Indulge in Bliss: The Ultimate Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Recipe

Do you ever experience a moment of pure culinary joy that makes you want to do a little happy dance? Perhaps a subtle shimmy, a gentle sway, or an excited wiggle of your shoulders? For me, a truly exceptional bite of food is a full-body experience, often accompanied by closed eyes, bouncing on my toes, and a genuine celebration of flavor. It’s not just about eating; it’s about savoring a moment of pure delight, an unexpected pleasure that brightens your day.

If you resonate with that feeling, prepare yourself for an extraordinary treat. These Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies are guaranteed to elicit a similar joyful reaction, turning a simple dessert into a memorable event. Imagine sinking your teeth into three exquisite layers of pure magic: a supremely fudgy gluten-free brownie base, followed by a vibrant burst of fresh, ripe strawberries, all crowned with a luxurious, velvety chocolate ganache. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, designed to make your heart sing and your spirit soar. You’ll find yourself swooning, swaying, and celebrating, even if it’s just a quiet moment of internal bliss in the comfort of your own home.

Beyond their incredible taste, these brownies are also a feast for the eyes, making them an absolutely perfect, Pinterest-worthy treat for special occasions, especially Valentine’s Day. Their beautiful presentation suggests gourmet expertise, but you might be surprised to learn how remarkably simple they are to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a new showstopper or just starting your gluten-free baking journey, this recipe offers a rewarding experience that culminates in a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end patisserie. Join us as we explore what makes these brownies so special and how you can create this unforgettable dessert in your own kitchen.

The Layers of Perfection: Ingredients for Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Crafting these heavenly chocolate-covered strawberry brownies involves three distinct, yet harmonious, layers. Each component plays a crucial role in building the ultimate dessert experience, balancing rich chocolate with fresh fruit. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this masterpiece, ensuring every layer contributes to a delightful culinary adventure:

• The Fudgy Gluten-Free Brownie Base: Every truly great brownie starts with a solid foundation, and our recipe is designed for just that. For maximum convenience without compromising on exceptional flavor and texture, we highly recommend using a quality boxed gluten-free brownie mix. After extensive taste tests, our absolute top pick remains King Arthur Gluten-Free Brownie Mix, consistently delivering a rich flavor and perfect fudginess. However, if you’re a baking enthusiast and have the time to bake from scratch, our homemade gluten-free brown butter brownies are an absolute game-changer. They boast an unparalleled fudgy texture, a beautiful crackly top, and bake with an incredibly level surface—ideal for layered desserts like this one where a smooth foundation is key.
• The Fresh Strawberry Layer: This vibrant layer introduces a delightful burst of refreshing sweetness and a striking ruby red hue. You’ll need plump, perfectly ripe fresh strawberries. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness provide a perfect counterpoint to the rich, dark chocolate, adding a refreshing note that brightens the entire dessert and cuts through its richness beautifully. This fresh element is what truly makes these brownies stand out.
• The Velvety Chocolate Ganache Topping: The grand finale of this layered dessert is a smooth, indulgent chocolate ganache. This glossy, decadent topping not only adds another dimension of intense chocolate flavor but also ties all the layers together with its luxurious texture. It creates a beautiful, polished finish that makes these brownies truly irresistible and adds a sophisticated touch, transforming them into a gourmet treat. Using high-quality chocolate chips is key for the best ganache.

Psst! Our Favorite Gluten-Free Brownies for the Base

Whether you’re gluten-free or not, this recipe for brown butter brownies consistently ranks among the best I’ve ever made or tasted in my life! With its irresistibly fudgy texture, gorgeous crackly top, and perfectly even bake, it’s outstanding on its own as a classic dessert. More importantly, it’s truly the ideal canvas to transform into these decadent chocolate-covered strawberry brownies, ensuring every single layer is built on a foundation of pure chocolate perfection. If you have the time, we highly recommend trying this scratch recipe!

GET THE GLUTEN-FREE BROWNIES RECIPE

How to Master Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, Step By Step

For your convenience, you’ll find the complete recipe, including precise ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and helpful tips, in the interactive recipe card at the bottom of this post. These step-by-step guidelines are designed to help you achieve perfect results every time, whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker.

Crafting the Perfect Fudgy Gluten-Free Brownie Layer

This foundational layer sets the stage for the entire dessert. Achieving the right fudgy texture and a level surface is key for a truly impressive brownie.

1. Prepare Your Workspace & Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). This lower temperature promotes a fudgier texture and helps prevent overbaking. Line an 8″x8″ metal baking dish with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two sides. This thoughtful step is crucial for easy removal and clean, neat slicing of your cooled brownies.
2. Brown the Butter for Depth of Flavor: In a small, light-colored saucepan, gently melt the butter over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Continue cooking the butter, whisking frequently, until it begins to foam and delightful, nutty brown bits appear at the bottom. The butter should transform into a rich, amber hue, reminiscent of honey, and emit a sweet, aromatic, nutty fragrance. This browning process develops complex flavors, elevating your brownies from good to truly exceptional. (For a more in-depth tutorial on browning butter, check out our dedicated guide!)
3. Infuse with Chocolate: Immediately remove the browned butter from the heat to stop the cooking process. While still warm, stir in your chosen semisweet or dark chocolate chips. Continue whisking until the chocolate is completely melted, creating a smooth, glossy, and intensely chocolatey mixture. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly, as adding eggs to a very hot mixture can cause them to cook prematurely, leading to a less desirable texture.
4. Whisk Eggs & Sugar for Structure and Shine: In a separate medium bowl, combine the eggs and brown sugar. Whisk vigorously for 3-5 minutes, either by hand or with an electric mixer, until the sugar crystals are entirely dissolved. You shouldn’t feel any grit when you rub a small amount of the mixture between your fingers. This whisking process incorporates air and ensures the sugar is fully integrated, contributing to the brownies’ signature crackly top and chewy, fudgy interior. The mixture will also become slightly lighter in color.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Gently whisk the slightly cooled sugar and egg mixture into the browned butter and chocolate blend until just combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, which beautifully enhances the rich chocolate notes.
6. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Carefully fold in the salt, unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably dark or Dutch-processed for a deeper, less bitter chocolate flavor), and gluten-free measure-for-measure flour. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no dry streaks remain. It’s important to avoid overmixing gluten-free flour, as this can lead to tougher brownies.
7. Bake to Perfection: Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared 8″x8″ pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, aiming for an even layer that will bake uniformly. Bake at 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) for 22-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet, glossy batter. This ensures maximum fudginess without being underbaked.
8. Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool entirely to room temperature in the pan before proceeding to the next steps. Rushing this step will make it difficult to add the delicate strawberry and ganache layers without them melting, sliding, or marring the brownie’s surface. Patience here guarantees perfect layers!

Adding the Fresh Strawberry Layer

This vibrant layer not only adds natural sweetness and a hint of tartness but also contributes a stunning visual element to your brownies.

1. Wash and Thoroughly Dry Strawberries: This is an absolutely crucial step that cannot be skipped! If you haven’t already, wash your fresh strawberries under cool running water. Then, meticulously pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture will prevent the chocolate ganache from adhering properly and can lead to an undesirable soggy layer beneath the ganache.
2. Prepare the Strawberries: Carefully cut off the green tops (hulls) from each strawberry. Then, slice each strawberry in half lengthwise, from the stem to the tip. For particularly large strawberries, you might want to quarter them to ensure all pieces are roughly the same height. Consistency in size helps create an even, appealing layer across the entire brownie surface, and ensures a balanced bite.
3. Arrange on Cooled Brownies: Once your brownies have completely cooled to room temperature, carefully arrange the prepared strawberry halves cut-side down on top of the brownie layer. I recommend packing them as closely together as possible, covering the entire surface. This ensures that every single square of your brownie includes a delightful burst of fresh strawberry, maximizing both flavor and enjoyment in every bite.

Creating the Silky Chocolate Ganache Layer

The ganache layer is the indulgent crown jewel of these brownies, providing a smooth, rich, and visually stunning finish that ties all the flavors together.

1. Combine Chocolate & Cream: In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine your chosen semisweet or dark chocolate chips with the heavy cream. Ensure the chocolate chips are spread evenly in the bowl to promote uniform melting.
2. Gently Heat and Stir: Heat the mixture in 20-30 second increments in the microwave. After each increment, remove the bowl and stir thoroughly with a whisk or spatula. Continue this process until the chocolate chips are *almost* completely melted, with just a few small, stubborn bits remaining. The residual heat from the warm cream and the bowl itself will continue to melt these last chocolate bits as you stir. This gradual heating method is absolutely critical to prevent the chocolate from scorching or seizing, ensuring a perfectly smooth and luxurious ganache.
3. Achieve Velvety Smoothness: Once removed from the microwave, continue stirring the mixture until the ganache is entirely smooth, beautifully glossy, and completely free of any lumps. The consistency should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable.
4. Pour and Level: Carefully pour the freshly made ganache over the arranged strawberry layer on your cooled brownies. Do your best to spread and coat all the berries evenly. If needed, gently shake the pan from side to side to help the ganache self-level and create a beautiful, even, and professional-looking surface.
5. Chill to Set: Transfer the brownies to the refrigerator for approximately 1 hour, or until the chocolate ganache has completely set and is firm to the touch. This chilling time is absolutely essential for easy, clean, and precise slicing.
6. Slice and Serve: Once the ganache is fully set, carefully use a long, sharp knife to slice the brownies into 16 perfect squares. For the cleanest cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean after each slice. Enjoy these delectable treats within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and texture.
7. Storage: Store any leftover brownies covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Due to the fresh strawberries, they are best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain their peak texture and quality.

FAQ + Expert Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

How Long Do Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies Stay Fresh? For optimal taste and texture, these gluten-free chocolate covered strawberry brownies should be enjoyed within 1-2 days of preparation. This limited shelf life is due to the fresh fruit component. Similar to classic chocolate-covered strawberries, the fresh strawberries will begin to break down after a couple of days, releasing moisture and causing a loss of their delightful firm texture, which can compromise the overall structural integrity of the brownies. Always store them promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maximize their freshness.

Can You Freeze These Brownies? Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended for these particular brownies, primarily because of the fresh strawberries. The delicate nature of fresh strawberries means they do not freeze and thaw well. Upon thawing, the strawberries will lose their firmness, become mushy, and release excess liquid. This moisture will then seep into the brownie base, creating an undesirable soggy texture beneath the ganache layer. For the freshest and most delicious experience, it’s best to enjoy them within their recommended refrigerator shelf life rather than freezing.

Can I Use Other Kinds of Berries Instead of Strawberries? Absolutely! While strawberries are a classic choice and undeniably delicious, these brownies are wonderfully versatile and open to experimentation. We’ve had great success and delicious results using fresh raspberries, which add a lovely tartness that beautifully complements the rich chocolate. They should also work beautifully with other firm berries like fresh blackberries or even blueberries. Keep in mind that different berries might slightly alter the flavor profile and moisture content, but the core concept of rich brownie, fresh fruit, and smooth ganache remains delightful.

Can I Use Coconut Milk Instead of Heavy Cream for the Ganache? Yes, you can, but a slight modification is necessary to ensure the ganache sets properly and maintains its desired silky texture. Standard coconut milk typically contains anywhere from 9-15% fat, whereas heavy cream boasts a significantly higher fat content of around 36%. Even coconut cream, while richer than regular coconut milk, usually ranges between 19-26% fat. To compensate for the lower fat content and higher liquid proportion in coconut milk, we recommend a simple adjustment: for every 1 cup of heavy cream, use 2 tablespoons of butter (or vegan butter for a dairy-free option) combined with 14 tablespoons (which is equivalent to 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) of your preferred milk (dairy or non-dairy). This adjustment helps to increase the overall fat content in the mixture, resulting in a ganache that is richer, silkier, and easier to slice once set.

Looking for a Paleo or Almond Flour Brownie Recipe? If you’re exploring alternative dietary options or specific flour types, you’re in luck! Our sister site, One Lovely Life, features a fabulous almond flour brownie recipe. These brownies are not only gluten-free but also refined sugar-free (made with coconut sugar) and incredibly versatile, as they can be prepared with either coconut oil or butter. They offer a decadent taste while being a relatively healthier option for those mindful of their sugar and grain intake, proving that healthy can still be incredibly delicious!

Serving and Presentation Tips for a Flawless Finish

• Achieve Clean Slicing: For perfectly neat, professional-looking squares, use a long, sharp chef’s knife. For the absolute best results, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it clean with a paper towel after each cut. This technique prevents the ganache from sticking and dragging, ensuring smooth, precise edges.
• Elegant Garnishes: Elevate the presentation of your brownies with simple yet elegant garnishes. A light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder or powdered sugar over the sliced brownies can add a sophisticated touch. For an extra pop of color and freshness, place a single fresh strawberry half or a few small berry pieces artfully on top of each brownie.
• Perfect Pairing Suggestions: While these brownies are undeniably wonderful on their own, they also pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a light drizzle of raspberry coulis for an extra special and indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about baking a dessert; it’s about creating a memorable culinary experience that caters to various dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or indulgence. The harmonious combination of rich, fudgy gluten-free chocolate, bright, sweet strawberries, and a smooth, glossy ganache is truly unbeatable. It’s a dessert that speaks of celebration, careful craftsmanship, and pure culinary delight, making it perfect for holidays, parties, or simply a special treat for yourself. Get ready to impress your loved ones, or simply treat yourself, to these extraordinary gluten-free chocolate covered strawberry brownies – a dessert that will undoubtedly become a treasured favorite.

More Gluten-Free Brownie Recipes To Explore

Gluten-Free Brown Butter Brownies

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Gluten-Free Brookies

Recipe Card

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Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

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5 from 2 reviews

• Author:
  Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You
• 
  Total Time:
  
  1 hour 50 minutes
• 
  Yield:
  
  16 brownies
• 
  Diet:
  
  Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies combine fudgy gluten-free brownies with fresh, ripe strawberries, and a luscious chocolate ganache that’ll make your heart sing!

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Ingredients

For The Brownies*:

• 1 stick (8 Tbsp., 4 oz.) butter
• 9 oz. (1 1/2 cups) semisweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar (200 g.)
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (90 g.) gluten-free measure-for-measure flour (scooped & leveled or weighed)
• 1/3 cup (30g.) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably dark/Dutch-processed cocoa)
• 1/2 tsp. salt

For The Strawberry Layer:

• 1 lb. fresh strawberries, washed and patted dry

Ganache Layer:

• 2 cups (12 oz.) semisweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup cream** (or 2 Tbsp butter + 14 Tbsp. milk (dairy or non-dairy))

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Instructions

For The Gluten-Free Brownie Layer:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. and line an 8″x8″ metal baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a small, light-colored saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Continue cooking the butter, whisking until the butter begins to foam and brown. It should almost take on the color of honey, and it will smell sweet and nutty.
3. Remove the brown butter from the heat and immediately stir in the chocolate chips, whisking until smooth, glossy, and totally melted. Set the pan aside to cool slightly.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and brown sugar 3-5 minutes, or until the sugar crystals are dissolved (you shouldn’t feel any grit if you rub the mixture between your fingers), and the mixture is slightly lighter in color.
5. Whisk the sugar and egg mixture into the slightly cooled butter and chocolate mixture. Stir in vanilla, then fold in the salt, cocoa powder, and gluten-free flour until just combined.
6. Mix until just combined. Then pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan.
7. Smooth the surface with a spatula to get it as even as you can, then bake the brownies at 325 degrees F. for 22-25 minutes or until just almost completely set. (A toothpick inserted in the center will have some moist crumbs but shouldn’t be wet with glossy batter.)
8. Let the brownies cool to room temperature before you top them with the strawberry and ganache layers.

For The Strawberry Layer:

1. If you haven’t already, wash and pat dry the strawberries. (You don’t want them going onto the brownies wet, so don’t skip this step!)
2. Cut the green tops off of the strawberries and slice them in half lengthwise (from stem to tip). If your strawberries are especially large, you can quarter them. You just want them all roughly the same height.
3. When the brownies are cooled to room temperature, arrange the strawberry halves cut side down on top of the brownies. (I like to pack these as close together as space allows so all the bites have strawberries in them.)

For The Ganache Layer:

1. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and cream.
2. Heat in 20-30 second increments, stirring in between each increment, until the chocolate chips are nearly melted, with just a few small bits left. (The residual heat will melt those last little bits. Pulling it out at this stage helps you avoid scorching the chocolate).
3. Remove from the microwave and continue stirring until the ganache is smooth and glossy with no lumps remaining.
4. Pour over the strawberry layer on the brownies, doing your best to cover and coat all the berries evenly. Gently shake the pan side to side as needed to help level the ganache.
5. Refrigerate the brownies about 1 hour, or until the ganache is totally set.
6. Slice brownies into 16 squares and enjoy within 1-2 days.
7. Store leftover brownies covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Notes

*Feel free to use boxed mix brownies! Our favorite gluten-free boxed brownies are King Arthur Gluten-Free Brownies.

**If you can’t use cream, I recommend 2 Tbsp. butter or vegan butter + 14 Tbsp. (which is 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp.) milk (dairy or non-dairy).

• 
  Prep Time:
  
  25 minutes
• 
  Chill Time:
  
  1 hour
• 
  Cook Time:
  
  25 minutes
• 
  Category:
  
  Dessert
• 
  Method:
  
  Oven
• 
  Cuisine:
  
  American