The Ultimate Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie: An Easy, Show-Stopping Dessert

Is there any dessert combination more iconic and universally loved than chocolate and strawberries? That first bite the crisp, rich chocolate giving way to the sweet, juicy berry is pure bliss. Now, imagine transforming that perfect pairing into a stunning, decadent pie. This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration in a crust. It combines a silky chocolate ganache filling, a layer of fresh, glossy strawberries, and a luxurious chocolate shell, all nestled in a buttery, crisp graham cracker crust.

Whether you’re hosting a romantic dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or simply treating yourself, this pie is guaranteed to impress. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring no baking for the filling and using straightforward techniques. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a dessert that looks like it came from a professional patisserie but is made with love in your own kitchen.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie: Your Complete Ingredient List

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate and the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find.

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full sheets)
• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Chocolate Ganache Layer:

• 10 ounces (285g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped bars or high-quality chips)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 ½ pounds (680g) fresh strawberries, hulled
• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)

For the Chocolate Glaze Topping:

• 4 ounces (115g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional, for extra shine)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Additional fresh strawberries
• Mint leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Pie

Don’t let the elegant appearance intimidate you. We’ll break down each layer into manageable steps.

Step 1: Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until all the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup to press it down firmly—this prevents a crumbly crust.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly fragrant and set. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Creating the Luxurious Chocolate Ganache

1. Place the chopped chocolate for the ganache layer in a medium heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges (small bubbles will form). Do not let it boil vigorously.
3. Immediately pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit, untouched, for 3-4 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
4. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Starting from the center, gently whisk until the mixture is completely smooth, glossy, and unified.
5. Pour the warm ganache into the completely cooled crust. Gently tilt the pie plate to spread it into an even layer. Place the pie in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours.

Step 3: Preparing the Glazed Strawberry Layer

1. Select about 15-20 of the best-looking strawberries of similar size. Set these aside whole for the top layer.
2. Chop the remaining strawberries into small pieces.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and become juicy, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir (as it separates) and add it to the bubbling strawberry mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens noticeably and becomes glossy.
5. Remove from heat and let the strawberry glaze cool to room temperature. Important: It must be completely cool before adding it to the chocolate layer.

Step 4: Assembling the Strawberry & Final Chocolate Layers

1. Once the strawberry glaze is cool, carefully spread it over the fully set chocolate ganache layer.
2. Take the reserved whole strawberries and place them, hulled-side down and pointed-end up, densely over the strawberry glaze layer. Press them in slightly.
3. Now, prepare the final chocolate glaze. Place the finely chopped chocolate for the glaze in a clean heatproof bowl.
4. Heat the ½ cup of heavy cream (and corn syrup, if using) in a saucepan until simmering. Pour it over the chocolate, let sit for 3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
5. Carefully and slowly pour the chocolate glaze over the arranged strawberries. Use a spoon or offset spatula to gently guide the glaze so it drips down and coats all the strawberries and fills the gaps. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it will look beautiful and professional.
6. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow all layers to set completely.

Pro Tips for Pie Perfection

• Chocolate Choice Matters: For the ganache, a semi-sweet chocolate (around 55-60% cacao) offers the perfect balance. For a more intense pie, use dark chocolate. Avoid chocolate chips with stabilizers for the ganache, as they can sometimes inhibit smooth setting; chopped baking bars are best.
• Prevent a Soggy Crust: Ensuring your crust is completely cool before adding the warm ganache is crucial. You can even chill it for 30 minutes after baking for extra security.
• The Glaze is Key: The corn syrup in the final chocolate glaze is optional but recommended. It creates a gorgeous, shiny, crackly shell and improves the glaze’s elasticity for easier pouring.
• Clean Slices: For picture-perfect slices, run your sharp knife under very hot water, wipe it dry, and then cut. Repeat between each slice.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Prepare it fully 1-2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until serving.

Conclusion: Your New Signature Dessert Awaits

This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a textural masterpiece: the crunchy crust, the firm yet creamy ganache, the burst of juicy berry, and the snap of the chocolate shell. It encapsulates the beloved flavor of chocolate-dipped strawberries in an elegant, shareable form.

Don’t wait for a special occasion to make it. Turn an ordinary Tuesday into a celebration, or wow your friends at your next potluck. The process is half the fun, and the result is pure, unadulterated delight. So, put on your apron, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Happy baking!