How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Beginner friendly)
A step-by-step guide on how to make chocolate covered strawberries; I will walk you through the easy steps to create perfect chocolate-covered strawberries, including tips for decoration and storing.
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Chocolate covered strawberries are one of those desserts, or treats, that require barely any ingredients, take around 20 minutes to make, yet are considered fancy! This article will go over everything you need to know to make the best chocolate covered strawberries at home; but before we begin, make sure to check out my guide on how to properly wash your strawberries before dipping them in chocolate, because it makes all the difference!
What is the Best Chocolate for Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
Choosing the right chocolate is key, especially when you're making a treat with just two ingredients. Since strawberries are naturally tasty, pairing them with high-quality chocolate makes a big difference. But remember, good chocolate doesn’t always mean expensive.
For the best results, opt for baking chocolate, which melts smoothly and enhances the flavor of your strawberries. Some recommendations would be: GHIRARDELLI Chocolate Premium Baking Chips & Baker's Premium Chocolate Baking Bar (you can go for semi-sweet or dark, whatever you like). If your budget allows it, I would also recommend Callebaut Belgian Chocolate, one of the best brands I worked with.
(If you already have some chocolate at home that you love, great! I’ll show you the exact steps to take to make the best out of them!).
⚠️ If you're using couverture or high-quality chocolate (any option we mentioned above) and want professional-looking results with a glossy sheen and a firm snap, tempering is necessary. I know what you might be thinking; tempering sounds complicated. You've probably seen professional bakers carefully manage the process, using specific tools and techniques to get it just right. But don't worry, I use a method that's easy, doesn't require additional tools, and works with all types of chocolate.
How do you temper chocolate?
If you’re using chocolate chips, good, if not, start by finely chopping your chocolate.
Separate your chocolate into two portions. If you’re using 1 and a half cups of chocolate, put 1 cup in a heatproof bowl and set aside the other 1/2 cup (So 2/3 of the quantity in a heat proof bowl and 1/3 aside). This technique is known as "seeding."
Set Up Your Double Boiler. To set up a double boiler, you’ll need a pot and a heatproof bowl that fits snugly on top of the pot. Fill the pot with about an inch or two of water, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl when it’s placed on top. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over low heat.
Place the bowl with 1 cup of chocolate over the simmering water. Let the chocolate melt, stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula or spoon. The heat should be low enough that the water simmers gently without splashing into the bowl.
Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, remove the bowl from the heat. Gradually add the 1/2 cup of chocolate you set aside, a little at a time, stirring well after each addition. Allow the chocolate to completely melt before adding more.
Can you temper chocolate in the microwave?
Yes! There are 2 simple methods to do so:
First Method: Similarly to the double boiler method, divide the chocolate into two-thirds and one-third portions. Microwave the larger portion in a heatproof bowl at 50% power in 20-30 second intervals, stirring well between each to promote even melting and prevent overheating. When the chocolate has melted, remove it from the microwave. Then, add the smaller portion of chocolate (in several batches just like the double boiler method) to the bowl, until everything is combined and melted.
Second Method: This simpler microwave method involves placing all the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heating it at 50% power in short intervals. Stir between each interval until about half of the chocolate has melted. Instead of continuing to heat, remove the bowl from the microwave and keep stirring. The residual heat carried by the melted chocolate will melt the remaining pieces.
👉🏻 If tempering still feels daunting, consider using melting wafers. They're a fantastic alternative because they’re easy to use, they don’t require tempering, they come in various colors and flavors. Simply microwave the wafers in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. A good option is Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Flavored Melting Wafers.
How to make Chocolate Covered Strawberries:
Start by properly washing your strawberries and getting them ready for dipping.
Get everything ready before you melt the chocolate. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on a flat surface.
If you’re using any toppings like nuts, sprinkles… have them ready as well.
If you're comfortable dipping strawberries by hand, feel free to do so. However, for more control and ease, consider inserting a toothpick or skewer into each strawberry.
Depending on which tempering method you've chosen (double boiler or microwave), melt your chocolate until it's smooth and fluid.
Transfer the chocolate to a cup, makes it easier to dip.
To be extra safe, I take each strawberry and dry it individually using a paper towel before dipping. Any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize, so it's important that the strawberries are dry.
Hold the strawberry by the stem or use a the skewer you inserted into the top. Dip it into the melted chocolate. Swirl it around to make sure the sides are covered. When you remove the strawberry, give it a few shakes to remove excess chocolate. Then, flip it and shake it a bit to make sure the whole chocolate is consistent and smooth.
9. If you want to add toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or coconut, do so immediately after dipping, before the chocolate sets.
10. Place the dipped strawberries on the prepared parchment paper or silicone mat. Avoid touching them until the chocolate has completely hardened. Let the chocolate set at room temperature.
How do I add a chocolate drizzle?
Start by melting white candy melts or white chocolate wafers. You can absolutely use dark of milk chocolate for the drizzle too. Use the same methods of melting mentioned above.
Once your white chocolate is melted, it’s time to add color. Use an oil-based food coloring to achieve your desired shade of pink. It’s important to use oil-based coloring because water-based colors can cause the chocolate to seize and become clumpy due to the moisture content.
Transfer the colored, melted chocolate to a piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, a small zip-lock bag with a tiny corner cut off will work as well. The narrow opening allows for more precise control when drizzling.
Gently squeeze the piping bag and drizzle the chocolate over your prepared strawberries in whatever pattern you like. You can go back and forth quickly over the berries for a fine drizzle or slower for thicker lines.
Place the strawberries back on the tray, and allow them to set at room temperature.
How to store chocolate covered strawberries
After dipping your strawberries in chocolate, make sure they're fully set. Use a shallow, airtight container for storage, I place a paper towel on the bottom of my container to prevent any moisture, then add the strawberries, add another paper towel on top, and close the container.
It is best to keep them at room temperature than refrigerating, but if you must refrigerate them make sure you serve them within 24 hours. Chocolate covered strawberries are always best served the same day, so for best results, make them a few hours before serving them.
DO NOT FREEZE chocolate covered strawberries.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Beginner Friendly)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Yields: Around 22 strawberries
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) strawberries
- 8-12 ounces (225-340g) chocolate to melt
Instructions
- Wash strawberries and pat them dry. Lay out a parchment-lined tray and prepare toppings if desired.
- Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Dip each strawberry into the chocolate, shake off excess, and place on the tray.
- Melt white chocolate, color it if desired, and drizzle over strawberries. Allow to set at room temperature.
