Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie

**Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie**

*A Decadent and Elegant Dessert That Marries Fresh Strawberries and Rich Chocolate Ganache in a Buttery Crust*

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### Introduction

The **Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie** is a dessert that brings together the romantic allure of chocolate-dipped strawberries with the comfort of a homemade pie. It’s a showstopping, elegant treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or any time you want to wow a crowd, this pie is as delicious as it is beautiful. A crisp, buttery pie crust forms the base for a creamy chocolate ganache filling, which is then crowned with fresh, juicy strawberries and a glossy chocolate drizzle. Each bite offers the crunch of crust, the richness of chocolate, and the bright tang of ripe strawberries — a balance of flavor and texture that’s truly irresistible.

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### Ingredients

**For the crust:**

* 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour

* ¼ teaspoon salt

* ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

* 2–4 tablespoons ice water

**(Alternatively, use a pre-made 9-inch pie crust or chocolate cookie crust)**

**For the chocolate ganache filling:**

* 1 cup (170g) semisweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)

* ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream

* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

**For the strawberry topping:**

* 1 ½ to 2 pints fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled

* ¼ cup seedless strawberry or raspberry jam (for glaze)

* 1 teaspoon water

**For the chocolate drizzle:**

* ½ cup (85g) dark or milk chocolate chips

* 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter

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### Instructions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. **Make the dough**: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring until dough begins to come together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

3. **Roll and bake**: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough into a 12-inch circle and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp edges. Prick the bottom with a fork.

4. Line crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and paper, then bake an additional 10–12 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool completely.

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#### Step 2: Make the Ganache Filling

1. In a saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until just simmering — do not boil.

2. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips and butter in a bowl. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.

3. Stir in vanilla extract.

4. Pour the ganache into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.

5. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, or until the ganache is firm to the touch.

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#### Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

1. Choose similarly sized strawberries for a uniform look. Cut larger berries in half if needed.

2. Arrange the strawberries point-up over the set ganache, starting from the outer edge and working inward.

3. In a small saucepan, heat jam and water over low heat until melted and smooth. Brush the glaze over the strawberries for shine and added flavor.

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#### Step 4: Add the Chocolate Drizzle

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.

2. Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the glazed strawberries in a decorative pattern.

3. Chill the pie for 30 more minutes to set the topping.

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### Serving and Storage

Let the pie sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing to ensure the ganache is smooth but not too firm. Serve as-is, or with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This pie is best served the same day for peak strawberry freshness but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap.

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### Tips for Success

* **Ganache Texture**: Use high-quality chocolate for the smoothest, richest filling.

* **Crust Options**: A chocolate cookie crust can be a wonderful twist if you want even more cocoa flavor.

* **Strawberry Substitutes**: Try raspberries or a mix of berries for a different twist.

* **Neat Slicing**: Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts for picture-perfect slices.

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### Conclusion

This **Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie** combines sophistication and indulgence in one unforgettable dessert. From the buttery base to the luscious ganache and glossy berry crown, each layer contributes to a stunning, flavorful experience. Whether it’s for a romantic occasion or simply a way to celebrate seasonal strawberries, this pie is guaranteed to delight chocolate lovers and fruit fans alike.