Some desserts just feel like love stories. And this one? It’s Romeo and Juliet—with chocolate and strawberries as the star-crossed pair.
The first time I made these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, it was for a Galentine’s brunch. The girls were coming over, my countertops were covered in strawberries, and I’d already burned the pancakes (twice). But I had my tried-and-true brownie base—thick, rich, unapologetically fudgy—and I just couldn’t shake the thought: What if I paired it with strawberries?
An hour later, I pulled the pan from the fridge, sliced through those gorgeous pink layers, and knew I had something special. One bite—chocolate, strawberry, ganache—and everyone melted.
What Are Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies?
These are not your average brownies.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies start with a dense, rich brownie base (think slightly gooey centers and crackly tops). That’s topped with a whipped strawberry buttercream—made from real strawberries or freeze-dried powder—then finished with a glossy chocolate ganache shell.
It’s like biting into a chocolate-covered strawberry… but better, because: brownie.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
- Triple layers: brownie, buttercream, ganache
- Real strawberry flavor (not artificial!)
- Stunning pink center for holidays or date nights
- Fudgy, rich, and deeply chocolatey
- Naturally gluten-free adaptable
- Make-ahead friendly + freezer safe
Tools You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Saucepan (for ganache)
- Parchment paper
- Knife for slicing
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Strawberry Buttercream:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp strawberry powder or puree (reduced & cooled)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp butter or coconut oil (for shine)
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Step 1: Make the Brownie Layer
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment. In a large bowl, melt the butter and whisk in both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Pour into the pan and bake for 25–28 minutes. Cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Buttercream
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar slowly, then strawberry powder or reduced puree, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whip until light and spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble & Chill
Spread strawberry buttercream over the cooled brownies. Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes until firm.
Step 4: Make the Ganache
Warm cream until steaming. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Add butter or coconut oil if desired.
Step 5: Finish and Slice
Pour ganache over the strawberry layer. Tilt the pan to evenly coat. Chill 1 hour, then slice with a warm knife.
Top Tips for Perfect Strawberry Brownies
- Use freeze-dried strawberry powder for bold flavor without excess moisture
- Chill between layers for clean stacking and slicing
- Wipe knife between slices for neat presentation
- Use dark chocolate chips if you want a richer ganache
- Add a pinch of salt to the ganache to cut sweetness
Storing & Freezing Tips
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge.
Serve: Let sit at room temp for 10 minutes before enjoying.
FAQs About Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
Can I use fresh strawberries in the frosting?
Yes, but reduce them into a thick puree to avoid a watery buttercream. Freeze-dried strawberry powder works best for flavor and structure.
How do I keep the layers from separating?
Make sure each layer is chilled and firm before adding the next. This helps everything stay stacked and clean when slicing.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! These taste even better the next day after the flavors set. Perfect for prepping ahead.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the buttercream and ganache. Store chilled and let rest at room temp before serving.
Conclusion: Dessert That Feels Like a Hug
Whether you’re making these for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or a Tuesday that needs saving—Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are a guaranteed hit. They’re as decadent as they are pretty, and every bite tastes like a celebration.
Because sometimes, love comes in layers.
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies combine a rich cocoa base, strawberry buttercream, and silky ganache into a decadent, layered dessert bar perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Brownie Base:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- For the Strawberry Buttercream:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder or reduced strawberry puree
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the Ganache:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp butter or coconut oil (optional, for shine)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, melt butter. Whisk in sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, cocoa, and salt.
- Spread batter into the pan and bake for 25–28 minutes. Let cool completely.
- In a clean bowl, cream butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, strawberry powder or puree, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth.
- Spread strawberry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownie base. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Warm heavy cream and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until glossy. Add butter or oil if desired.
- Pour ganache over the strawberry layer and spread evenly. Chill 1 hour or until set.
- Slice with a warm knife and serve slightly softened from the fridge.
Notes
Use freeze-dried strawberry powder for vibrant flavor without extra moisture. Chill between layers for clean slicing. These brownies store well and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: chocolate strawberry brownies, layered strawberry brownies, ganache strawberry bars, valentine dessert
