Description
Chocolate Covered Strawberries are a classic, elegant treat perfect for any occasion. Fresh strawberries are dipped in melted chocolate, creating a delicious contrast of juicy fruit and rich, smooth chocolate. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to ensure perfectly coated strawberries with options for white, milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberries
- 24 medium strawberries (16 ounces)
Chocolate
- 30 ounces chocolate (white, milk, semi-sweet or dark)
Cleaning Solution
- 32 ounces cool water
- 8 ounces white vinegar
Instructions
- Preparing the strawberries: Combine the cool water and white vinegar in a large bowl. Add the strawberries and let them soak for 10 minutes to clean thoroughly. Discard any strawberries with blemishes or bruises to avoid the fruit weeping later.
- Rinse and dry strawberries: Rinse the soaked strawberries under fresh water and dry them thoroughly with paper towels. Transfer the strawberries to a cooling rack lined with paper towels to ensure they are completely dry.
- Store until use: Lightly cover the strawberries with plastic wrap and refrigerate if not dipping immediately. Bring the strawberries to room temperature before dipping to ensure optimal chocolate adhesion.
- Melting the chocolate: Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on full power for 60 seconds and stir to evenly distribute heat. Continue heating in 10-15 second increments until about 90% melted, making sure not to exceed the maximum temperature: 86ºF (30ºC) for white chocolate, 88ºF (31ºC) for milk chocolate, and 90ºF (32ºC) for semi-sweet and dark chocolate.
- Finish melting chocolate: Stir the chocolate until fully melted. If unmelted pieces remain after cooling slightly, heat in 5 second increments carefully, or temper the chocolate using a seeding method if overheated.
- Dipping the strawberries: Hold a strawberry by the green leaves or stabilize large berries with toothpicks inserted on either side of the stem. Dip the strawberry into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating.
- Remove excess chocolate: Place the dipped strawberry onto a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet. After 5 seconds, lift and move it slightly to prevent a large chocolate pool forming at the base.
- Add toppings (optional): Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle toppings such as chopped nuts or sprinkles if desired. For a chocolate drizzle, wait until all dipped strawberries have set, then drizzle using melted chocolate in a piping bag or ziplock bag.
- Storage: Store the chocolate covered strawberries in the refrigerator lightly covered with plastic wrap for up to 48 hours. They are freshest when eaten the same day and do not require refrigeration if consumed immediately.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are completely dry before dipping to help the chocolate adhere better.
- Use fresh, blemish-free strawberries to avoid weeping or spoilage.
- Temperature control is crucial when melting chocolate to preserve texture and flavor.
- If overheating chocolate, use the seeding method to temper it back to a smooth state.
- Avoid pooling chocolate by gently lifting the strawberry a few seconds after dipping.
- Consume within 48 hours for best freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Melting and Dipping
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Covered Strawberries, dessert, chocolate dipping, valentines treat, fresh strawberries, easy dessert, homemade candy
