If you have a sweet tooth and love elegant, yet simple treats, this Gourmet Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe is your new best friend. Juicy, fresh strawberries meet rich, smooth chocolate in a match made in dessert heaven. Whether you want to impress guests, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a luscious snack, these strawberries deliver a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. Preparing them is easier than you might think, and the luxurious results will make every bite feel like a mini celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe comes from just a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final product. Quality matters here: fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness and juiciness, while the choice of chocolate sets the richness and depth of flavor. Together, these ingredients keep things deliciously simple and naturally stunning.
- 10 ounce package Ghirardelli Baking Chips (Bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate): Premium chocolate chips ensure a smooth, glossy coating that melts perfectly and tastes decadent.
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries (stems attached): Fresh berries with stems make dipping easier and keep the strawberries juicy and flavorful.
How to Make Gourmet Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
Step 1: Wash and Dry the Strawberries
Start by giving your strawberries a gentle rinse to remove any dirt or residue. Then, dry them VERY well—the drying step is crucial. You want no water droplets left on the berries because chocolate and even a small amount of moisture don’t get along, leading to a clumpy coating instead of smooth and glossy chocolate.
Step 2: Prepare Your Toppings and Workstation
If you’re feeling adventurous, set out some crunchy or flavorful toppings like crushed nuts or shredded coconut on small plates. Also, line a sheet pan with parchment paper to place your dipped strawberries on. This setup helps with a quick and neat finish to the process.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Melt the Ghirardelli chocolate either using a double boiler or the microwave. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid overheating or burning the chocolate. Stirring frequently helps create that glossy, silky texture that clings beautifully to the strawberries.
Step 4: Dip the Strawberries
Grab each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate. Lift and give it a slight twist so excess chocolate drips back into the bowl. If you want to add toppings like coconut or nuts, dip the strawberry immediately after removing it from the chocolate. Place each dipped strawberry gently on the parchment-lined sheet.
Step 5: Add White Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)
For a fancy finishing touch, melt some white chocolate the same way and use a fork to drizzle it over the dipped strawberries. This adds a lovely visual contrast and a hint of extra sweetness that brightens every bite.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Pop the strawberries into the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to harden. About 15 minutes is enough for that satisfying snap when you bite into them. After chilling, they’re ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Gourmet Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your strawberries with a pinch of flaky sea salt or edible gold dust to elevate their elegance and bring out complex flavors. Fresh mint leaves on the serving platter enhance the freshness and presentation, making every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair these chocolate covered strawberries with a glass of bubbly champagne or a rich dessert wine to amplify their gourmet appeal. For a lighter option, a bowl of mixed berries or a simple vanilla bean yogurt offers balance without overshadowing the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the strawberries in a pretty, tiered dessert tray or in individual, clear gift boxes if you’re handing them out as favors. For a romantic touch, place them on heart-shaped serving plates or nestle them around edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store them in a single layer in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
Freezing chocolate covered strawberries is possible but not ideal as the texture of strawberries changes once frozen and thawed. If you choose to freeze, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a sealed container. Consume within a month for best results.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled treat, reheating is not recommended as it softens the chocolate coating. Instead, enjoy them fresh or straight out of the fridge for the perfect balance of cool fruit and crisp chocolate shell.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate for this Gourmet Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe?
Absolutely! Bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate all work wonderfully. The choice depends on your personal preference for sweetness and intensity.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?
Make sure your utensils and bowls are completely dry, and melt the chocolate slowly in short intervals, stirring frequently. Water or steam can cause clumping, so patience here is key.
Can I make these strawberries vegan?
Yes! Simply use dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips and ensure your toppings are plant-based. The strawberries themselves are naturally vegan, making this treat easy to adapt.
What toppings work best on chocolate covered strawberries?
Classic choices include crushed nuts, shredded coconut, and sprinkles, but you can get creative with sea salt, freeze-dried raspberry bits, or even edible glitter for an extra touch of glamour.
How long can I store chocolate covered strawberries?
For the best texture and flavor, consume them within 1 to 2 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. They are freshest and most enjoyable when eaten soon after making.
Final Thoughts
This Gourmet Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe is one of those rare delights that looks stunning, tastes incredible, and is surprisingly straightforward to make. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone you love, these berries bring a touch of elegance to any moment. Don’t hesitate to dive in and customize them your way—once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re such a treasured classic.
Print
Gourmet Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these gourmet chocolate covered strawberries, perfectly juicy and coated in rich, melted Ghirardelli chocolate. Ideal for elegant gatherings or a sweet indulgence, these treats combine fresh strawberries with smooth bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate and optional toppings like crushed nuts or coconut for a luscious finish.
Ingredients
Chocolate
- 10 ounce package Ghirardelli Baking Chips (Bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate) (285 g)
Fruit
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries (stems attached)
Optional Toppings
- Crushed nuts (as desired)
- Coconut flakes (as desired)
Instructions
- Wash and dry strawberries: Rinse the strawberries thoroughly and then dry them very well with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Ensuring the strawberries are completely dry is crucial because moisture prevents the chocolate from adhering properly.
- Prepare toppings and workspace: If using toppings like crushed nuts or coconut, place a handful of each on separate small plates for easy dipping. Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper to place the dipped strawberries on.
- Melt the chocolate: Melt the Ghirardelli baking chips using a double boiler or microwave. For the microwave, heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat to avoid burning.
- Dip strawberries in chocolate: Hold each strawberry by its stem and dip it into the melted chocolate. Lift and twist slightly to let excess chocolate drip off back into the bowl. Optionally, immediately dip the chocolate-covered strawberry in toppings like crushed nuts or coconut, or leave plain. Then place the strawberry on the parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Drizzle with white chocolate (optional): To add a white chocolate drizzle, melt white chocolate using the same method. Dip a fork into the melted white chocolate and lightly drizzle it over the dipped strawberries for a decorative touch.
- Chill to set: Place the dipped strawberries in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate hardens and sets completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are thoroughly dried for best chocolate adherence.
- Use high-quality chocolate for optimal flavor and smooth texture.
- Experiment with toppings such as crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or sprinkles for variety.
- Store finished strawberries in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for freshness.
- For easiest removal, use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
