My delicious, dairy-free recipe for the BEST Chocolate Covered Strawberries will show you just how easy and quick it can be to make this indulgent treat right at home. Enjoy the rich blend of cocoa powder, natural honey, vanilla, and smooth coconut oil for this sweet treat. Perfect for anyone seeking a luxurious, dairy-free dessert, this guide ensures beautifully glossy, perfectly coated strawberries that are as pretty as they are delicious.
This is the BEST Recipe for Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Hey there, fellow chocolate lovers! Have you ever felt like making Chocolate Covered Strawberries at home is a bit too tricky or takes too much time? Well, I’ve got a recipe that’s going to totally change your mind.
This isn’t just any recipe – it’s a fun, family-friendly, and so easy to whip up right in your own kitchen.
What makes my recipe so special? It’s dairy-free, brimming with health-conscious ingredients, and super simple to make.
Imagine coating fresh strawberries in a dreamy mix of rich cocoa powder, sweet natural honey, vanilla, and creamy coconut oil.
The result? Each strawberry is coated in a beautifully glossy layer of chocolate. Perfect for family movie nights, a weekend treat with the kids, or just a sweet way to end your day.
The Secret for the Best Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Using Raw & Unfiltered Honey is a great way to ditch the processed sugar without compromising on taste! Another plus is that honey is sweeter than processed sugar – you can use less of it and still get the same depth of flavor and sweetness that your kids expect from their favorite foods!
I typically have all of the ingredients on hand, which makes it super easy, and the recipe comes together in just a few minutes!
Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberries
- Coconut Oil: A healthy, vegan-friendly oil that provides a smooth and creamy base for the chocolate coating.
- Cocoa: Provides a deep, chocolatey essence, forming the primary flavor of the coating.
- Raw and Unfiltered Honey: A natural sweetener that adds a rich, floral sweetness to the chocolate, enhancing its flavor.
- Vanilla: A dash of vanilla extract adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that compliments both the chocolate and strawberries.
Best Chocolate for Chocolate Covered Strawberries
While using a chocolate bar is the more traditional approach for making chocolate-covered strawberries, I choose to use cocoa powder for its unique benefits.
Cocoa powder is not only rich in antioxidants, which contribute to improved heart health, but it also offers the flexibility to adjust the sweetness and flavor to individual tastes. Also, cocoa powder is naturally dairy-free and vegan, which makes it more versatile to serve at parties and potlucks.
Additionally, the smooth, even coating achieved with cocoa powder creates an indulgent experience without the heaviness of melted chocolate bars. Lastly, cocoa powder is cost-effective and has a longer shelf life compared to traditional chocolate bars, making it a practical choice for creating this delicious treat whenever we want!
How to Make Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Of course! Here’s an enhanced version of the instructions for making chocolate-covered strawberries:
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the strawberries from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prep the Strawberries: Gently rinse the strawberries under cold water. Then, carefully dry each one with a paper towel. Make sure they are completely dry as water can cause the chocolate to seize and not stick to the strawberry.
3. Melt the Coconut Oil: If your coconut oil is solid, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave in short bursts until it becomes liquid.
4. Combine Honey and Vanilla: Into the melted coconut oil, pour your honey and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until the mixture is well-integrated.
5. Incorporate the Cocoa: Slowly add the cocoa powder to your oil mixture while continuously stirring. This gradual addition helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth chocolate.
6. Smooth Consistency: Stir the chocolate mixture aggressively until it reaches a completely smooth and velvety consistency.
7. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter coating, feel free to add more honey. Do this gradually and taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
8. Thicken the Chocolate (Optional): For a thicker consistency, cool the chocolate mixture in the fridge for about 5 minutes, or just until it starts to thicken. Stir it again before using.
9. Dip the Strawberries: Hold a strawberry by its leaves and dip it into the chocolate. Gently shake off any excess chocolate to ensure an even coating, then place it on your prepared baking sheet.
10. Double Dip for Thicker Coating (Optional): For an extra layer of chocolate, wait a few minutes for the first layer to set slightly, then dip the strawberries again.
11. Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle or roll your strawberries in a topping while the chocolate is still wet.
12. Set the Chocolate: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Chill the strawberries until the chocolate coating is completely solid and has a nice snap when bitten into. This usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chocolate.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Recipe Tips
Here are some helpful tips for creating the perfect chocolate-covered strawberries:
Selecting Strawberries: Look for fresh, ripe strawberries with a bright red color and green, fresh-looking leaves. Medium-sized strawberries are often the best for dipping and eating in one or two bites.
Preparing Strawberries: Wash the strawberries gently and pat them completely dry. Any moisture on the berries can cause the chocolate to seize up and not stick properly.
Adding Flavor to Chocolate: For an extra twist, mix a small amount of flavor extract, like vanilla or almond, into the melted chocolate.
Dipping Strawberries: Hold the strawberries by the leaves or use a skewer. Dip them into the chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Twist slightly as you lift it out for a smooth finish.
Setting the Chocolate: Place dipped strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cooling: Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for a glossy finish, or chill in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Avoid freezing as it can cause the chocolate to become dull and the strawberries to become mushy when thawed.
Decorating: After dipping in chocolate, you can roll the strawberries in various toppings or drizzle them with a different type of melted chocolate for a decorative effect. Do this before the chocolate sets.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Topping Ideas
Although chocolate covered strawberries are near perfection by themselves, sometimes it’s fun to add some toppings! My kids especially love to! Here are some ideas for delicious and creative toppings:
- Nuts: Finely chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a delightful crunch. You can toast them lightly for an extra flavor boost.
- Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles can add a fun and festive look, making them perfect for celebrations or as gifts.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted or sweetened coconut flakes provide a tropical twist and a unique texture contrast.
- Crushed Cookies or Graham Crackers: Crushed Oreos, graham crackers, or your favorite cookie can add a deliciously sweet and crunchy element.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the chocolate’s flavor and add a sophisticated touch.
- Drizzled Caramel or White Chocolate: Drizzling caramel or white chocolate over the chocolate strawberries adds a gourmet flair and extra sweetness.
- Edible Gold Leaf or Silver Dust: For a truly luxurious treat, edible gold leaf or silver dust can make your strawberries look stunning and elegant.
- Mini Chocolate Chips or Candy Pieces: Mini chocolate chips or small candy pieces like toffee bits can add more chocolatey goodness and texture.
These toppings can be mixed and matched to create your own unique chocolate covered strawberry creations!
Ways to use Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
These delicious treats are also a fun one to throw together for an after-school snack, b-day parties, holiday parties or even just a dessert after dinner!
Add your chocolate-covered strawberries to a yogurt parfait with granola and you have a delicious brunch that everyone is sure to love!!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry storage
Chocolate-covered strawberries are best kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This prevents them from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator and also helps the chocolate stay firm and preserves the freshness of the strawberries.
If you’re stacking the strawberries in the container, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
How long do chocolate covered strawberries last in the fridge?
Chocolate-covered strawberries typically last in the fridge for about 1 to 2 days. It’s best to consume them within this timeframe to enjoy their optimal taste and texture. Over time, the strawberries may start to release moisture, which can affect the texture of both the fruit and the chocolate coating. For the best experience, enjoy them as fresh as possible.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Recipe FAQs
How do you get chocolate to stick to strawberries?
It’s crucial to start with completely dry strawberries. After washing, pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Any moisture on the surface can prevent the chocolate from adhering properly and might cause it to seize and become clumpy. After dipping, place the strawberries on parchment paper and then chill them in the refrigerator for a few minutes. This helps the chocolate set quickly and adhere to the strawberry surface.
Should strawberries be cold before dipping in chocolate?
For the best results when dipping strawberries in chocolate, it’s recommended to use strawberries at room temperature. Cold strawberries can cause the chocolate to set too quickly, leading to a less even coating, and may also result in condensation, which interferes with the chocolate adhering properly. Room temperature strawberries ensure a smoother and more uniform chocolate coating.
Why do you add oil to melted chocolate?
In this recipe, adding coconut oil to the melted chocolate enhances its texture, making it smoother and more fluid for easier dipping and a more even coating on the strawberries. Coconut oil also helps prevent the chocolate from seizing and becoming clumpy. Additionally, it gives the chocolate a subtle gloss. The use of coconut oil is extra beneficial as it sticks well to the strawberries, creating a smooth and even coating on the strawberries.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cup Coconut Oil
- ½ Cup Nature Nate’s Honey
- 2 tsp Vanilla
- 1 Cup Hershey’s Cocoa
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rinse strawberries in cold water and dry with a paper towel.
- If your coconut oil is solid, warm it in the microwave until it becomes a liquid.
- Pour the Nature Nate’s Honey and the vanilla into the coconut oil and whisk until completely mixed.
- Slowly add the Cocoa to the oil mixture as you mix it.
- Stir the chocolate mixture until it is completely smooth.
- Add additional honey for an even sweeter tasting chocolate.
- For a thicker chocolate place it in the fridge for 5 minutes until it begins to thicken just a little bit. Stir the chocolate again before dipping.
- Hold the strawberry by the leaves and dip it into the chocolate and let it drip before placing it on the parchment paper to set.
- For a thicker chocolate layer, dip the strawberry in the chocolate again after a few minutes.
- Optional: immediately sprinkle coconut flakes or chopped nuts onto the chocolate before it begins to set.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is solid!
Notes
I have talked to several of my friends about the whole “letting kids help in the kitchen” thing, and quite a few of them have expressed to me that they generally don’t let their kids help because it is too big of a mess, it’s hard, takes too long, etc.
I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND! All those statements are true!
But, I seriously challenge all of you to let your kids come and join you in the kitchen! For one, I think teaching kid’s skills in the kitchen is important, but more importantly just because they have a lot of fun!!
I mean look at how hard he is concentrating! My middle child took the most pride in his strawberries! I hope you love this quick and easy recipe like my family does!
It really is one for the books that you’ll use often! If you love the recipe, please check out these other yummy breakfast recipes:
If you love this recipe, I’d love it if you wanted to pin the images below! Thanks!
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