Name: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 55 min
Cook time: 37 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 18.3 ounce box brownie mix; 3.9 ounce box chocolate pudding mix; 2/3 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and cut in half; 12 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate (three 4-ounce bars); 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons salted butter

Alright, let me tell you about the incredibly indulgent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe I’ve been obsessed with lately. Imagine biting into rich, fudgy brownies topped with fresh, juicy strawberries, all covered in a silky smooth chocolate ganache — it’s pure dessert magic.

The image shows a square chocolate dessert in a clear glass dish on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three main layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and moist chocolate cake, the middle layer features fresh red strawberries cut in half, placed side by side with their bright red interiors facing outward, and the top layer is a thick, smooth, and glossy chocolate ganache with slight ripples, covering the strawberries and the cake evenly. One piece is missing from the dish, revealing the clean edges between the layers and the juicy strawberry slices in the middle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I couldn’t resist sharing this recipe because it perfectly marries chocolate and fresh strawberries in a way that’s both elegant and downright addictive.

Decadently fudgy base: The brownie mix combined with chocolate pudding creates an ultra-moist, rich texture that’s irresistible.
Fresh strawberries on top: They add a refreshing burst of natural sweetness that cuts through the chocolate richness.
Homemade chocolate ganache: Smooth, glossy, and made with just a few simple ingredients for that luxurious finish.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a party, or a treat for yourself, these brownies impress every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries and good-quality semi-sweet baking chocolate for the ganache — both really elevate this dessert. The combination of a boxed brownie mix and instant pudding mix might sound unconventional, but trust me, it makes the fudgiest, most luscious brownie base you’ll ever taste.

Flat lay of a small mound of fine dark brown cocoa powder, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with smooth whole milk, a small white bowl holding glossy vegetable oil, two large brown eggs with clean uncracked shells, a handful of fresh strawberries halved to show their juicy red interiors with green leafy caps, several thick bars of rich semi-sweet baking chocolate stacked neatly, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy whipping cream, and a small square of salted butter on a white ceramic plate, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Brownie mix: The base of our brownies, easy and reliable for consistent results every time.
Chocolate pudding mix: Adds moisture and extra chocolate flavor without fuss.
Whole milk: Brings richness and helps create a smooth batter.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and give structure.
Fresh strawberries: Freshness is key for juicy, flavorful topping.
Semi-sweet baking chocolate: Gives the ganache a perfect balance between sweet and bitter.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates that silky ganache texture everyone loves.
Salted butter: Adds a touch of richness and depth to the ganache.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste and occasion. Whether you want to make it more indulgent, dietary-friendly, or seasonal, there’s a way to make this dessert uniquely yours.

Variation: For a nutty twist, sprinkle some toasted almonds or pecans over the strawberries before pouring the ganache. I love how the crunch adds texture and balances the richness!
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the whole milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream to make a dairy-free ganache that’s just as creamy and decadent.
Seasonal Twist: In summer, try adding fresh raspberries alongside the strawberries or substitute them entirely for a berry medley that bursts with freshness and color.
Flavor Boost: Stir in a teaspoon of espresso powder with the brownie batter to deepen the chocolate flavor—it makes these brownies even more irresistible.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe

A square dessert with three clear layers sits on a white plate stacked on two more white plates on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, dark brown chocolate brownie with a rough, soft texture. On top of it is a bright red strawberry layer, sliced so the strawberries are shown inside the dessert with their juicy texture. The top layer is smooth and shiny dark chocolate frosting covering the strawberries. A half strawberry with a green top is placed on the center of the chocolate layer, and two whole strawberries with green tops rest beside the square dessert on the plate. In the blurred background, a white bowl filled with whole strawberries and another whole strawberry lays next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—the perfect temperature for baking those fudgy brownies. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper so your brownies lift out easily once baked. This little step saves a lot of clean-up fuss and keeps the edges crisp but tender.

Step 2: Create Your Luscious Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, chocolate pudding mix, whole milk, vegetable oil, and two large eggs. Stir thoroughly by hand or with a mixer until the batter becomes smooth and silky without any streaks of dry mix. When you see that glossy sheen, you know you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top out with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 37 minutes. Keep an eye out for that telltale sign: a toothpick inserted about an inch from the edge should come out clean, indicating your brownies are perfectly baked but still fudgy inside.

Step 4: Patience Is a Virtue — Cooling Time

Once baked, resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for 35 minutes. This cool-down period helps them set firmly, which is essential for holding that beautiful topping in place.

Step 5: Fresh Strawberries Take the Stage

Carefully arrange your hulled, halved strawberries flat side down across the surface of the cooled brownies. Doing it this way helps the strawberries stay put under the ganache and gives a stellar presentation with that lovely red pop.

Step 6: Whip Up the Creamy Chocolate Ganache

Chop the semi-sweet chocolate bars and place them in a heat-safe bowl. Heat the heavy cream and salted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the butter melts and the cream begins to gently bubble around the edges (about 3 minutes), remove it from heat. Pour this hot mixture over the chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to soften the chocolate perfectly.

Step 7: Stir and Spread Your Ganache

After letting the mixture sit, gently stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy—no lumps here! Pour this silky chocolate over the strawberries, covering them generously. Tap the pan lightly on the countertop to knock out any air bubbles for a flawless finish.

Step 8: Set and Serve

Allow your masterpiece to set for about 90 minutes at room temperature, or 30 minutes in the fridge if you’re in a hurry. Once set, use a sharp serrated or plastic knife to cut the brownies into neat squares—and savor every rich, fruity bite!

Top Tip

When making this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe, little details can really elevate your end result. Here are some tips I've picked up along the way to help you bake like a pro and impress your friends!

Cooling Timing: I learned that letting the brownies cool completely—about 35 minutes in the pan—is crucial before adding the ganache. It helps the ganache set beautifully without melting into the brownies.
Ganache Pouring: When pouring your ganache over the strawberries, gently tap the pan on the counter. This removes air bubbles and gives your brownies a perfectly smooth chocolate finish.
Knife Choice: A sharp serrated knife or even a plastic knife makes cutting the brownies easier. It helps keep your slices clean without crushing the rich, fudgy layers underneath.
Portion Size: These brownies are decadently rich, so cut them into smaller squares. A little goes a long way, and your guests will appreciate the perfect bite-sized treat!

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe

A large white bowl filled with smooth, thick, dark brown chocolate batter that has visible glossy swirls and texture on the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled background, with two whole fresh solid red strawberries near the top right and a small white bowl with halved strawberries near the bottom left. To the right of the bowl, there are several pieces of dark chocolate squares and wrapped white chocolate bars stacked together. A clear glass baking dish is partially visible in the top left corner. A blue and white striped cloth is shown on the bottom right corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a bit of extra flair, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios over the ganache before it sets. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color and freshness to your presentation.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own, but serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes things up a notch. For a fruity contrast, a small bowl of mixed berries or a fresh strawberry salad pairs wonderfully as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After a couple of hours, be sure to refrigerate your brownies to keep the fresh strawberries tasting their best. Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay delicious and fresh for 2 to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these later, individually wrap the brownie squares and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

To gently warm a brownie, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. You can also microwave it briefly in 10-second bursts, but be careful not to melt the ganache too much or soften the strawberries excessively.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe because they hold their shape and provide a lovely texture. Frozen strawberries can release extra moisture, which might make the brownies soggy.

Why do I need to wait before adding the ganache?

Allowing the brownies to cool completely ensures the ganache sets properly on top without melting into the warm brownie base, keeping the layers distinct and beautiful.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the ganache?

Yes! Dark chocolate will give you a richer, slightly more bitter ganache, which pairs nicely with the sweetness of the strawberries and brownies. Adjust sweetness if you prefer.

How do I get clean cuts without crushing the brownies?

Use a very sharp serrated or plastic knife, and wipe it clean between each cut. Cutting slowly and carefully will help maintain the neat, layered appearance.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is like giving yourself a little gourmet treat at home. It perfectly balances rich, fudgy chocolate with the fresh brightness of strawberries and a silky ganache finish. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because, these brownies are sure to bring smiles and happy sighs. Enjoy every decadent bite!