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Over the years, I’ve experimented with numerous variations, hunting down the perfect recipe that balances the sweetness of strawberries and the lusciousness of chocolate to a tee. And guess what? I believe I’ve finally nailed it! Whether you’re looking to impress that special someone, add a touch of gourmet to your dinner party, or simply indulge in a moment of sweet solitude, this chocolate covered strawberries recipe promises to be your sweet escape.
Table of Contents
How to make Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate covered strawberries are a delicious treat made by dipping fresh strawberries into melted chocolate and allowing them to cool and harden. The combination of the juicy, sweet strawberry and the rich, smooth chocolate creates a flavorful contrast.
Ingredients:
- 1 pint (about 20) fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, red strawberries with a bright green cap. They should be firm, without bruises or blemishes.
- 16 ounces of high-quality chocolate: Depending on your preference, you can use semisweet, dark, milk, or even white chocolate. High-quality chocolate bars are preferable over chips because they melt smoother.
- 2 teaspoons of coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional): This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a glossy finish.
- Toppings (optional): Chopped nuts, sprinkles, or drizzles of different chocolate can add a fun and fancy touch.
Instructions:
- Prep the Strawberries: Start by gently rinsing your strawberries under cold water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Water and chocolate do not mix, and any moisture on the berries can cause the chocolate to seize.
- Melt the Chocolate: Chop your chocolate into small, even pieces for uniform melting. Add the chocolate and coconut oil or vegetable shortening to a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on the stove, constantly stirring the chocolate until it’s silky.
- Dip the Strawberries: Hold a strawberry by its green cap and dip it into the melted chocolate, tilting the bowl and rolling the strawberry to coat it evenly. Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
- Set the Strawberries: Place the coated strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using, add your toppings before the chocolate sets.
- Chill: Allow the strawberries to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes until the chocolate has hardened.
- Serve: For the best taste and texture, enjoy your chocolate-covered strawberries the same day. If you must store them, keep them in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator, but be aware that they might sweat or the chocolate could turn dull.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Covered Strawberries:
- Choose the Right Chocolate: High-quality chocolate makes all the difference in taste and texture. Chocolate bars melt better and create a smoother coating than chips, which often contain stabilizers.
- Ensure Strawberries Are Dry: Any water on the strawberries can cause the chocolate to seize, leading to a clumpy texture. Dry the strawberries thoroughly after washing.
- Avoid Refrigerating for Too Long: Refrigerating chocolate covered strawberries for too long can cause condensation to form on the berries, which can lead to a wet, messy chocolate coating.
- Experiment with Designs: Feel free to get creative with your chocolate covered strawberries. Use a toothpick to create swirls, or dip them in different chocolates for a multi-layered effect.
What to serve with
Chocolate covered strawberries are a versatile treat that can stand beautifully on their own or be paired with various other delicacies to enhance a dining experience.
Refreshing Beverages
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine: The effervescence of a good champagne or sparkling wine complements the sweetness and smoothness of chocolate-covered strawberries. Opt for a Brut, which has a pleasant dryness that balances the chocolate’s sweetness.
- Coffee: Serve a rich, dark roast coffee or an espresso to contrast with the sweet, fruity chocolate combination.
- Dessert Wines: A sweet dessert wine like Moscato, Port, or a Riesling pairs wonderfully, enhancing the dessert’s flavors.
Cheeses
- Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor of Brie pair exquisitely with the fruit and chocolate.
- Goat Cheese: Try a tangy, fresh goat cheese to contrast with the sweet chocolate.
- Blue Cheese: For the adventurous palate, the strong flavor of blue cheese offers a striking counterbalance to the sweetness of the strawberries and chocolate.
Dessert Companions
- Whipped Cream: For added decadence, serve your chocolate-covered strawberries on a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A simple scoop of good-quality vanilla ice cream is a classic and delightful pairing with chocolate strawberries.
- Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake: Offer slices of plain or lightly toasted pound cake or angel food cake alongside your strawberries.
Nuts and Snacks
- Almonds and Walnuts: Offer a side of roasted almonds or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Charcuterie Board: Include chocolate covered strawberries in a broader charcuterie board with various cheeses, cured meats, and crackers.
Fresh Fruit
- Mixed Berries: Create a berry medley with blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to complement the strawberries.
- Sliced Pears or Apples: The crisp, fresh slices work well with the soft, decadent chocolate-covered strawberries.
Ingredients Substitutes
Chocolate covered strawberries are a simple yet elegant treat, requiring few ingredients. However, sometimes you may need substitutes due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply because you’re missing an ingredient.
Chocolate Substitutes
- Cocoa Powder and Coconut Oil: If you don’t have chocolate bars or chips, you can make your chocolate coating by mixing cocoa powder with coconut oil and a sweetener like maple syrup or honey to taste. This mixture can then be melted and used to dip the strawberries.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan Chocolate: For those avoiding dairy, use dairy-free chocolate chips or bars available in most health food stores. These are often made with cacao and sweeteners like cane sugar.
- Carob: As a caffeine-free chocolate alternative, carob chips melted with a little bit of coconut oil can offer a similar texture and a naturally sweet taste without the bitterness of chocolate.
Sweetener Substitutes
- Honey or Maple Syrup: If your melting chocolate or homemade chocolate mixture is bitter and you’re out of traditional sugar, adding natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can help. Adjust according to taste but use sparingly to keep the mixture from becoming too thin.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a lower-calorie option, these natural sweeteners can be a good substitute. They are much sweeter than sugar, so start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
Fat for Chocolate Melting
- Coconut Oil or Butter Substitute: If a recipe calls for butter to smooth out the melted chocolate, coconut oil is a great vegan substitute. It helps thin the chocolate slightly, making it easier for dipping. For those who can’t use coconut oil, a neutral oil like canola or a specialized baking shortening could work, though they may slightly affect the final taste and texture.
Dairy Substitutes
- Nut Milk: For a more decadent version of chocolate-covered strawberries, a ganache-style coating (chocolate mixed with cream) can be made using almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. These alternatives should be used in a lesser quantity due to their thinner consistency.
- Coconut Cream: For a thicker ganache, coconut cream can offer a rich, dairy-free option that pairs well with the flavor of chocolate without overpowering the strawberries.
Strawberry Substitutes
- In a pinch, other fruits can stand in for strawberries. Fresh pineapple chunks, banana slices, or even dried apricots can be dipped in chocolate for a twist on the classic treat. While not a direct substitute, these options can provide a similar sweet and luxurious experience.
Final Thoughts
Creating chocolate covered strawberries is a delightful experience that combines the joys of cooking with the pleasure of indulgence.
More Chocolate Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 pint (about 20) fresh strawberries
- 16 ounces of high-quality chocolate
- 2 teaspoons of coconut oil (optional)
- Toppings (optional): Chopped nuts, sprinkles
Instructions
- Prep the Strawberries: Start by gently rinsing your strawberries under cold water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Water and chocolate do not mix, and any moisture on the berries can cause the chocolate to seize.
- Melt the Chocolate: Chop your chocolate into small, even pieces for uniform melting. Add the chocolate and coconut oil or vegetable shortening to a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on the stove, constantly stirring the chocolate until it’s silky.
- Dip the Strawberries: Hold a strawberry by its green cap and dip it into the melted chocolate, tilting the bowl and rolling the strawberry to coat it evenly. Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
- Set the Strawberries: Place the coated strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using, add your toppings before the chocolate sets.
- Chill: Allow the strawberries to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes until the chocolate has hardened.
- Serve: For the best taste and texture, enjoy your chocolate-covered strawberries the same day. If you must store them, keep them in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator, but be aware that they might sweat or the chocolate could turn dull.
