Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Brownies are layered with a chocolate fudge brownie base, topped with a layer of light, creamy chocolate mousse, further topped with a layer of whipped cream, and luscious fresh strawberries, drizzled with a chocolate ganache. It makes a beautiful and impressive Valentine’s Day dessert and pairs well with the Gallo Family Vineyards Riesling wine.
In our first years of marriage, Mr. Flavor Mosaic would want to take me out to eat at a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day. That is the thing to do, right? Wine and dine at a fancy restaurant. Sounds romantic, right? Not….at least not our experiences trying to eat out on Valentine’s Day.
First, we had to fight traffic jams just to get to several of the restaurants. Then one of the restaurants required you to come in early (like at noon) to get a number and time for a reservation. They did not take reservations over the phone. If you didn’t get there before 2pm, you were out of luck. That was us. So we had to resort to plan B.
We tried several more restaurants that had 1-1/2 hour waits or more. We finally found a restaurant that could seat us in a reasonable time, if we were willing to accept the table location……outside, on the patio. Sounds nice, right? The only problem was it was 35 degrees. Never mind. We were desperate. We took it, and froze. Thankfully the food was excellent. However, that was the last time we have eaten out on Valentine’s Day.
What we have done ever since is to have a nice, quiet, romantic dinner at home with delicious food, cooked just the way we like it, and served with our favorite Gallo Family Vineyards wine. Mr. Flavor Mosaic often will grill some chicken, while I make some roasted vegetables, and a nice pasta side dish, and the rest of the meal. Then I make a dessert sure to impress Mr. Flavor Mosaic.
This year I am making these gorgeous Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Brownies for dessert. I love that I can make the brownies and chocolate mousse ahead of time and then top them with the whipped cream and fresh strawberries just before serving. To make it even more impressive, I drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top. Mr. Flavor Mosaic is a HUGE chocolate lover, so I know he will love this chocolate-y dessert.
Of course, we can’t have a Valentine’s Dinner and dessert without Gallo Family Vineyards wine. This year I’m serving our favorite, Gallo Family Vineyards Riesling wine, which is a sweet white wine with hints of honeysuckle, peach and ripe citrus. We love serving this sweet wine with dessert. Another wine that would go well with it is Gallo Family Vineyards Sweet Red Wine, with flavors of red fruit, black cherry and raspberry jam.
While this dessert takes a little planning and time to make, it can be made a day or two before Valentine’s Day to reduce the stress on Valentine’s day. When you break it down into making a layer at a time, then it becomes very easy. Start by making the brownie layer. I use my favorite tried and true brownie recipe appropriately titled “Best Brownies.” The chocolate mousse is made by combining chocolate pudding mix and frozen mixed topping. Easy. Save some of that whipped topping to go on top. Add some fresh strawberries and drizzle with chocolate ganache, made with chocolate chips and butter. See, it is easy after all.
For another unique chocolate recipe, try this Chocolate Budino, which is a type of Italian Chocolate pudding.
I love hearing from you. Please leave a comment and let me know if you will be making these Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Brownies for Valentine’s Day or another special occasion.
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Recipe
Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Brownies #SundaySupper
Ingredients
- 1 batch Best Brownies (recipe)
- ½ (1.9-ounce) package chocolate instant pudding mix
- 1-1/4 cups milk
- 1 (8-ounce) package frozen whipped topping, ( thawed, divided)
- 12 fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons butter
Instructions
- Make the brownies as directed. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl stir together the chocolate pudding mix and milk. Stir in whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate.
- To assemble, spoon the chocolate mousse mixture in a thin layer on top of the brownies. Cover and refrigerate for four hours or overnight.
- Shortly before serving, make the chocolate ganache. Add chocolate chips and butter to a microwave bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Remove the bowl and stir the chocolate. Repeat as necessary until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Before serving top brownies with remaining whipped topping and fresh strawberries. Drizzle with chocolate ganache.
Nutrition
For more information on Gallo Family Vineyards’ wines and recipe pairing ideas, visit their web site and locate a store near you or look through their GFV’s Valentine’s Day blog post. Be sure to keep up with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for new products or recipes.
Compensation was provided by Gallo Family Vineyards via Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.
Liz says
Oooh, boy, you’ve hit a home run with this decadent brownie recipe! These babies would thrill my family!!
Michele says
Thanks Liz!
Renee says
I spy a dessert I’m making for my sweetie soon. What luscious layers, textures, and flavors!!
Michele says
Thanks Renee!
Marion@Life Tastes Good says
Love all the wonderful layers of flavors in this luscious dessert! Sounds perfect for anytime, really, but what a nice treat for my favorite Valentine! I’m with you. We stay in on Valentine’s Day. Going out is always way more hassle!
Michele says
Thanks Marion!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
After working your way through all that glorious mousse, I love that there is still the surprise of a nice fudgy brownie! Sweet!
Michele says
Yes! The combination of the mousse and the brownie is great!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Yum! This dessert just screams my name! I love it!
Michele says
Thanks Jennifer!
susan // the wimpy vegetarian says
Holy cow. This might be the best dessert ever. My husband would LOVE this – I’ve got to make it. Absolutely fabulous!!!!
Michele says
Thanks Susan! Let me know if you make it!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
Oh I agree. Never go out to eat on Valentine’s Day. It’s overpriced and underwhelming. Also, my eyes were really opened to the whole “going out to eat on any major holiday” thing when I worked the line at a French restaurant. Those days the kitchen just cannot keep up with the increased traffic, so food and service suffers. Better to save your pennies and go on a non-holiday! And stay home and devour this chocolate mousse brownie instead! XO
Michele says
Thanks Liz! I’m happy to hear I’m not the only one that feels this way! I’m happy to go out and have a nice dinner on a different evening, just not on Valentine’s Day.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Brownies, mousse, and super easy. Everything about these is perfection!
Michele says
Thanks Brianne! I agree wholeheartedly!
Alida says
Yes, yes and yes! I love the tasty brownie nestled at the bottom of the mousse-y goodness.
Michele says
Yep. There is nothing like mousse-y goodness. 😉
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
O M G!!!! You outdid yourself with this gorgeous dessert. I love that the components are made in advance and then put together at the last minute.
Michele says
Thanks Betsy! Yes. It makes it much less stressful if I can do things in advance.
Sandra Shaffer says
We usually stay in and make our own Valentine’s meal, but this year we have reservations at a wine bar. Looking forward to it, but I can’t stay out of the kitchen. This will be a lovely dessert to come home to. Amazing, Michelle! Love it.
Michele says
That sounds like fun! This would be a perfect dessert after the wine bar!
Shelby says
gorgeous dessert and a perfect valentine treat!
Michele says
Thanks Shelby!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
Strawberries, chocolate and mousse? Sign me right on up! These look delish! Pinned!
Michele says
Thanks Taylor!
David @ CookingChat says
Looks delicious! Stumbled this one.
Michele says
Thank you David!
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
These are so pretty. Perfect for Valentine’s Day
Michele says
Thank you!