Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate dipped strawberries are my go-to treat year-round. They are super simple, quick, and the perfect pairing of flavors for a snack or dessert. They can be dressed up in sprinkles, drizzled in extra chocolate, coated with crushed cookies or nuts, or served as is for a delicious date-night in dessert.
Chocolate barks (and candy melts) are convenient but often loaded with fillers. Make a better dipping chocolate at home with just 2 ingredients: chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. The added fat from the shortening makes the chocolate harden completely and set smooth (instead of streaky).
This homemade dipping chocolate can be made with whatever chocolate you like– though unsweetened chocolate would be a little bitter. I’ve found semi-sweet, milk, and white chocolate chips to be the best options. Chopped chocolate bars work, too!
For Homemade Chocolate Covered Strawberries, you’ll need:
- 1 c of your favorite chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable shortening
- 1 lb. container of fresh strawberries
- About 20 minutes start to finish
You may not use all of the chocolate, depending on the size of your strawberries. I recommend having a few pretzels, banana slices, or peanuts handy to use up the rest of the chocolate 😉
Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Equipment
- wax paper
- medium sheet tray
- microwaveable bowl
Ingredients
- 1 c chocolate chips, any (semi-sweet, milk, white)
- 1 tbsp vegetable shortening
- 1 lb strawberries, with caps
- Optional: sprinkles, crushed cookies, nuts, or chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
Prep Ingredients:
- Wash strawberries and let dry on paper towels. Line a medium sheet tray with wax paper.
- Combine the chocolate chips and shortening in a medium microwaveable bowl. Microwave on half power until mixture is melted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir after every 30 seconds to avoid burning. Mixture should be shiny and smooth.
Dip the Strawberries:
- Strawberries should be completely dried before dipping. Holding by the cap, dip a strawberry into chocolate until mostly covered. Hold strawberry above dip to let excess chocolate drain. Set covered strawberry onto wax paper and avoid moving. Repeat with remaining strawberries. leaving 1 inch between each berry.
- Optional: if decorating the strawberries is desired, set up a second bowl/tray for toppings. Sprinkle toppings onto the strawberries with a spoon or by hand after they are dipped. Working over a second bowl keeps decorations out of the dipping chocolate.
- Place tray of berries in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up before serving. Serve immediately or refrigerate, uncovered, for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Look for firm strawberries, free of blemishes and soft spots.
- Avoid all moisture in the dipping chocolate– melting bowl should be clean and dry and all berries should be completely dried with a paper towel before dipping. Moisture can cause chocolate to streak more easily.
- Drain off as much excess chocolate as possible for better presentation (excess will pool on the wax paper if not drained).
- Leaving stems/caps on the berries makes them prettier, plus it’s easier to dip and eat them.
Nutrition
I can’t be the only one who loves chocolate covered strawberries year-round?! I don’t know why they’re marketed only to Valentine’s Day or why grocery stores always sell them for $1 or more each. Making your own chocolate covered strawberries at home is so easy and of course, a little cheaper 🙂 I hope you find the tips helpful and enjoy this simple recipe! And if you’re like me and you enjoy making chocolate covered strawberries yourself, let me know your favorite topping!
Have a great week, friends! Keep up with me on Instagram (@thedachshundmom) and stay tuned for more homemade goodies!
-Emma