DIY and delicious Chocolate-Covered Strawberries are easier than you think!
Although both strawberries and chocolate have each been around for centuries, their merger into a simple, elegant treat is fairly recent. This now-classic combo of strawberries dipped in chocolate has its roots in Chicago. Also known as the Windy City, it’s a town that loves food: think deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and the hometown of Cracker Jack. In the 1960s, a candy buyer at a downtown shop named Lorraine Lorusso created this candy. Tempered chocolate happened to be on sale that week, and she had the brilliant idea of dipping ripe strawberries into it! Needless to say, the treats were a hit.
While I’d always thought of chocolate-dipped strawberries as a candy store or restaurant treat, they are surprisingly easy to make at home using the microwave. I don’t think of myself as a candy maker per se, but with a few tips and tricks, I can churn out beautiful, tasty treats in no time! And when I make them at home, I can make as many as I want. Plus, there are all sorts of fun decorations to add.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a wonderful treat to enjoy as a romantic dessert on Valentine’s Day, as a fun addition to a dessert tray for your next gathering, or even just as a simple, sweet ending to a big meal. Making them at home is easy, quick (35 minutes or less!), and economical, and you can pick the berries you are using so you get the ripeness and color just right. The decadent chocolate and luscious, fresh strawberries make for an irresistible combination.
Choosing the best strawberries
Whether you’re lucky enough to pick your own strawberries at a U-Pick farm on a beautiful summer’s day or you just purchase them from your local supermarket, choosing berries wisely is important for this recipe. Since the strawberries are the star of the show, you want them to be ruby-red, firm, and sweet. What to look for? First, if buying in the supermarket, look for green tops that are fresh and not wilted at all. Secondly, whether you’re picking your own or buying in a carton, look at the color: go for bright red berries without mushy or dull spots that might indicate decay. Finally, use your nose! Good strawberries should have a sweet aroma.
How do I store leftovers?
Chocolate-covered strawberries are best enjoyed within a few hours of making them. Keep freshly dipped berries at room temperature to maintain that glossy chocolate sheen. That said, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Serving suggestions
For a romantic or elegant dessert, serve chocolate-covered strawberries with flutes of champagne or prosecco. When serving them on their own, you can leave them without decoration or, as suggested, sprinkle them with chopped nuts (try pistachios or hazelnuts), sprinkles, or even edible glitter. Alternatively, if you’re serving these at a large gathering, consider using chocolate-covered strawberries as edible decorations around the base of a dessert like the decadent Chocolate Cheesecake or rich Whipping Cream Pound Cake. Chocolate-covered strawberries also look pretty as toppers for Easy Pink Cupcakes.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Ingredients Â
- 10 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 teaspoon vegetable oil plus more if needed
- 1 pound fresh strawberries washed and patted dry
- Desired toppings such as chopped nuts or sprinkles
InstructionsÂ
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil.
- Heat the chocolate in the microwave in 25-30 second increments, stirring each time, until it becomes melted and smooth. If thick, add a small amount more vegetable oil.
- Grasp a strawberry by the stem, then dip it in the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
- Transfer the dipped strawberry onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle on nuts or sprinkles if using.
- Repeat the dipping with the remaining strawberries.
- Allow the strawberries to rest until the chocolate sets, about 15 minutes.
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