Do you know what would make any Valentines Day unforgettable? Luscious strawberries lovingly hand-dipped in a bath of melted chocolate as a profound symbol of affection. Each berry covered in rich, velvety chocolate leaves a sweet aroma in the air; meanwhile, as you bite into it, a crisp snap of the chocolate shell opens up the juicy strawberry beneath.
Best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make, so it may just become your favorite delicious treat.
Pro Tip: This recipe is also amazing for bridal showers!
Recipe for How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Here’s what you need for this recipe:
- Fresh strawberries (as many as you’d like, with stems intact)
- High-quality dark, milk, or white chocolate (or a combination of real chocolate)
- Optional toppings: Crushed nuts, sprinkles, coconut flakes, or white chocolate for drizzling
Alternative Ingredients for This Recipe
- Strawberries – Pineapple, apple, raspberries, cherries (with stem), banana slices
- Chocolate – Vanilla sauce, vegan chocolate, Orange-flavored, mint-flavored chocolate, ruby chocolate, pink candy melts, semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate melts
- Toppings
- crushed nuts – almonds, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts
- seeds – hemp seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds
- cinnamon or chili powder
- edible flowers
- edible gold leaf
- mini chocolate chips
- candy sprinkles
- crushed candy bars for candy coatings
- coarse sea salt
- melted caramel or butterscotch drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Step 1: Start preparing the juicy strawberries by gently rinsing them and patting them completely dry, that way the chocolate can completely adhere.
Tip: If you want to disinfect the strawberries from mold, pesticide residue, or anything else that could be on them, give them a vinegar-water bar (1 cup vinegar for 3 cups water) for a few minutes before drying them completely – no worries, there won’t be a vinegar smell or taste to them!
Step 2: While your strawberries are drying, break your high quality chocolate into small pieces and melt chocolate using a pot or microwave with a microwave-safe bowl.Tip: If you’re using a microwave, heat the chocolate in short bursts of 20-30 seconds while stirring in between until it’s completely melted – otherwise you risk the chocolate to cook and caramelize (true story!) If you’re using a pot to melt the chocolate in a heat-safe glass bowl, do so on low heat.
Step 3: When the strawberries are dry and the chocolate is melted, dip each strawberry by the stem into the melted chocolate, then swirl it gently in it to coat it evenly before you lift it and gently shake off any excess of the chocolate. Use any leftover chocolate either as a drizzle on top of these strawberries as another layer of texture, or to coat other fruits.
Step 4 (optional): If you’re using toppings, add them while the chocolate is still wet. So, if you’re using white chocolate that you melted separately, drizzle it over it using a fork. Alternatively, you can also dip the chocolate-covered strawberries into the white chocolate (tip only!) or other toppings.
Step 5: When done, place strawberry on a lined baking sheet with parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set completely, either at room temperature or by placing them into the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
Lastly, place them on a dessert tray with small bowls of other fruits (chocolate-dipped or not) and enjoy them either on the same day or within the next 24 hours!
If you want to have a romantic setting, consider scattering some rose petals around the area where you’ll eat and light some soft candles!
Expert Tips for Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
- For best results, use ripe and firm strawberries, otherwise it can be hard to get it fully covered if they’re too squishy.
- Super important: The strawberries need to be fully dry before dipping them into chocolate, otherwise the chocolate won’t hold.
- If you want to make it more fun, cover each strawberry in a different color of chocolate or toppings to give it a variety.
- Use either a dessert tray or an empty chocolate box and make it look like a present – perfect as a Valentine’s Day!
- Cover additional fruit or coconut rolls with chocolate using a fork with any remaining melted chocolate.
- When melting the chocolate in a pot, prepare a large pot and add water covering about 1/3 of it, then place small bowls or mason jars into it with the chocolate inside – that way you can melt multiple types of chocolate. Alternatively, if you have a double boiler, you can also use that!
What to Serve with Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Here are some suggestions on how to make this experience even better!
Beverages
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine
- Dessert Wines like Riesling
- Coffee or Espresso
- Tea like a light tea, like Earl Grey or Chamomile
Other Desserts to Pair with Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
- Mini Cheesecakes
- Mousse (chocolate or vanilla mousse)
- Shortbread Cookies
Savory Snacks
- Cheese Platter with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert and sharp cheeses like aged Cheddar
- Nuts like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans
- Crackers or Breadsticks
Light Meals
- Finger Sandwiches with cucumber, cream cheese, or smoked salmon for a light snack
- Salads with a light vinaigrette
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Making Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Hopefully these answers will help you make these super easy chocolate-covered strawberries even better!
What type of chocolate is best for dipping strawberries?
High-quality chocolate, whether you’re choosing dark, white, or milk chocolate, is best for dipping, with that, avoid chocolate filled with other ingredients as that can make the strawberries look weird rather than smooth. High-quality chocolate will melt smoothly and adhere well to the strawberries. Though, you can also use chocolate chips or chocolate bars specifically designed for melting!
Can I make chocolate-covered strawberries ahead of time?
While you can make them ahead of time for up to 24 hours, it’s best to enjoy them fresh. Once you make them though, store them in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator in a single layer, so there won’t be a condensation or moisture build up, which can make them soggy.
How can I make my chocolate-covered strawberries look professional?
To give them that professional look, use a fork or a toothpick for dipping or drizzling a contrast color of the melted chocolate on top of the strawberries. I have found placing the strawberries into a bowl with higher walls and then just swinging the fork or toothpick quickly from one side to the other to be the easiest way to get those professional looking chocolate stripes. To get that nice contrast, use dark chocolate to dip them in and melted white chocolate for the drizzle.
How should I store chocolate-covered strawberries?
Store any leftover strawberries in a cool, dry place or in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Make sure to not stack them though and keep them in a single layer, otherwise you’ll run the risk of sogginess due to excess moisture. If you have wax paper, you can use it to separate the individual strawberries!
how to make valentine day chocolate-covered strawberries
Ready to make homemade chocolate-covered strawberries?
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients:
- Fresh strawberries (as many as you’d like, with stems intact)
- High-quality dark, milk, or white chocolate (or a combination of real chocolate)
- Optional toppings: Crushed nuts, sprinkles, coconut flakes, or white chocolate for drizzling
Alternative Ingredients for This Recipe
- Strawberries – Pineapple, apple, raspberries, cherries (with stem), banana slices
- Chocolate – Vanilla sauce, vegan chocolate, Orange-flavored, mint-flavored chocolate, ruby chocolate, pink candy melts, semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate melts
- Toppings
- crushed nuts – almonds, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts
- seeds – hemp seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds
- cinnamon or chili powder
- edible flowers
- edible gold leaf
- mini chocolate chips
- candy sprinkles
- crushed candy bars for candy coatings
- coarse sea salt
- melted caramel or butterscotch drizzle
INSTRUCTIONS
- Start preparing the juicy strawberries by gently rinsing them and patting them completely dry, that way the chocolate can completely adhere.Tip: If you want to disinfect the strawberries from mold, pesticide residue, or anything else that could be on them, give them a vinegar-water bar (1 cup vinegar for 3 cups water) for a few minutes before drying them completely – no worries, there won’t be a vinegar smell or taste to them!
- While your strawberries are drying, break your high quality chocolate into small pieces and melt chocolate using a pot or microwave with a microwave-safe bowl.Tip: If you’re using a microwave, heat the chocolate in short bursts of 20-30 seconds while stirring in between until it’s completely melted – otherwise you risk the chocolate to cook and caramelize (true story!) If you’re using a pot to melt the chocolate in a heat-safe glass bowl, do so on low heat.
- When the strawberries are dry and the chocolate is melted, dip each strawberry by the stem into the melted chocolate, then swirl it gently in it to coat it evenly before you lift it and gently shake off any excess of the chocolate. Use any leftover chocolate either as a drizzle on top of these strawberries as another layer of texture, or to coat other fruits.
- (optional): If you’re using toppings, add them while the chocolate is still wet. So, if you’re using white chocolate that you melted separately, drizzle it over it using a fork. Alternatively, you can also dip the chocolate-covered strawberries into the white chocolate (tip only!) or other toppings.
- When done, place strawberries on a lined baking sheet with parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set completely, either at room temperature or by placing them into the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
Lastly, place them on a dessert tray with small bowls of other fruits (chocolate-dipped or not) and enjoy them either on the same day or within the next 24 hours!
If you want to have a romantic setting, consider scattering some rose petals around the area where you’ll eat and light some soft candles!
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