Covered Strawberries
Introduction — a small bite that makes everything feel a little more celebratory. Imagine the sweet, green-scented perfume of fresh strawberries, the glossy snap of tempered dark chocolate giving way to lush, juicy fruit beneath. Each bite combines a cool, vibrant pop of strawberry with the warm, bittersweet embrace of chocolate — a contrast of textures (crisp shell, soft heart) and temperatures that delights the senses. These covered strawberries are simple to make, elegantly festive, and perfect for everything from cozy weekend breakfasts with coffee to last-minute dinner-party desserts, bridal showers, or holiday platters that vanish in minutes.
For a step-by-step visual or an alternate technique to perfect your dip, see this guide to professional-style dipping on my site: perfect dipping technique and ratios.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 15–20 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (melting time counts as active cook)
- Total Time: 30–40 minutes (includes chill time)
- Servings: about 8 (2–3 medium strawberries per person; yields vary by berry size)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners
Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (recipe yields ~8 servings; dark-chocolate-only version). These values are estimates calculated using USDA FoodData Central and rounded for clarity. If you use white chocolate or extra toppings, values will change.
- Calories: ~130 kcal
- Protein: ~1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~16 g
- Fat: ~7.5 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~12 g
- Sodium: ~5 mg
Notes on accuracy: values above are for the version made with 1 lb fresh strawberries, 1 cup dark chocolate chips, and 1 teaspoon coconut oil (no white chocolate or toppings). They are approximate and based on typical food-composition data from government sources (USDA FoodData Central). For medical or strict dietary needs, consult a registered dietitian or a detailed nutrition calculator using your exact ingredients and brands.
Why You’ll Love It
There are several reasons these covered strawberries are a keeper:
- Instant wow factor: They look elegant and taste indulgent while being surprisingly simple to make.
- Nostalgia and connection: Dipped fruit often signals a celebration — share them at family gatherings or pair with champagne for a romantic touch.
- Speed and flexibility: From prep to plate in under 40 minutes, and easily adapted to dietary needs (see variations below).
- Health-forward treat: Compared with many desserts, a fruit-forward bite with dark chocolate gives antioxidants and fiber while keeping portion sizes reasonable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and completely dried
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (about 170 g)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional; helps melt and sheen)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
- Optional toppings: crushed nuts (almonds, pistachios), sprinkles, shredded coconut, sea salt
Optional substitutions
- Vegan: use dairy-free dark chocolate chips and vegan white chocolate.
- Lower sugar: choose 70%+ dark chocolate and skip white chocolate drizzle.
- Nut-free: use toasted coconut or crushed freeze-dried raspberries for crunch.
Equipment and prep
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place nearby.
- Ensure strawberries are completely dry — moisture will prevent chocolate from adhering properly.
Instructions
- Prepare berries: Wash strawberries gently, pat completely dry, and transfer to a paper-towel–lined tray. Keep stems on for easier dipping.
- Melt dark chocolate: Place dark chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy. Alternatively, melt over a gentle double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- (Optional) Melt white chocolate separately in the same way for drizzling later.
- Dip the berries: Hold a strawberry by the stem (or insert a wooden skewer) and dip into the melted dark chocolate. Twirl to coat evenly and let excess drip back into the bowl.
- Place on parchment: Transfer the dipped strawberry to the parchment-lined sheet. If adding toppings, sprinkle them on immediately before the chocolate sets. For a white-chocolate drizzle, use a small spoon or piping bag to weave the melted white chocolate over cooled dark chocolate.
- Chill: Refrigerate the tray for 15–20 minutes, until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve: Remove from fridge and serve chilled or at cool room temperature. Keep in mind chilled chocolate may bloom slightly (a harmless whitish sheen) but still tastes great.
Practical tips
- Never dip wet berries — water causes chocolate to seize and prevents proper coating.
- If chocolate appears grainy, it may be overheated; brief, gentle warming and stirring usually helps.
- Work quickly with white chocolate drizzle; it sets fast and benefits from slightly warmer temperature than dark chocolate to flow well.
- For shiny shells, add a small teaspoon of coconut oil or use a high-quality couverture chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
Best Pairings
- Simple plate: arrange plain dipped strawberries on a chilled platter and dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for drama.
- With beverages: pair with espresso, milky coffee, or a glass of Prosecco or Champagne for celebrations.
- Dessert board: include with shortbread cookies, honeyed ricotta, and a small bowl of extra chocolate for dipping.
- Breakfast twist: serve sliced over Greek yogurt with granola for a dessert-leaning morning treat.
How to Store
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Best to serve immediately; if left at cool room temperature, consume within the same day (4–6 hours), especially in warm climates.
- Refrigeration: Store in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 48 hours. Note: refrigeration may cause slight chocolate bloom but flavor remains intact.
- Freezer: You can freeze dipped strawberries for up to 2–3 months. Freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator briefly before serving to avoid condensation pooling on the chocolate.
Chef’s Advice
- Best berry types: Choose firm, ripe strawberries with fresh green caps — firm flesh resists moisture and holds shape after dipping.
- Chocolate quality matters: Higher-quality dark chocolate (with cocoa butter rather than vegetable oils) melts smoother, tastes cleaner, and sets with a better snap.
- Tempering vs. shortcut: Full tempering yields the shiniest, snappiest shell, but a small amount of coconut oil helps non-tempered melted chocolate set nicely for home cooks.
- Don’t crowd: Give dipped strawberries room to cool; touching while the coating sets causes marks or uneven shells.
- Timing: Dip just before serving for the freshest texture; if prepping ahead, keep chilled and avoid long exposure to humid air.
Creative Twists
- Boozy berries: Stir 1–2 teaspoons of orange liqueur or raspberry liqueur into the melted chocolate for grown-up flavor.
- Nut-crusted: After dipping, roll the base of each berry in finely chopped pistachio or toasted almond for color, crunch, and contrast.
- Citrus-kissed: Add a pinch of finely grated orange zest to the melted dark chocolate for bright, layered flavor.
- Vegan & lower sugar: Use vegan dark chocolate (70% or higher) and top with chopped toasted coconut or cocoa nibs instead of sugar-based sprinkles.
- White chocolate marbled: Dip in dark, let set, then swirl white chocolate with a toothpick to create a marbled effect before the shell hardens.
Recipe Q&A
Q: My chocolate seized — how can I rescue it?
A: If a bit of water gets in and the chocolate becomes grainy, add a small amount (1 tsp) of neutral oil like coconut oil and warm gently while stirring; this often smooths it back. If severely seized, start fresh to avoid texture issues.
Q: Can I substitute milk chocolate for dark?
A: Yes — milk or semi-sweet chips work. Keep in mind milk chocolate is sweeter and softer; chilling times are similar but flavor and sweetness will differ.
Q: How many strawberries will 1 pound yield?
A: Roughly 12–18 medium strawberries, depending on size. Plan servings accordingly.
Q: Will dipping ahead of time affect texture?
A: Dipped strawberries are best within 24–48 hours. Over time they can release juice that softens the shell; for events, dip the day of for best presentation.
Q: Are these suitable for a vegan diet?
A: Yes — use dairy-free dark chocolate and ensure toppings are vegan. Use caution with certain “white chocolate” products, which may contain dairy.
Conclusion
If you want a quick, elegant dessert that tastes like a celebration, these covered strawberries deliver every time — easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always crowd-pleasing. For a different simple take and extra inspiration, check out this three-ingredient approach at RecipeTin’s chocolate covered strawberries, and for a gourmet-styled tutorial and tips, see the classic technique shared by Tastes Better From Scratch. Share your photos, tips, and favorite flavor twists — I’d love to see how you make them your own!
Print
Covered Strawberries
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and elegant chocolate-covered strawberries, perfect for any celebration or sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and completely dried
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (about 170 g)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
- Optional toppings: crushed nuts (almonds, pistachios), sprinkles, shredded coconut, sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare berries: Wash strawberries gently, pat completely dry, and transfer to a paper-towel–lined tray.
- Melt dark chocolate: Place dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- (Optional) Melt white chocolate separately for drizzling.
- Dip the berries: Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip into the melted dark chocolate, twirling to coat evenly.
- Place on parchment: Transfer to a parchment-lined sheet and add toppings before the chocolate sets.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve: Remove from fridge and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Notes
Use high-quality chocolate for the best results. Never dip wet berries to ensure proper coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 strawberries
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 7.5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
