I want to share my absolute favorite way to make Chocolate Covered Strawberries. This elegant treat has become my go to for special occasions or when I need something quick but impressive. After years of perfecting the technique I've learned all the secrets to getting that beautiful glossy chocolate coating and juicy strawberry combination that everyone loves.
Why These Are Always a Hit
This recipe has saved me so many times when I need a last minute dessert that looks fancy. You won't believe how easy they are to make and the best part? You can customize them endless ways. Every time I bring these to a party people think I spent hours in the kitchen when really it took me just 20 minutes.
What You'll Need
- Fresh Strawberries: Look for big beautiful ones with green leaves still attached
- High Quality Chocolate: This is key splurge on the good baking chocolate
- Fun Toppings: I love chopped nuts sprinkles or a white chocolate drizzle
- Kitchen Tools: Just grab a heatproof bowl saucepan some parchment and a baking tray
Let's Make These Together
- Get Those Berries Ready
- Wash and dry your strawberries really well this is super important for the chocolate to stick.
- Melt That Chocolate
- I use a double boiler method but the microwave works too just stir until it's silky smooth.
- Dipping Time
- Hold each berry by the leaves give it a good dip then let the extra chocolate drip off.
- Make Them Pretty
- This is the fun part add your toppings while the chocolate is still wet then let them set up.
Fun Ways to Dress Them Up
I love getting creative with toppings. Crushed pistachios add such a lovely green pop. Toasted coconut gives them a tropical vibe. During the holidays I'll use crushed candy canes. Sometimes I'll drizzle white chocolate in pretty patterns. The possibilities are endless.
My Best Tips
After making these hundreds of times I've learned a few tricks. Always pick the prettiest berries with no bruises. Make sure they're completely dry or the chocolate won't stick. Room temperature berries work best cold ones make the chocolate seize up. And don't skip tempering the chocolate it's what gives you that beautiful shine.
Keep Them Fresh
These beauties are best enjoyed within a day or two. If you need to store them pop them in the fridge uncovered but honestly they rarely last that long in my house. Skip the freezer though it ruins the chocolate coating when they thaw.
Fixing Common Problems
If your chocolate isn't setting properly your berries might be damp. Getting streaky chocolate? That's usually because it wasn't tempered properly. And if they get sticky in the fridge they've been in there too long these are definitely best fresh.
More Chocolate Treats
Love these? Try my other chocolate dipped favorites: Those sweet and salty Chocolate Pretzel Rods that disappear in minutes, My famous Cookie Dough Truffles that everyone begs for, The easiest Rocky Road Fudge you'll ever make. These are all perfect for gift giving too.
Making Them Look Extra Special
Want to really wow your guests? I love turning these into a gorgeous strawberry bouquet using floral foam and skewers. For gifting they look amazing nestled in little paper lined boxes. When I'm hosting I'll create a dessert board with these as the star surrounded by macarons and truffles it's always a showstopper.
Why I Love This Recipe
You know what makes these so perfect? They're that rare combination of simple but sophisticated. Just a few ingredients but they look like they came from a fancy chocolate shop. I've made these for everything from Valentine's Day dates to wedding showers and they never fail to impress.
Perfect for Gifting
These make the sweetest homemade gifts. I love packaging them in cute little boxes lined with pretty paper. Add a handwritten note and some ribbon and you've got something really special. Just remember to make them the same day you're giving them they're best super fresh.
What to Serve With Them
Pop open a bottle of champagne these are made for celebrating. A glass of rosé works beautifully too. Want to create a whole dessert experience? Serve them alongside some vanilla ice cream or next to a simple chocolate cake. Sometimes I'll add them to a cheese board for something unexpected.
The Health Scoop
Here's a fun fact each strawberry is only about 50 to 80 calories depending on size and chocolate used. Plus you're getting vitamin C from the berries and those feel good compounds from the chocolate. That's what I call a win win dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why won't the chocolate stick to my strawberries?
- Make sure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping. Any water will cause the chocolate to seize and not stick properly to the fruit.
- → How long do chocolate covered strawberries last?
- They're best eaten within 24 hours. Store them in the refrigerator, but serve at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
- → Can I use chocolate chips instead of baking chocolate?
- While chocolate chips can work, baking chocolate or high-quality chocolate bars melt better and create a smoother coating on the strawberries.
- → Why did my chocolate get thick and lumpy?
- This usually happens when water gets into the chocolate or it's overheated. Melt chocolate slowly and keep all utensils completely dry.
- → What's the best way to store these?
- Store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. Avoid stacking them as they can stick together or get damaged.