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Chocolate covered strawberries are the perfect dessert for all you last-minute Valentine’s Day lovers out there. In this post, I’ll show you how to make the best chocolate covered strawberries that are sure to impress. Every year on February 14th, my husband and I enjoy a quiet evening at home filled with romance, candles, a nice dinner, and of course, these sweet strawberry treats. There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a plump, juicy strawberry and having it coated in creamy melted chocolate. The blend of textures and flavors is absolute heaven for your taste buds. Not to mention, these beautiful berries make for the perfect effortless yet impressive dessert that will wow your Valentine. In this post, I’ll walk you through our simple process to make these delicious treats that are sure to stir up some sweet Valentine’s Day memories.
You might be surprised to see that this recipe doesn’t contain honey: the bees are still involved though! Strawberries rely on bees and other insects for pollination, so we wouldn’t have these Valentine treats without them. You can always drizzle the dipped berries with a bit of Spring Honey for a little more sweetness. Or, even better: dunk them in our Cashew Cream Icing for a strawberry-cheesecake treat. Serve these with a top Valentine's Day gift, and you'll be golden!
What Type of Chocolate Should You Use for Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
When making chocolate-covered strawberries, the type of chocolate you choose can greatly influence the taste and texture of the final product. Here are some popular options:
- Dark Chocolate: Known for its rich and intense flavor, dark chocolate is a favorite for many. It pairs beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries, creating a delicious contrast. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the best results. Chopped dark chocolate makes for easier melting.
- Milk Chocolate: With its creamy and sweet profile, milk chocolate is a classic choice that appeals to those who prefer a milder chocolate flavor. It melts smoothly and coats strawberries well, offering a luscious and sweet treat.
- White Chocolate: Although technically not chocolate, white chocolate provides a sweet and creamy coating that complements the tartness of strawberries. It's perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter taste and can be easily colored with food-safe dyes for decorative purposes.
- Semisweet Chocolate: Offering a balance between dark and milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate is versatile and works well for those who like a moderate sweetness. It's a great option if you're looking for something not too bitter and not too sweet. Use semi sweet chocolate chips for convenient preparation.
- Chocolate Chips: Convenient and readily available, chocolate chips can be used if you don't have baking chocolate on hand. When you melt chocolate chips, keep this in mind: they may contain stabilizers that can affect melting, so adding a bit of coconut oil can help achieve a smoother consistency. You can get regular sized chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips.
- Baking Chocolate: Available in unsweetened, bittersweet, and semisweet varieties, baking chocolate provides a pure chocolate flavor perfect for customizing sweetness levels with added sugar.
Remember, the key to perfect chocolate-covered strawberries is using high-quality chocolate that melts smoothly and complements the fresh strawberries. Experiment with different types to find your favorite combination!
A bouquet of Dark Chocolate Dipped Honey Lollipops would make an excellent Valentine's Day gift for her
Ingredients and Preparation
To make delicious chocolate-covered strawberries, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pint of fresh strawberries
- 1 cup of high-quality chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white)
- 1 tablespoon of shortening or coconut oil
- Optional toppings: sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or edible gold dust
Before you start, make sure to wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Remove any stems or leaves, and pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture from affecting the chocolate coating. This step is crucial for ensuring that the chocolate adheres properly to the strawberries, giving you that perfect chocolate-covered strawberry every time. Use room temperature strawberries for best results.
For a new take on Valentine chocolates, check out our Chocolate Covered Strawberry Set
How to Make Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Allow your melted chocolate to cool slightly before you start dipping strawberries. Dark chocolate and milk chocolate would work equally as well as semisweet chocolate, as long as you use coconut oil in the process. This allows for a thicker coating of chocolate, so you don’t have to re-dip the berries. If you like, use a variety of chocolates for a mix of flavors.
- Wash and dry the strawberries, and get them to room temperature.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
- Put chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small, heatproof bowl.
- Melt the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling, water, stirring occasionally to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly.
- Dip the strawberries into the melted chocolate, and let the excess chocolate fall back into the double boiler for mess-free chocolate dipping.
- Place the dipped fruit on a lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.
Note: You can also melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl if you don't have a double boiler. However, the quality of your melted chocolate may decrease using this method.
Do you know why we celebrate Valentine's Day?
Decorating and Toppings
The fun part! Decorating your chocolate-covered strawberries is where you can get creative and add your personal touch. Here are some popular topping ideas:
- Sprinkles: Add a pinch of colorful sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate for a festive look.
- Chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top of the chocolate for added texture and flavor.
- Shredded coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut flakes on top of the chocolate for a tropical twist.
- Edible gold dust: Add a pinch of edible gold dust on top of the chocolate for a luxurious and elegant look.
You can also experiment with different combinations of toppings to create unique flavor profiles. Whether you prefer a classic look or something more extravagant, decorating your chocolate-covered strawberries is a delightful way to make them your own.
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Storage and Freezing
To keep your chocolate-covered strawberries fresh for a longer period, follow these storage and freezing tips:
- Store in an airtight container: Place the chocolate-covered strawberries in an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Freeze: If you want to freeze your chocolate-covered strawberries, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
Note: Frozen chocolate-covered strawberries last about 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature. This way, you can enjoy your homemade chocolate-covered strawberries anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Celebrate Galentine's Day with these strawberries and some Sweetheart Martinis made with Blueberry Honey
Adapting this delicious chocolate dipped strawberries recipe
Recipes are meant to serve as inspiration, so switch this up. Don't feel like you have to make this Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Recipe exactly the way we say. Get creative. Experiment. Try something different. Try it with different fruit! Here are some ideas in case you need a little boost with adapting this recipe:
- Dip candied orange rinds or frozen bananas into the melted chocolate.
- Can you imagine a teaspoon of dried lavender added to the chocolate mixture?
- Sprinkle the cooling chocolate dipped strawberries with crushed pecans or cocoa powder.
- Why not add some melted white chocolate drizzle?
- If you have extras, use the remaining strawberries and cut them up for extra toppings.
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Troubleshooting
Common issues that may arise when making chocolate-covered strawberries include:
- Chocolate not melting properly: Make sure to use high-quality chocolate and follow the melting instructions carefully. If the chocolate is not melting, try heating it in short increments and stirring between each heating.
- Chocolate too thick: If the chocolate is too thick, try adding a small amount of shortening or coconut oil to thin it out.
- Strawberries not coating evenly: Make sure to pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel before dipping them in the chocolate. This will help the chocolate coat evenly.
- Chocolate-covered strawberries not setting: If the chocolate-covered strawberries are not setting, try refrigerating them for about 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious and beautiful chocolate-covered strawberries that are sure to impress!
Learn how to grow your own strawberries to take this recipe to the next level
How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Properly storing your chocolate-covered strawberries is key to maintaining their freshness and ensuring they remain delicious. Here's how you can store them effectively:
- Refrigerate Promptly: After making your chocolate-covered strawberries, place them in the refrigerator. This helps the chocolate set and keeps the strawberries fresh. It's best to consume them within 48 hours for optimal taste.
- Use an Airtight Container: To prevent the strawberries from absorbing any odors from the fridge, store them in an airtight container. This will also help maintain their moisture and prevent the chocolate from cracking.
- Layer with Parchment Paper: If you need to stack the strawberries, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps the chocolate coating intact.
- Avoid Freezing: While you can freeze chocolate-covered strawberries, it's not recommended as the texture of the strawberries can change upon thawing, becoming mushy. If you must freeze them, do so on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once frozen.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade chocolate-covered strawberries at their best, whether you're savoring them immediately or saving them for later.
Make Perfect Chocolate Strawberries for Every Occasion
In conclusion, homemade chocolate-covered strawberries are not only a delightful treat but also an expression of love and creativity. Whether you're preparing them for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these chocolate strawberries are sure to impress with their exquisite taste and elegant appearance. The process is simple and allows for endless customization, so you can tailor each batch to suit your preferences or experiment with new flavors and toppings. Plus, making chocolate strawberries at home is a cost-effective way to enjoy this gourmet dessert without the high price tag of a candy shop. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and create the perfect chocolate-covered strawberries that will leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting a delicious and beautiful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
If you decide to try this recipe, be sure to take a photo and share them with us using #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!
