Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries are the quintessential Valentine's Day treat, a simple yet elegant expression of love. The combination of juicy, ripe strawberries dipped in rich, melted chocolate is simply irresistible. When I was a little girl, my grandmother would make these with me every year, and the delightful memory of her warm smile and the sweet aroma still fills me with joy. Let's recreate that magic with these adorable Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries, perfect for sharing.
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Why You Will Love This Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
These easy chocolate strawberries for Valentine’s Day are a breeze to make, even if you're not a seasoned baker. They're the perfect sweet treat for your loved ones, offering a delightful balance of tangy fruit and decadent chocolate. It's a gift you can make with love, and that's what makes it truly special. They're so much better than store bought: fresher, tastier and better looking!
I love how customizable these treats are! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination. Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of contrasting chocolate for an extra touch of deliciousness. Let your creativity shine and make each one unique.
Ingredients Needed for This Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried
- 12 ounces high quality chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white), or chopped chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Optional toppings: Sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, crushed cookies, sea salt
How to Make This Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
Prepare the Strawberries: Gently wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Pat them dry with a paper towel and make sure they are bone dry, otherwise the chocolate won't stick properly. Leave the green stems on for easy dipping.
Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil (if using) until smooth. If microwaving, heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent burning. The coconut oil helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and gives a nice sheen.
Dip the Strawberries: Hold a strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat evenly. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle the chocolate covered strawberry with your desired toppings before the chocolate sets. Quickly work on each strawberry.
Set the Chocolate: Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the strawberries for about 10 15 minutes to let the chocolate set completely. This helps prevent the chocolate from melting at room temperature.
How to Serve This Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
Serve these beautiful Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries chilled or at room temperature. They make a stunning presentation on a platter, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Enjoy them as a sweet treat after a romantic dinner, or package them in a cute gift box for a thoughtful handmade gift. Pair them with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider for an extra special touch. You can even drizzle another chocolate over them.
How to Store This Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
Refrigeration: Store any leftover chocolate covered strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Freezing these isn’t recommended as the strawberries will become mushy upon thawing.
Shelf Life: The chocolate covered strawberries are best enjoyed within 1 2 days, as the strawberries will start to release moisture.
Tips to Make This Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
- Choose Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the taste!
- Make Sure Strawberries are Dry: Moisture is the enemy. Dry strawberries ensure the chocolate adheres properly.
- Don't Overheat the Chocolate: Burned chocolate is grainy and bitter. Melt it slowly and gently.
- Use a Double Boiler or Microwave Carefully: Avoid scorching the chocolate.
- Work Quickly: The chocolate sets fast! Have your toppings ready to go.
Helpful Notes for This Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
- Type of Chocolate: Use baking chocolate or chocolate chips. If using bars, chop it finely before melting.
- Coconut Oil Alternative: Vegetable shortening also works well in place of coconut oil for smooth melting.
- Drying the Strawberries: Ensure the strawberries are super dry before dipping, otherwise the chocolate will slide off.
Variation of This Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over dark chocolate covered strawberries for a gorgeous contrast.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a swirl of peanut butter to the melted chocolate for a delicious twist.
- Candy Cane Crush: Crush candy canes and sprinkle them over the strawberries for a festive peppermint flavor.
- **Salted Chocolate: ** Add a small sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep chocolate covered strawberries from getting soggy?
Ensure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping. Also, don’t refrigerate for prolonged periods as condensation can cause sogginess; enjoy them soon after making.
What kind of chocolate is best for dipping strawberries?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate is ideal, providing a rich flavor that complements the strawberries’ sweetness. You can also use melting wafers specifically designed for coating.
How long do chocolate covered strawberries last?
Chocolate covered strawberries are best enjoyed within 24 hours of making them. Store them in the refrigerator in a single layer to prevent sticking, but consume them promptly for the best taste and texture.
Can I use white chocolate for coating strawberries?
Yes, white chocolate is a great option for coating strawberries. You can also add food coloring to white chocolate to create vibrant and colorful treats for Valentine’s Day.
Conclusion
These Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a heartfelt expression of love, tradition, and cherished memories. Simple to make yet beautifully elegant, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion where you want to show someone you care. The combination of fresh, juicy strawberries and rich chocolate never fails to impress, and the endless customization options make them truly your own.
If this recipe inspired you and you’re looking for more romantic desserts, creative ideas, and beautiful food presentations, be sure to explore my inspiration board on Pinterest
Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Easy Step-by-Step!
Easy and elegant Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries recipe. Fresh strawberries dipped in rich, melted chocolate, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 1 pound
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition:
Protein: 1g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 9g
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried
- 12 ounces high quality chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, or vegetable shortening (optional)
- Optional toppings: Sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, crushed cookies, sea salt
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Strawberries: Gently wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries.
- 2. Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil (if using) until smooth.
- 3. Dip the Strawberries: Hold a strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat evenly.
- 4. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle the chocolate covered strawberry with your desired toppings.
- 5. Set the Chocolate: Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment paper lined baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 6. Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the strawberries for about 10-15 minutes to let the chocolate set completely.
Notes
- For best results, use high quality chocolate and thoroughly dry the strawberries before dipping. This recipe can be easily customized with your favorite toppings.