There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of chocolate and strawberries that stirs up sweet memories. Whether it’s a celebration or a simple family dinner, the enchanting sight of a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie gracing the table invites joy and excitement. Picture this: a crisp chocolate crust cradling layers of luscious strawberries, drizzled with glossy ganache—each bite a heavenly blend of flavors and textures.
I came up with this recipe during a spontaneous kitchen adventure, inspired by my love for both chocolate and fresh fruit. The result? A stunning dessert that’s not only easy to make but also perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a quiet evening. With its impressive presentation yet simple assembly, this pie is a true crowd-pleaser that balances elegance with comfort. So if you’re tired of the same old desserts and craving something special, let’s dive into crafting this decadent delight together!
Why is Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie so special?
Delightful Flavor Fusion: The marriage of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a taste sensation that’s hard to beat.
Easy to Prepare: This pie requires minimal skill, making it a fantastic option for both seasoned chefs and novices.
Visual Showstopper: With its stunning presentation, it’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress.
Endless Variations: Experiment with different fruits or crusts to make this pie your own—try using raspberries or an Oreo crust!
Crowd-Pleasing Attraction: Whether at a family gathering or a romantic dinner, this pie is sure to win hearts and satisfy sweet cravings. So, gather your ingredients and check out my other dessert ideas to make your sweet occasions even more delightful!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie Ingredients
Indulge in the fresh and rich flavors of this delightful treat!
For the Crust
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the pie crust; use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; substitute with salted butter and reduce extra salt.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crust; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a less refined touch.
- Cocoa Powder – Imparts chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed cocoa gives a deeper taste and color.
For the Filling
- Fresh Strawberries – The star ingredient that adds sweetness and freshness; use frozen for cooking but fresh for topping.
- Strawberry Preserves (optional) – Can stand in for cooked strawberry reduction for simplicity.
For the Ganache
- Heavy Cream – Essential for a rich ganache; light cream can be used, altering the texture.
- Chocolate (Dark or Semi-Sweet) – Forms the ganache; opt for high-quality chocolate for optimal flavor.
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie is a perfect blend of flavors that’s sure to impress any guest or satisfy your sweet tooth!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie
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Prepare the Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter in a bowl. Mix until crumbly, then press into a pie dish. Blind-bake for 15-20 minutes until firm, then cool.
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Cook Strawberries: Take half of your fresh strawberries, chop them, and place them in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until reduced and thickened. Let them cool slightly before using.
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Assemble Layers: Once the pie crust has cooled, spread the cooked strawberries evenly across the bottom. Now, arrange the remaining fresh strawberries, cut side down, neatly on top for a beautiful presentation.
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Make Ganache: In a heatproof bowl, combine dark or semi-sweet chocolate with heavy cream. Heat gently in the microwave or over a double boiler until melted. Stir until smooth, letting it cool slightly to reach a drizzling consistency.
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Finish the Pie: Generously drizzle the ganache over the arranged strawberries, allowing it to cascade beautifully down the sides. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving for the best texture.
Optional: Garnish with whipped cream or chocolate shavings for an extra special touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie
Fridge: Keep the assembled Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you need to store it longer, freeze the pie before adding the ganache. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before adding ganache.
Reheating: Serve the pie cold for the best texture. If you freeze the ganache separately, heat it gently to restore drizzling consistency before using.
Leftovers: Store any leftover ganache in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week for drizzling on other treats.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this pie your own with delightful twists and substitutions!
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Berry Bliss: Swap strawberries for fresh raspberries or blueberries for a tart and sweet surprise. The berries add a vibrant color and delicious contrast.
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Oreo Crust: Use crushed Oreo cookies mixed with melted butter for a cookie crust that enhances the chocolate flavor. It provides a crunchy, decadent base.
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Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate for a rich, plant-based ganache. This variation allows everyone to enjoy a slice!
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Nutty Touch: Add chopped nuts like hazelnuts or almonds on top of the ganache for extra texture and a delightful crunch. This gives a perfect contrast to the smooth chocolate.
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Minty Fresh: Infuse the ganache with a few drops of mint extract for a refreshing twist. It adds a lovely minty aroma and pairs beautifully with chocolate and berries.
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Spiced Chocolate: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper into the chocolate ganache for a warm heat kick. It’s an unexpected yet delicious combination that will surprise your taste buds.
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Whipped Top: Top the finished pie with sweetened whipped cream or a dollop of meringue for an airy finish that lightens the rich flavors.
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Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the fresh strawberries before adding the ganache for an irresistible layer of extra chocolate goodness.
Expert Tips for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie
• Chill the Ganache: If the ganache gets too warm, let it chill slightly to maintain a perfect drizzling consistency for your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie.
• Dry Strawberries: Make sure the fresh strawberries are completely dry before placing them on the ganache to ensure better adhesion and a prettier finish.
• Serve Fresh: For the best taste and presentation, enjoy the assembled pie within 24 hours. If making ahead, keep components stored separately until ready to serve.
• Store Leftovers: If you have any leftover ganache, it can be refrigerated for up to a week and used to drizzle on other desserts—don’t let it go to waste!
• Experiment with Fruits: Don’t hesitate to switch up the flavors by using raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries, creating a delightful twist on the classic Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie.
What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie?
Create a delightful dessert spread that complements the luscious flavors of your pie and makes your gathering even more memorable.
- Whipped Cream: A light, airy dollop on top enhances creaminess, balancing the rich chocolate and sweet strawberries perfectly.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing cools down the richness of the pie, creating a harmonious blend of temperatures that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate the chocolate experience by drizzling warm ganache over individual slices, adding a luxurious touch to each bite.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of refreshing mint not only adds color but also brings a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the pie. The vibrant flavors and textures will elevate your dessert table!
- Coffee or Espresso: Enjoy a comforting cup alongside your pie; the warm notes of coffee beautifully complement the chocolate flavors, making each bite divine.
- Sparkling Wine: For a special occasion, pair the pie with bubbly; the effervescence enhances the sweet strawberries and rich chocolate, making for an elegant treat.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Reinforce the theme with this classic treat alongside the pie, allowing guests to indulge in another layer of chocolatey goodness and fresh fruit.
These pairings will not only enhance your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie experience but will also spruce up your dessert table, making your occasion truly unforgettable!
Make Ahead Options
These decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pie crust and cooked strawberries up to 3 days in advance. Simply blind-bake the crust, allow it to cool, then store it covered at room temperature. Cook the strawberries, let them cool, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble. On the day of serving, layer the cooked strawberries in the crust and add fresh strawberries cut side down before drizzling with ganache. For the ganache, you can make it up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate; just gently reheat it to drizzling consistency before serving. This way, you’ll enjoy a stunning dessert with minimal last-minute effort, just as delicious as if made fresh!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries should I use for the pie?
I always recommend using fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture! Look for berries that are bright red and firm with no dark spots. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries can work well for the filling, but keep in mind they should not be used for the topping, as they might not present as nicely.
How do I store leftover pie or ganache?
To store your assembled Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 24 hours. If you have any leftover ganache, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 1 week, making it perfect for drizzling on other desserts.
Can I freeze the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie?
Absolutely! To freeze, I suggest doing so before adding the ganache. Wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then add the ganache right before serving. This method helps maintain the lovely texture!
What if the ganache is too thick to drizzle?
If your ganache becomes too thick while cooling, don’t worry! Place it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, stir, and repeat if necessary until you reach the desired drizzling consistency. Just be careful not to heat it too much, as you want to keep it smooth and glossy.
I have a friend with nut allergies. Is there a safe way to make this dessert?
Yes, you can totally adjust the recipe to make it nut-free! Just ensure your chocolate and any other ingredients you use are free from nuts. For the crust, using gluten-free flour also works, so they can enjoy this decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie without worry!
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I often prepare the pie crust and filling in advance. Prepare the crust and stored it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the strawberries and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble. Just add the ganache before serving to ensure everything stays fresh and delicious.
Irresistible Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie You'll Adore
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and butter in a bowl. Mix until crumbly, then press into a pie dish. Blind-bake for 15-20 minutes until firm, then cool.
- Chop half of the strawberries and cook them in a saucepan over medium heat for about 10 minutes until reduced and thickened. Let them cool slightly.
- Spread the cooked strawberries evenly across the cooled pie crust. Arrange the remaining fresh strawberries, cut side down, neatly on top.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate with heavy cream. Heat gently until melted and stir until smooth. Cool slightly to reach a drizzling consistency.
- Drizzle the ganache generously over the strawberries. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.