Few flavor combinations are as iconic as chocolate and strawberries, and when you marry them into a single dessert like these Chocolate Strawberry Brownies, you get pure decadence in every bite. This recipe fuses rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a luscious strawberry layer and a silky chocolate coating that mimics the indulgent charm of chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Strawberries are naturally sweet and slightly tangy, making them a perfect complement to dark, bittersweet chocolate. When layered with dense brownies, the contrast in textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for holidays, romantic dinners, or anytime you want to elevate your dessert game.
What makes this recipe even better is that it’s completely alcohol-free and pork-free, meaning it skips the typical gelatin-based ingredients or liqueurs often used in strawberry desserts. Instead, we use fresh strawberries and a simple homemade compote to create a naturally sweet and flavorful layer.
This dessert isn’t just about indulgence — it’s also about freshness and texture. The brownie base is thick and fudgy, made with real melted chocolate and cocoa powder. The strawberry layer offers a bright contrast, while the final chocolate ganache topping ties everything together with a glossy finish.
You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull this off. Each component is easy to prepare, and the recipe guides you through each step, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
Brownies have always been a go-to dessert for their simplicity and rich flavor. Adding a fruit layer and a ganache topping takes them from casual treat to show-stopping dessert.
If you’re making this for a special event like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or an anniversary, cut the brownies into heart shapes or decorate the ganache with sliced strawberries.
The key to perfecting this recipe is allowing each layer to fully cool or set before adding the next. It’s a little time-consuming, but the results are more than worth it.
This dessert can be made in advance, making it a convenient option for entertaining. Just keep them chilled until ready to serve, and bring them to room temperature for the best flavor.
Even people who don’t typically like fruit in their brownies will find this version irresistible. The strawberry layer is smooth, flavorful, and blends seamlessly with the richness of the chocolate.
Kids and adults alike will adore these, and because there are no nuts or alcohol, they’re allergy-friendly and safe for a variety of dietary needs.
You can customize the chocolate topping to your preference — use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste, or stick with dark chocolate for a more intense cocoa punch.
Once you try these, they might just become your new favorite brownie recipe. They’re unique, delicious, and offer a beautiful presentation without complicated techniques.
Whether you’re baking for love or just your love of dessert, these Chocolate Strawberry Brownies deliver every time.
Servings
Makes 16 brownies
Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let brownies cool completely.
- Meanwhile, cook strawberries, lemon juice, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat until strawberries break down.
- Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened. Let cool, then spread over brownies.
- Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Heat cream until hot but not boiling, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Pour ganache over strawberry layer and spread evenly. Chill until set, about 1 hour.
- Slice and serve.
Tips
- Let each layer cool fully before adding the next to prevent melting.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Chill well before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store in fridge for up to 4 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies are the perfect fusion of rich, chocolatey decadence and fruity freshness. The combination of layers adds complexity and beauty without being overly fussy. A delicious upgrade to classic brownies!
Summary
Chocolate Strawberry Brownies are a stunning layered dessert with rich fudgy brownies, sweet strawberry compote, and glossy chocolate ganache. Made with fresh ingredients and no alcohol or pork products, they’re perfect for sharing and celebrating.
Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let brownies cool completely.
- Meanwhile, cook strawberries, lemon juice, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat until strawberries break down.
- Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened. Let cool, then spread over brownies.
- Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Heat cream until hot but not boiling, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Pour ganache over strawberry layer and spread evenly. Chill until set, about 1 hour.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Let each layer cool fully before adding the next to prevent melting.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Chill well before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store in fridge for up to 4 days.