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.
Chandra@The Plaid & Paisley Kitchen says
Brownies, strawberry and mousse! Love!
Michele says
Yes! Which makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Family Foodie says
Oh my goodness. These mousse brownies are just absolutely gorgeous! Making these for the kids this year.
Michele says
Thank you! I hope your kids like them!
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl says
These look fabulous! They’re so decadent!
Michele says
Thanks! They are decadent but are definitely worth it!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
I prefer quiet romantic meals at home! These brownies look delicious!!
Michele says
Thank you Sheena!
Kristin @ Dizzy Busy and Hungry! says
What a decadent dessert! This looks absolutely scrumptious.
Michele says
Thank you Kristin!
Kimberly Ann @ Bake Love Give says
Oooh what a delicious combo! These brownies look divine!
Michele says
Thank you!
Christie says
We never got out for Valentine’s either. The price is double and the food is usually worse. This would be a great dessert to celebrate at home
Michele says
Christie, you are absolutely right about restaurants doubling the price. Another good reason to eat at home on Valentine’s Day and make this recipe for dessert!
Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
Looks delicious Michele.
Michele says
Thanks Renee!
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
My mouth is watering looking at these!!
Michele says
LOL! Thanks Lauren!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
Gorgeous picture and an amazing dessert! Love it!
Michele says
Thank you Serena!
Erica (@Erica's Recipes) says
oh lookie there – there’s a brownie under there! what a beautiful post Michele 🙂
Michele says
It’s a brownie surprise! Thanks Erica!
Danielle Nichols says
This dessert has me drooling! That mousse looks so creamy, smooth and velvety.
Michele says
Thank you Danielle!
Yvonne [Tried and Tasty] says
I love brownies so much, always fun to see a new way to have them – this looks absolutely wonderful!
Michele says
Thank you!