Learn how to make chocolate covered strawberries with this easy guide. As elegant as they are easy, these bite-sized sweet treats add a touch of gourmet glamour to special occasions and everyday celebrations.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
For as long as I can remember, chocolate covered strawberries have been a staple at our springtime celebrations. From Easter to Mother’s Day, at graduation parties and Memorial Day barbeques, when strawberries are in season, this fancy, bite-sized dessert is sure to be part of the festivities.
Unlike some special-occasion desserts, it’s easy to learn how to make chocolate covered strawberries at home. You can whip up a batch in your kitchen with just a few ingredients. So whether it’s for a family gathering or just to add a bit of sweetness to your day, these beauties can turn any moment into a special occasion.
In This Article
Key Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Like any dish you make, success is largely tied to the ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in creating this delicious treat, from selecting the perfect strawberries to using high-quality chocolate.
Strawberries
Based on where you are in the United States, and thanks to our nation’s wide range of growing seasons, you can typically find fresh strawberries between March and November. During this time, the berries are at their peak freshness and have the best flavor.
Ripe strawberries have a vibrant red color and a perfect balance between sweet and tart. Most strawberries are sold pre-packaged, typically in pint- or quart-sized containers. Whether hand picking berries from a bulk display at the market or selecting the best strawberries in a container, choosing ones that are somewhat uniform will ensure that the chocolate-dipped strawberries are roughly the same size, making for a more visually appealing presentation.
Related Article: The Truth About Alpha-gal and Chocolate: Is it Safe to Eat?
Chocolate
The type of chocolate you use can make a big difference in the final product. And, with four main types of chocolate — dark, ruby, milk, and white — you may be wondering what kind of chocolate to use to make chocolate covered strawberries. The best chocolate for dipping strawberries is high-quality, real chocolate, whether dark, ruby, or milk.
Sage Advice: If you are an alpha gal who is sensitive to dairy, be sure to read the label to confirm that there is no dairy or select a dairy-free option.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is made with a high percentage of cocoa solids, giving it a rich and intense flavor with a slightly bitter taste. Those who enjoy a more robust and less sweet chocolate often prefer it. Dark chocolate is also the most likely to be alpha-gal friendly as it should not contain milk. However, several brands of dark chocolate do include milk-based ingredients, so always read the label carefully.
Pros: Provides a deep, intense flavor that complements the sweetness of strawberries. It also contains higher levels of antioxidants and lower sugar content than other chocolate types.
Cons: Can be more difficult to melt and temper properly, requiring more precision and attention to detail to achieve the right consistency for dipping strawberries.
Ruby Chocolate
Ruby chocolate is a unique type of chocolate with a natural pink color and a fruity, slightly tart flavor. It offers a visually appealing and different taste experience than traditional chocolate varieties.
Pros: Provides a visually stunning presentation for chocolate-dipped strawberries and adds a distinct fruity flavor.
Cons: May not be as readily available as other types of chocolate, is often more expensive, and can be more difficult to find in dairy-free varieties if you’re an alpha gal who avoids milk products.
Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate is made with milk powder or condensed milk, giving it a creamy and sweet flavor. It is often the most popular choice for those with a sweet tooth. However, alpha gals who avoid dairy will need to find a plant-based option.
Pros: Easy to melt and work with, making it a convenient option for dipping strawberries. Its creamy flavor complements the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Cons: Can have a higher sugar content and a milder cocoa flavor, which may not appeal to those who prefer a more intense chocolate taste. Alpha gals with a dairy sensitivity will need to find a dairy-free option.
White Chocolate
White chocolate is not chocolate. Rather, it’s a confection made with cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids. While it has a sweet and creamy flavor, there is a distinct lack of cocoa flavor.
Pros: Offers a sweet and creamy base for dipping strawberries and can be easily flavored or colored to create different variations.
Cons: Definitely a “risky” food for anyone following an alpha-gal diet. Not only does it contain the most milk of all types of chocolate, vegan versions nearly always contain carrageenan. Additionally, white chocolate can be more finicky to melt and temper, and it may have a higher sugar content than other chocolate types.
Related Article: What is Carrageenan? Should Alpha Gals Avoid It?
Coconut Oil
Stirring a little coconut oil into melted chocolate helps to create a smooth and glossy consistency. The coconut oil also helps the chocolate harden more quickly once it is poured or dipped, a bonus when making chocolate covered strawberries. The saturated fat in coconut oil also gives the chocolate a nice shine as it hardens.
Optional Toppings and Decorations
Because my family prefers classic chocolate-dipped strawberries, I don’t typically roll the berries in optional toppings or go to the trouble of adding an additional decorative layer of chocolate. But, when I do, they always look so pretty!
If you want to enhance the flavor and presentation of this dessert, roll your dipped strawberries in toppings like finely chopped nuts or sprinkles. You can also dip the very tip of the chocolate covered strawberry in crushed candy or mini chocolate chips. Or, you can add a drizzle of a contrasting color over the chocolate-dipped strawberries once they are cooled. A lighter-color chocolate, like white on dark, is always stunning! Just be sure to see my notes above about finding a suitable white chocolate if you are sensitive to dairy or carrageenan.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries
While these decadent treats look elegant, chocolate covered strawberries are quite easy to make. Here’s how to make chocolate covered strawberries:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the berries.
- Chop the chocolate.
- Melt the chocolate.
- Dip the strawberries into the chocolate.
- Add additional decorations, as desired.
- Let the chocolate harden.
- Enjoy your delicious chocolate covered strawberries!
How to Melt Chocolate for Dipping Strawberries
Whether you’re a stovetop enthusiast, a microwave maven, or a slow cooker connoisseur, there’s a method for melting chocolate that’s perfect for you. Let’s explore the three best methods to melt chocolate for dipping.
Melting Chocolate on the Stovetop
A classic method of melting chocolate is in a double boiler on a stovetop. Start by simmering a few inches of water over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Then place a heatproof bowl on top, making sure that the water doesn’t touch the top bowl. Add the chocolate to the top bowl and stir until the chocolate is melted.
Melting Chocolate in the Microwave
The fastest, easiest way to melt chocolate is in the microwave. Chop the chocolate and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Zap it in 30-second intervals, stirring after each increment. The stirring step is crucial, because the residual heat will help melt some remaining bits and ensure that the chocolate is evenly melted.
Melting Chocolate in a Slow Cooker
For a set-it-and-forget-it option, melt your chocolate in a slow cooker. Simply place the chopped chocolate in the slow cooker and set it on low for a few hours. Stir it occasionally until smooth.
How to Decorate Chocolate Covered Strawberries
If you wish to decorate your chocolate covered strawberries, various toppings add color, flavor, and texture, including:
- Sprinkles, either a mix of colors or a single tone
- Sugar crystals, either clear or colorful
- Sea salt, just a touch to add a little salty to your sweet
- Finely chopped nuts like pistachios, peanuts, almonds, or pecans
- Shredded coconut
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed Oreo cookies
- Crushed graham crackers
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed candy pieces
- Drizzled chocolate in a contrasting color, like white chocolate on dark or vice versa
After dipping the strawberries in melted chocolate, roll the fruit in the toppings, or sprinkle the toppings on so that they stick to the strawberries.
If you prefer to decorate your chocolate-dipped strawberries with a chocolate drizzle, add that once the initial chocolate coating has firmed up.
How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries
It’s best to make and serve chocolate covered strawberries on the same day. Why? Because storing the finished berries in the fridge can lead to “sweating,” which can cause the chocolate to separate from the berry.
When you can’t make and serve your chocolate-dipped fruit in the same day, then it’s best to store them in the fridge, but not in an airtight container. Instead, arrange the chocolate covered strawberries in a single layer on a plate or in a container. Separate layers of berries with a piece of parchment paper, and loosely cover with plastic wrap.
How Long Do Chocolate Covered Strawberries Last?
It’s best to enjoy your dipped strawberries within one to two days. After that, the berries can get a bit soggy.
Can You Freeze Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
Chocolate covered strawberries don’t freeze well. Doing so can cause the berries to become mushy and the chocolate to discolor and lose its smooth texture. So if you have more chocolate-dipped strawberries than you can possibly eat in one or two days, it’s best to share them with neighbors or friends.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries about 30-40 medium berries, washed and thoroughly dried
- 1 10- oz bag of chocolate chips or chocolate bar chopped, for 1 ¾ cups of chocolate pieces
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- Optional toppings see note above
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry each strawberry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. I like to do this step a few hours in advance to ensure that the berries are completely dry. Any moisture that remains can cause the chocolate to seize up and ruin your dessert.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Melt the chocolate using your preferred method. (See above for three easy options.) I like to melt the chocolate in a 12-oz. glass jar using the microwave. This allows me to easily melt the chocolate and have it in a good container for dipping.
- Stir the coconut oil into the melted chocolate mixture until it’s fully incorporated.
- Insert a wooden skewer or long toothpick into the green leaves at the top of the strawberry. Ensure that the berry is securely fastened to the stick, but be careful that the stick doesn’t go through the opposite end of the strawberry.
- Dip the strawberry into the melted chocolate, immersing the berry as much as possible, but avoiding the green top of the fruit.
- Gently shake any excess chocolate from the dipped fruit.
- Carefully slide the chocolate-covered strawberry off of the skewer and onto its side on the parchment paper.
- Optional: If you add toppings to your strawberries, roll the fruit in them before placing on the parchment paper, or sprinkle them on top of the berry immediately after placing it on the parchment paper.
- Let the strawberries sit at room temperature until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.
- Optional: If you want to add an additional layer of contrasting chocolate drizzle to your berries, melt it and add it to the chocolate-covered strawberries at this stage.
- Enjoy your chocolate dipped strawberries within a few hours, or store them in the refrigerator for up to two days (see detailed notes above).
The kids loved making these with me! They had so much fun decorating on their own and it’s very easy make. Thanks a bunch!
I agree, chocolate-covered strawberries are essential for celebrations! Thanks for a great tutorial on how to perfectly make one of my favorite treats!
So easy and delicious. I added them to my charcuterie board and it looked so elegant. They were gone fast!
That’s a great idea!
I love using dark chocolate for this! Though I also used white chocolate when I made this earlier just to switch things up! My kids totally enjoyed making these and decorating them with sprinkles!
They’re a fast, easy treat to make with kiddos!
Tried this recipe for chocolate covered strawberries, and they turned out amazing! Used milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor, and it was perfect. The strawberries were juicy, and the chocolate was smooth. Will be making these again for sure!
They are perfect for Easter brunch and Mother’s Day, both coming up soon!