Name: Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 25 min
Cook time: 37 min
Total time: 1 h 42 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, hulled and cut in half; 12 ounce semi-sweet baking chocolate (3 bars of 4-ounce each); 1½ cups heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp salted butter

If you're a chocolate lover with a soft spot for fresh strawberries, you're going to adore this Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe. These brownies bring together a fudgy, rich base with luscious strawberries and a silky chocolate ganache topping — it’s like dessert heaven 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 Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these brownies—I was blown away by how the fresh strawberries and glossy ganache turned simple brownies into an impressive, decadent treat that everyone raved about!

Fudgy Perfection: The brownie base is impossibly moist and rich thanks to a clever mix of brownie and chocolate pudding mixes.
Fresh Flavor Combo: Juicy strawberries add a bright, fresh contrast to the deep chocolate, so each bite feels perfectly balanced.
Elegant Ganache: The shiny chocolate ganache isn’t just beautiful—it adds a silky finish that feels luxurious without being complicated to make.
Impress Guests Easily: This recipe looks stunning and tastes amazing, yet it comes together with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this recipe, it’s best to shop for good quality semi-sweet chocolate and fresh, ripe strawberries to get those bold, balanced flavors. Using a boxed brownie mix combined with pudding mix creates a fudgy texture without extra fuss.

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: The shortcut that forms the base, giving you consistent fudginess without starting from scratch.
Chocolate pudding mix: Adds extra richness and moisture to the brownies for that perfect soft bite.
Whole milk: Helps hydrate the dry ingredients and deepens the brownie texture.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies tender and moist.
Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure to the batter.
Fresh strawberries: The star fresh topping—choose firm, ripe berries for the best flavor and texture.
Semi-sweet baking chocolate: Essential for the ganache, offering a balanced chocolate taste that isn’t overly sweet.
Heavy cream: Combines with the chocolate to create a luxuriously smooth ganache.
Salted butter: Adds a slight richness and silky smoothness 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 my favorite things about this Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to play with flavors, adjust textures, or swap ingredients for dietary needs, these brownies are a great canvas for creativity!

Variation: For a nutty twist, add ½ cup of toasted pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter before baking. The crunch pairs wonderfully with the fudgy texture and adds a lovely depth to each bite.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the whole milk for almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter and dark chocolate that’s vegan-friendly to keep the rich flavor while avoiding dairy.
Seasonal Flair: Try swapping strawberries for fresh raspberries or blackberries in the summer for a different fruity brightness that still complements the chocolate ganache beautifully.
Extra Chocolate Boost: Sprinkle some white chocolate chips over the strawberries before pouring on the ganache for a pretty contrast and a little extra sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate 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 and Prep with Care

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—this ensures a steady, hot environment for perfect brownies. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper; this little step guarantees your brownies won’t stick, making for easy removal and pristine edges once baked.

Step 2: Mix Your Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, combine the 18.3-ounce box of brownie mix with the 3.9-ounce box of chocolate pudding mix. Add ⅔ cup whole milk, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 2 large eggs. Mix everything thoroughly—either with a mixer or by hand—until the batter is smooth and fully combined. This blend of pudding mix with brownie mix gives you that indulgently fudgy texture we all love.

Step 3: Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Pour your silky batter into the parchment-lined pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 37 minutes. Peek at around 34 minutes, but the true test is a toothpick inserted 1 inch from the edge coming out clean—that means perfectly baked brownies with that luscious fudgy center.

Step 4: Let Those Brownies Cool—Patience Wins

Once out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for about 45 minutes. Keeping them in the pan prevents them from breaking apart before we add our decadent toppings. Cooling thoroughly is key to getting the ganache JUST right.

Step 5: Arranging the Fresh Strawberries

Carefully place an even layer of fresh strawberry halves, flat side down, across the top of the cooled brownies. The bright red berries add a juicy burst of freshness and color that’s simply irresistible. Make sure they’re nicely spaced for the ganache to flow evenly over them.

Step 6: Crafting the Silky Chocolate Ganache

Chop the 12 ounces of semi-sweet baking chocolate into a medium heat-safe bowl. In a small saucepan, gently heat 1½ cups heavy whipping cream and 2 tablespoons salted butter over medium heat. Stir continuously as the butter melts and small bubbles form around the edges—this should take about 3 minutes.

Step 7: Combine and Stir to Glossy Perfection

Take the cream off the heat and pour it immediately over the chopped chocolate. Check that every piece of chocolate is submerged, then let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Afterward, stir gently until every bit of chocolate melts into a smooth, shiny ganache that’s ready to coat your strawberries and brownies.

Step 8: Pour, Tap, and Set

Pour the luscious ganache evenly over your strawberry layer. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles, creating a smooth, flawless surface. Then, let the brownies rest at room temperature for 90 minutes to let the ganache set just right. If you’re short on time, refrigerate for 30 minutes instead.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Once your ganache is firm, use a sharp serrated or plastic knife to cut the brownies into 16 neat squares. A smaller square size works beautifully here—these brownies are indulgent, and a little goes a long way! Serve and enjoy the perfect balance of fudgy brownie, fresh strawberry, and silky chocolate ganache.

Top Tip

These tips come straight from baking experience to help you nail the perfect Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe every single time. From mixing to cutting, a few simple tricks make all the difference!

Cooling is Key: I learned the hard way that adding the strawberry topping before the brownies are completely cool causes the ganache to slip and not set properly. Always wait at least 45 minutes before adding toppings.
Use a Sharp Serrated Knife: Cutting through that luscious ganache can be tricky. A sharp serrated or even a plastic knife prevents cracking and keeps your brownie squares pristine.
Smaller Squares Work Wonders: These brownies are rich and decadent, so cutting them into smaller squares makes them more enjoyable without overwhelming anyone.
Don’t Skip the Parchment: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes removing the brownies super easy and keeps the edges perfect. Trust me, it saves you a lot of frustration!

How to Serve Chocolate 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

For an extra-special presentation, dust your brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or add a few mint leaves alongside the strawberry halves for a pop of color and freshness. If you really want to go all out, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate and fruity strawberries beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies with fresh berries or a simple berry compote to echo the strawberry flavor. A cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte pairs perfectly, cutting through the richness of the ganache. For a more festive occasion, a glass of ruby red wine or champagne pairs delightfully well with this decadent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because of the fresh strawberries, it's best to store your Chocolate Strawberry Brownies in the refrigerator after they've set for a couple of hours. When covered properly, they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2-3 days. Just be sure to keep them airtight to maintain that luscious ganache texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these brownies later, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to indulge, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

To gently warm the brownies without melting the ganache too much, place a piece on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the brownie inside while keeping the ganache pleasantly firm. Avoid reheating for too long or it may become runny.

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 juicy contrast to the fudgy brownies. Frozen strawberries can release excess moisture, which might prevent the ganache from setting properly.

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Bake the brownies for 37 minutes at 350°F. A toothpick inserted about 1 inch from the edge should come out clean. This ensures the edges are set while the center stays fudgy and moist.

Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate?

Yes! Dark chocolate will give a richer, more intense flavor, while milk chocolate offers a sweeter, creamier taste. Just be sure to adjust sweetness or balance accordingly, as milk chocolate is sweeter.

How do I achieve a shiny, smooth ganache?

Make sure to use heavy cream and salted butter heated just until it bubbles slightly around the edges before pouring over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes without stirring, then gently stir until silky smooth for that beautiful glossy finish.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chocolate Strawberry Brownies Recipe is truly a rewarding experience that blends the best of rich chocolate and fresh fruit. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these brownies wow with their decadent fudginess and luscious ganache. Remember, patience during cooling and careful cutting will make all the difference. Above all, enjoy every bite and share the love—these brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!