DIY Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Learn how to make aesthetic chocolate dipped strawberries for any occasion in just a few easy steps! Originally published February 2017. Last updated February 2023.

Making a Valentine's Day gift at home this year? Let me teach you how to make chocolate covered berries like a professional in just a few minutes from the comfort of your home kitchen. Plus my secret tips for how to make chocolate dipped strawberries look fancy.

If you enjoy this recipe, you'll also love my date caramel chocolate snicker bars, strawberry brownies or strawberry cream cheese sheet cake!

What You'll Need for this Recipe

Just like the recipe, your ingredient list is short and sweet. Here's what to add to your grocery list.

• Chocolate is a given. I use baking chocolate or chocolate chips for the best melt. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate work well, in my experience. and so does white chocolate, however, it burns much more quickly.
• Coconut Oil helps smooth out the chocolate and keeps it in a liquid state long enough for dipping. You can use another kind of oil if you don't have coconut oil on hand.
• Strawberries, of course. Fresh strawberries are what works best here. Check out my tips for spotting the best ones in the produce section below!

Tips & Tools

Grab a bowl for the melted chocolate. You'll want to use a smaller bowl that has a rounded slope and is at least five inches deep. This ensures you have a nice pool of chocolate to dip into over time without the berries hitting the bottom. So skip wide and shallow vessels with flat bottoms like tupperware.

Also grab some wax paper to place the berries on so they can dry without sticking. I like to line a sheet pan with the wax paper for easy transfer into the refrigerator, if needed.

How to prepare strawberries for dipping in chocolate? To prep the berries, rinse in cold water with a teaspoon of white vinegar or fruit and veggie wash to clean. Pat them dry to make sure the chocolate will stick well.

Which kind of chocolate is best? I recommend using chocolate chips or baking chocolate over those ready made melt bowls for the primary dip. These candy melts are more prone to burning, you have to check them more frequently when melting, and they don't stay liquid for as long. I will use the wafer melts to add layers or decorations, though.

How to store? Store strawberries dipped in chocolate in the refrigerator. They'll keep for about a week this way. Storing them in an airtight container is not a requirement however, it will help prevent the berries from picking up other scents and flavors in the fridge.

Can I freeze chocolate covered strawberries? Yes, for up to three months. Just keep in mind that they won't thaw out to the same plump texture and presentation. Freezing chocolate berries works well if you want to keep them on hand for a snack, though!

Picking Strawberries for Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Look for strawberries that are bright or dark red. Texture-wise, they should be slightly soft but not mushy. They will have just a slight give when gently squeezed. This indicates they are ripe, sweet, and juicy. Look for berries that are uniform in size for the best presentation. But I personally find that different sizes are natural and perfectly ok.

Decorating Chocolate Berries for Holidays

There's lots of room to get creative with colors, toppings, and presentation depending on the occasion. I've made funfetti chocolate covered strawberries for birthday parties and chocolate covered berries for Christmas with red and green sprinkles and crushed candy canes!

Here are are few decoration ideas to get you started.

• Cake Crumbs
• Chopped Nuts
• Cocoa Powder
• Crushed Candy
• Flake Coconut
• Mini Chocolate Chips
• Peppermint Crunch
• Sprinkles

How to Serve

For years, my friends and family members hit me up to create homemade fruit arrangements for Valentine's Day. Here are creative ways to serve chocolate covered strawberries year round!

Add the berries to other desserts: I love putting homemade white chocolate covered strawberries on top of my red velvet cake.

Homemade box of chocolate covered strawberries: Place each berry in a cupcake liner and display them in a gift box lined with tissue paper and wax paper.

DIY romantic fruit arrangements: Make a chocolate-covered strawberry bouquet by inserting a bamboo skewer into the hull (leaf end) of each decorated berry and arranging them in a box.

Edible fruit display: These centerpieces are always a hit at parties and chocolate strawberries make them even more special.

More Favorite Romantic Recipes

Bubbly Whiskey Cocktail

Cheese Plate for Two People

Red Wine Sorbet

Strawberries & Champagne Donuts

Valentine's Dessert Board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First, wash the strawberries then pat dry and lay them out on wax paper.

2. Set out your toppings in small bowls or plates so they'll be ready for dipping.

3. Heat the chocolate and oil in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each to check the chocolate and prevent burning.

4. Carefully dip each strawberry into the chocolate then into the toppings and decorations of your choice.

5. Set each decorated berry on wax paper to allow the chocolate to harden and dry.

I challenge you to put your spin on a DIY chocolate covered fruit arrangement with these tips. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Recipe

📖 Recipe