Creamy Chocolate Strawberry Delight

Name: Creamy Chocolate Strawberry Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 200ml heavy cream; 250g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons sugar; 200ml heavy whipped cream; Mint leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery

I absolutely love creating desserts that bring together vibrant flavors, and the Creamy Chocolate Strawberry Delight is one of my absolute favorites. The combination of rich chocolate with the sweet freshness of strawberries creates a heavenly experience. I often prepare this dessert for special occasions, but honestly, I love indulging in it any time of the year! The creamy texture perfectly complements the juicy fruit, making it a delight for everyone who tries it.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-25T16:10:27.789Z

When I first made the Creamy Chocolate Strawberry Delight, I was experimenting with leftover ingredients and stumbled upon an incredible combination. The way the chocolate ganache envelops the strawberries gives each bite a luxurious feel, making it a crowd-pleaser. I was surprised by how easy it is to prepare, and I ended up sharing it with friends, who loved every bite!

An important tip I discovered during my trials is to let the ganache cool slightly before combining it with the whipped cream. This preserves the light texture while ensuring the flavor remains rich and chocolatey. I always make extra for days when I just need a sweet treat!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Mastering the Chocolate Ganache

The chocolate ganache is the heart of this dessert, offering a lush, velvety texture that complements the strawberries perfectly. It's essential to use high-quality dark chocolate, ideally with at least 60% cocoa content, to achieve a rich flavor. When heating the cream, keep an eye on it to avoid boiling; a gentle simmer will suffice. The chocolate should melt completely after sitting for five minutes, creating a glossy finish when stirred. If it appears grainy, a gentle reheating may fix it, stirring constantly until smooth.

To ensure your ganache achieves the ideal consistency for folding with whipped cream, let it cool to room temperature before combining. If you find it too thick, you can whisk in a tablespoon of warm cream to loosen it slightly. This ganache can also be made a day in advance; just cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. Before using, simply bring it back to room temperature and whisk until smooth again.

Selecting and Preparing Strawberries

Using fresh, ripe strawberries is paramount for this dessert, as their natural sweetness and tartness contrast beautifully with the rich chocolate. When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are bright red and firm, avoiding those that appear dull or have green or white spots. After hulling and slicing, letting them macerate with sugar not only sweetens them but also helps concentrate the flavors; this step should last around 10 to 15 minutes, resulting in a delicious juicy layer for your dessert.

If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute with thawed and drained frozen berries, but keep in mind they will be softer and slightly juicier. This might alter the layering slightly, so consider serving the dessert in a bowl instead of clear glasses to showcase the vibrant flavors without needing perfect presentation.

Assembly Tips and Variations

Assembling the Creamy Chocolate Strawberry Delight is all about layering for visual appeal and taste. Using clear serving glasses allows the beautiful colors to shine. Start with a generous layer of strawberries, followed by the luscious chocolate mousse. Remember, the more layers you create, the more exciting the dessert will be! For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts or cookies between layers for added texture and flavor.

For those looking to put a unique twist on this dessert, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of espresso to the whipped cream for added depth. You can also swap strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries, which will add their own unique flavors while maintaining the delightful contrast with chocolate. If you're looking to accommodate dietary restrictions, consider using dairy-free alternatives for the cream and chocolate to ensure everyone can enjoy this indulgent treat.

Ingredients

For the chocolate ganache

200g dark chocolate, chopped
200ml heavy cream

For the strawberry layer

250g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar

For assembly

200ml heavy whipped cream
Mint leaves for garnish

Combine all ingredients to create a delicious dessert experience!

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Prepare the chocolate ganache

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.

Prepare the strawberries

In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Whip the cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Carefully fold in the cooled chocolate ganache until well combined.

Assemble the dessert

In serving glasses, layer the strawberry mixture, followed by the chocolate mousse. Repeat the layers and finish with a layer of mousse. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Garnish and serve

Top with mint leaves and additional strawberry slices just before serving for a fresh touch.

Enjoy your delightful dessert!

Pro Tips

Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to achieve the best flavor. You can also substitute the strawberries with raspberries or another berry of your choice for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is remarkably versatile; serve it as an elegant after-dinner treat at dinner parties or as a delightful everyday indulgence. If you wish to impress, pair it with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or a dollop of raspberry sorbet for a refreshing contrast. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the assembled dessert for a visually stunning presentation.

For special occasions, consider garnishing with edible flowers or additional fresh fruit to enhance its charm. This not only adds a lovely dimension to the look but can also elevate the overall experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

If you're planning to make this dessert ahead of time, you can prepare the components separately. Both the chocolate ganache and the sliced strawberries can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Just ensure the ganache is wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors from the fridge.

Once assembled, this dessert is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be mindful that the whipped cream layer may start to lose its texture over time, so if making a day in advance, it's best to assemble it without the whipped cream topping and add that on the day of serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chocolate ganache ends up grainy, it often means that the chocolate was overheated or not mixed thoroughly. To rescue it, gently reheat the mixture over a double boiler while stirring until smooth again. Additionally, if your whipped cream doesn’t hold its shape, make sure the bowl and equipment are cold before whipping, and consider adding a stabilizer like powdered sugar or gelatin to maintain its structure.

Lastly, if your dessert ends up too sweet, balance it by serving with a tangy side, such as yogurt or a citrus-infused sauce. This contrast can create a delightful flavor experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your Creamy Chocolate Strawberry Delight.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate will create a sweeter flavor, but it will also alter the richness of the ganache.

→ How long can I store the dessert in the fridge?

The assembled dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option, but the texture may vary slightly.