Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Fresh chocolate-dipped strawberries make their debut around Valentine's Day every year and are a timeless way to celebrate the day of love. There's something about those little red beauties dipped in silky melted chocolate that just screams romance.
Delightfully indulgent and ready to satisfy any sweet tooth, it is a heartfelt gift that is perfect for any festive occassion like birthdays, anniversaries and Mother's Day. Though they may look fancy, these can easily be made right in your own kitchen with a quarter of the price and taste exactly like store-bought ones.
The plump, juicy strawberries pair wonderfully with luscious chocolate, and you only need two basic ingredients to pull off this recipe. However, here are a few tricks of the trade to make sure your chocolate-covered strawberries turn out perfect every time.
Tips for making the Best Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Choose the best strawberries: Use the freshest possible strawberries that are plump and firm, without soft spots or discolorations.
- Type of Chocolate: For this recipe, I have used blocks of semi-sweet chocolate. You could switch it up entirely and use white chocolate.
- Avoid any moisture on the strawberries: Be sure the strawberries are well washed and completely dried before dipping them in the chocolate. Any moisture on the strawberries will prevent the chocolate from adhering to the fruit properly. Plus, with moisture captured inside the chocolate shell, it will cause the strawberry to lose its great texture and become mushy over time.
- Avoid rapid temperature changes: Don't freeze the strawberries to speed up the process of getting the chocolate to harden. Instead keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place for at least 1 hour.
HOW TO MELT CHOCOLATE FOR DIPPING?
You can melt chocolate using the double-boiler method or you can just melt it in the microwave if not using the double-boiler method.
To melt the Chocolate in the Microwave: Add the blocks of semi sweet chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Start melting the chocolate by warming it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and then microwave it again in ten-second intervals until the chocolate is completely smooth and fully melted.
To melt the Chocolate on the Stovetop (Double Boiler Method): Add the blocks of semi sweet chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Start melting the chocolate by warming it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and then microwave it again in ten-second intervals until the chocolate is completely smooth and fully melted.
If you are looking for more such Treats for Valentine's Day, try these:
- Dark Chocolate Ganache Truffles
- Red Velvet Cupcakes
- Linzer Cookies
- Chocolate Panna Cotta
- Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Brownies
I love these chocolate-covered strawberries with a drizzle of white chocolate and dark chocolate but you can add any toppings you please! Finely chopped nuts, cocoa nibs, sprinkles, or shredded coconut are all great options!
For most toppings, you will have to add them before the chocolate dries so that they stick to the chocolate.
HOW TO STORE THESE STRAWBERRIES?
Ideally, chocolate covered strawberries taste the best the day you make them. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If left longer, the strawberries might start to release moisture, causing the chocolate to soften and the strawberries to become mushy. However, if you want them to last for up to 48 hours, it’s best to put them in the refrigerator.
If you made these Chocolate Covered Strawberries, I would love to know how they turned out! Please let me know by leaving a comment below.
Ingredients:
- 450 g fresh strawberries
- 225 g Semi-sweet chocolate bars
- 50 g white chocolate bars, for drizzle (optional)
- Sprinkles,chopped nuts, cocoa nibs( optional)
Instructions:
- Place the strawberries in a colander and rinse well under cold running water and then drain well.
- Dry them with a paper towel before dipping them in the chocolate.
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate either in the microwave or on the stovetop (read the notes above).
- Working with one strawberry at a time, hold the strawberry by the leaves and dip into melted chocolate, coating nearly to the top. Rotate the strawberry to make sure all sides are coated.
- Then, lift the strawberry and gently shake off any excess chocolate. Repeat until all strawberries are dipped.
- Once dipped, place the strawberries on the prepared baking sheet. Let the chocolate sit on the strawberries for at least one hour to set.
- To finish with a chocolate drizzle, transfer melted chocolate to a small resealable bag, seal bag and cut a tiny corner from one point. Drizzle over the strawberries.
- Alternatively, sprinkle the chocolate covered strawberries with chopped nuts, sprinkles or cocoa nibs right after dipping.
- Enjoy with your loved ones!
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