There’s nothing quite as decadent and irresistible as a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie. Imagine the rich creaminess of melted chocolate layered over a buttery cookie crust, topped with juicy fresh strawberries, and finished with a cloud of sweet whipped cream. This dessert is the perfect blend of indulgence and freshness, making it an ideal centerpiece for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or holiday celebrations. If you’ve ever loved chocolate-covered strawberries, this pie takes that classic treat to a whole new level. Best of all, this recipe is simple, requires no complicated techniques, and can be prepared in advance, making it a go-to dessert for busy hosts who still want to impress. Whether you’re searching for an easy no-bake dessert, a crowd-pleasing pie recipe, or a romantic Valentine’s Day dessert, this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie is guaranteed to deliver on flavor, texture, and presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich and Creamy: The chocolate ganache layer is smooth, velvety, and indulgent.
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Fresh and Fruity: Juicy strawberries balance the richness with natural sweetness.
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No-Bake Convenience: Minimal prep and no oven time make it beginner-friendly.
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Show-Stopping Presentation: Looks as beautiful as it tastes, perfect for parties or date nights.
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Versatile Dessert: Great for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, or as a romantic treat.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares in advance so you can serve stress-free.
Ingredient Breakdown
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Chocolate Cookie Crust: A buttery, crumbly base that adds crunch and enhances the chocolatey flavor. Use store-bought or make your own from crushed cookies and melted butter.
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Semisweet Chocolate: The star of the filling. Melts into a rich ganache for a decadent layer. Semisweet balances sweetness and depth.
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Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the chocolate ganache while ensuring a smooth consistency. Also used for the whipped topping.
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Vanilla Extract: Elevates both the chocolate layer and whipped cream with warm, aromatic notes.
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Fresh Strawberries: Bright, juicy, and naturally sweet, they create a fresh layer that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate.
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Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream topping without making it grainy.
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Chocolate Garnish: Extra drizzle or curls add a final touch of elegance and flavor.
Pro Tips
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Use Quality Chocolate: Better chocolate makes a smoother, more luxurious ganache. Avoid chocolate chips; use baking bars instead.
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Dry Strawberries Well: Pat strawberries completely dry before layering to avoid excess moisture that could affect the pie.
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Chill Before Serving: Allow the pie at least 1–2 hours in the fridge to set for clean slices.
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Whip Cream Until Stiff Peaks: This ensures the topping holds its shape and adds a fluffy finish.
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Serve Slightly Chilled: Too cold and the ganache will be hard; slightly chilled keeps it creamy.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Crust Options: Swap the chocolate cookie crust with a graham cracker crust, Oreo crust, or even a buttery shortbread base.
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Fruit Substitutions: Try raspberries, blackberries, or cherries for a different fruity twist.
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Chocolate Choices: Use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, or milk chocolate for a sweeter version.
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Boozy Twist: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or Bailey’s to the ganache for a sophisticated adult dessert.
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Whipped Cream Flavors: Mix cocoa powder or instant coffee into the whipped cream for a mocha finish.
Serving Suggestions
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Casual Treat: Serve with a simple drizzle of chocolate sauce and a few whole strawberries on top.
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Elegant Presentation: Pipe whipped cream rosettes around the edges and sprinkle with chocolate curls.
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Pair with Beverages: Goes perfectly with champagne, dessert, or even a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
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Holiday Table: Place slices on decorative plates with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive vibe.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make Ahead: The chocolate and crust can be prepared 1 day ahead. Add strawberries and whipped cream closer to serving for freshness.
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Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze without strawberries and whipped cream for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight, then top fresh before serving.
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Re-Crisp the Crust: If the crust softens, chill the pie well before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Chocolate-covered strawberries first gained popularity in the 1960s as a romantic and elegant treat, often served at weddings, anniversaries, and upscale events. This pie takes that iconic pairing of fruit and chocolate and transforms it into a shareable, sliceable dessert that’s as much about indulgence as it is about presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pie without a store-bought crust?
Yes! Simply crush about 24 chocolate sandwich cookies, mix with 6 tablespoons of melted butter, and press into a pie pan. Chill before filling.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because frozen ones release too much water and can make the pie soggy.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the crust and chocolate layer a day ahead. Add strawberries and whipped cream a few hours before serving for the freshest taste.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half for the ganache, though it won’t be as rich. For the whipped topping, full-fat coconut cream works as a dairy-free option.
How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. This ensures smooth slices without dragging the chocolate layer.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a heatproof bowl, melt chocolate with ½ cup cream (using microwave or double boiler) until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour into crust and spread evenly. Chill 10 minutes.
- Arrange halved strawberries cut-side down over the chocolate layer, covering the pie.
- Beat 1 cup cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over the strawberries.
- Drizzle with extra melted chocolate or sprinkle with chocolate curls.
- Refrigerate 1–2 hours before slicing to let everything set.