds (not more!), and you’ll revive a touch of brownie fudginess and a flood of chocolate aroma. If you like them chilled, serve straight from the fridge for a cool, refreshing treat on warm days.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries work best for Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight, creating that signature juicy, vibrant bite. Frozen strawberries tend to release extra water when thawed, which can make the top layer a bit soggy and affect the brownies’ texture.
-
Is it possible to make the brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brownies and store them (without strawberries or ganache) for up to two days at room temperature or in the fridge. Add the strawberry and ganache topping just before serving for the freshest result.
-
What’s the secret to the perfect ganache?
Use high-quality chocolate and bring your cream just to steaming—not boiling—for a silky, glossy ganache. Patience and gentle stirring do wonders!
-
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You sure can! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream for the ganache. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips, and you’ll still have an ultra-luscious, allergy-friendly Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a decadent treat that feels both nostalgic and next-level, you owe it to yourself to make this Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Delight. Layered with fudgy chocolate, juicy strawberries, and luscious ganache, it’s a dessert you’ll crave all year long. Treat yourself, share with friends, and watch every slice disappear!
Print
Strawberry-Topped Fudgy Chocolate Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies. These rich, fudgy brownies are topped with a luscious layer of chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries, creating a perfect blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Fudgy Brownies
- 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
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate and butter: In a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter until smooth. Whisk in cocoa powder and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare brownie batter: Whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Combine with chocolate mixture, then fold in flour.
- Bake the brownies: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
- Make the ganache: Place strawberries on the cooled brownies. Heat cream, then stir in chocolate until melted. Pour over the strawberries.
- Serve: Cut the brownies into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store brownies in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- For a different topping, melt chocolate chips with shortening in the microwave and drizzle over brownies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *