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; ⅔ cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 cup fresh strawberries (about ½ of a 1 pound package), hulled and cut in half; 12 ounce (3 4-ounce) bars semi-sweet baking chocolate; 1½ cups heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp salted butter

If you adore the combo of rich chocolate and fresh fruit, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe. Imagine fudgy brownies topped with juicy strawberries and a glossy chocolate ganache — pure bliss in every bite!

This image shows a dessert in a clear glass square dish with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a dark brown, soft chocolate cake. Above this lies a middle layer of whole bright red strawberries sliced in half, arranged evenly to form a ring around the edge. The top layer is a thick, shiny, smooth dark chocolate ganache spreading across the strawberries and cake, with a glossy finish showing slight ripples. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a strawberry nearby. 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 honestly can’t get enough of these brownies. Every time I make them, the combination of that fudgy chocolate base with fresh, slightly tart strawberries covered in silky ganache brings everyone around for seconds — and sometimes thirds!

Decadent & Fresh: Enjoy the perfect balance of fudgy chocolate with bright, fresh fruit that elevates ordinary brownies to a showstopper dessert.
Easy to Make: Using a boxed brownie mix and pudding mix speeds things up without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Gourmet Finish: The homemade chocolate ganache adds a smooth, shiny glaze that looks as good as it tastes.
Perfect for Sharing: Cut into 16 squares, these brownies are ideal for parties, potlucks, or a special treat after dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to gather all your ingredients — I love to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and look. And yes, the special addition of chocolate pudding mix is a secret hack that makes these brownies super moist and tender!

Flat lay of a small bowl of smooth chocolate pudding powder, a small bowl of whole milk, a small bowl of clear vegetable oil, two large brown eggs with clean shells, a small bowl of heavy whipping cream, a small bowl of salted butter cubes, a few fresh strawberries halved with green leaves intact, three thick bars of semi-sweet baking chocolate, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, 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: A quick foundation providing that classic fudgy brownie base we all crave.
Chocolate Pudding Mix: Adds extra richness and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist.
Whole Milk: Enhances the creamy texture of the batter, making the brownies more decadent.
Vegetable Oil: Helps maintain a tender crumb and prevents the brownies from drying out.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to the dense, fudgy texture.
Fresh Strawberries: The bright, juicy topping that adds freshness and a pop of color.
Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate: Essential for the luscious ganache that coats the strawberries.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Combined with butter to create a silky ganache with smooth consistency.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and balances the sweetness in the chocolate topping.

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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 things about this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to swap ingredients, adjust toppings, or add a personal twist, the base is versatile and forgiving.

Variation: For a nutty crunch, I love sprinkling toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the ganache before it sets. It adds an irresistible texture that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy brownie and smooth chocolate.
Seasonal Twist: When strawberries aren’t in season, fresh raspberries or blueberries work wonderfully – their tartness pairs perfectly with the rich ganache.
Dairy-Free Version: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. Just make sure your chocolate is dairy-free too!
Extra Decadence: Drizzle some white chocolate over the ganache for a pretty two-tone effect and an added layer of sweetness.

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

A square dessert with three layers sits on a white plate: the bottom layer is dark brown and looks soft and moist like a chocolate cake, the middle layer is smooth chocolate with sliced strawberries inside that show bright red and pale pink colors, and the top layer is a shiny dark chocolate glaze. On top of the dessert, a half strawberry with a vibrant red color and green leaves is placed. Next to the dessert on the plate are two whole strawberries with green leaves. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with whole and halved strawberries, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (that's 350 degrees Fahrenheit) and lining a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This keeps your brownies from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Make sure the paper overlaps the edges a bit so you can lift the brownies out later!

Step 2: Mix Your Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, combine the 18.3 ounce box brownie mix, 3.9 ounce box chocolate pudding mix, ⅔ cup whole milk, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 2 large eggs. I usually mix by hand with a whisk or use an electric mixer on low speed. Mix until everything is smooth and fully blended — the batter should be thick but spreadable.

Step 3: Bake Your Brownies

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 37 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted about 1 inch from the edge comes out clean. (Avoid testing the very center, which tends to stay moist.)

Step 4: Let the Brownies Cool Completely

Once baked, take the brownies out and leave them in the pan to cool for about 35 minutes. This cooling time is key—not only does it let the brownies set up, but it ensures your ganache won’t melt when you add it later. Resist the urge to unwrap or move them just yet!

Step 5: Arrange Your Strawberries

After the brownies are completely cool, it’s time for the fresh strawberries. Use about 1 cup of hulled strawberries, cut in half. Arrange them flat side down in an even layer on top of the brownies. This fruity layer is a fresh and juicy surprise in every bite.

Step 6: Warm the Cream & Butter for Ganache

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm 1½ cups heavy whipping cream and 2 tablespoons salted butter. Stir continuously so the butter melts evenly and the cream doesn’t scorch. When you see the mixture just starting to bubble around the edges—after about 3 minutes—remove from heat.

Step 7: Make Smooth, Glossy Ganache

Place 12 ounces of chopped semi-sweet baking chocolate into a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream and butter mixture evenly over the chocolate, making sure it’s all covered. Let it sit for 5 minutes—this melts the chocolate gently. Then stir slowly until the ganache is smooth, shiny, and silky.

Step 8: Pour Ganache & Set

Pour the ganache evenly right over the strawberries covering the entire top. Gently tap the baking pan on your countertop a few times to release any trapped air bubbles for an even finish. Now comes the patience part: let the brownies sit at room temperature for about 90 minutes so the ganache sets nicely. Or, if you're in a hurry, pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Step 9: Cut & Serve

Once the ganache is fully set, use a sharp serrated knife or a plastic knife to cut your brownies into 16 equal squares. Cutting gently with a clean knife helps you get those beautiful clean edges. Because these brownies are rich, I recommend smaller pieces to savor every luscious bite without feeling overwhelmed.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is all about a few simple yet crucial steps that ensure the texture and flavor shine through. These tips come from hands-on baking experience, helping you avoid common pitfalls and get that luscious finish every time.

Cooling is Key: Always let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding strawberries and ganache. This avoids melting and keeps your ganache smooth and shiny.
Sharp Knife for Clean Cuts: Use a serrated or plastic knife when cutting the brownies to prevent the ganache from cracking or sticking.
Fresh Strawberries Matter: Using fresh, ripe strawberries cut in half flat-side down creates a beautiful presentation and balances the rich chocolate.
Patience with Ganache Setting: Giving your ganache 90 minutes at room temperature—or 30 minutes in the fridge—to set ensures the perfect glossy and firm topping.

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe

In the center of the image is a white bowl filled with smooth, dark brown chocolate batter that has a shiny, thick texture with gentle swirling patterns on the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled table. To the top right of the bowl, there are two whole strawberries next to stacked chocolate pieces and partially unwrapped silver and cream chocolate wrappers. At the bottom left corner, there is a small white bowl containing whole and sliced strawberries. A folded blue and white cloth is placed near the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your brownies with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar for contrast. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing note that complements the chocolate and strawberry flavors beautifully. For extra flair, drizzle a little white chocolate over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve these luscious brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic pairing. Fresh berries or a simple berry compote on the side can also brighten the plate and add a fruity tang that pairs perfectly with the richness of the dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because these brownies feature fresh strawberries, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator after the first couple of hours. Keep them wrapped tightly or in an airtight container to protect freshness. Enjoy them within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep these brownies longer, freeze them individually wrapped. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps them fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

Since these brownies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to preserve the ganache’s texture, avoid microwaving. If you prefer them slightly warmed, bring them to room temperature before serving; this will keep the ganache silky without melting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Frozen strawberries are not recommended because they release extra moisture as they thaw, which can make the brownies soggy and interfere with the ganache setting.

Is it necessary to use chocolate pudding mix in the brownie batter?

Yes! The chocolate pudding mix adds extra moistness and density, making these brownies fudgier than a typical box mix alone.

How do I get clean slices without messing up the ganache?

Use a sharp serrated knife or a plastic knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts. Cutting gently prevents cracking or smudging the ganache.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute non-dairy milk and butter alternatives, but keep in mind the texture and flavor of the ganache and brownie will be slightly different. Choose dairy-free chocolate for the ganache as well.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe is such a rewarding experience — the fudgy brownie base paired with fresh strawberries and a silky chocolate ganache creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're treating yourself, entertaining guests, or celebrating a special occasion, these brownies will surely bring smiles and maybe even a little happy sigh. Enjoy every rich, fruity bite!