Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Every Valentine's Day my kids and I indulge in the most decadent treat -- chocolate covered strawberries. Because we love this tradition so much we've even started to make them for Mother's Day too. I mean, let's be real-- you can never have enough chocolate covered strawberries. We're all about the chocolate in my house.

Moreover this simple dessert is ready in minutes. Following these important tips can guarantee you the best results.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries Ingredient Notes

• fresh strawberries – look for firm, bright red berries with the green tops still attached; avoid any that are soft or bruised.
• dairy free chocolate morsels – semi-sweet or dark chocolate both work well; check the label to confirm it's dairy free.
• coconut oil (optional) – a small amount stirred into the melted chocolate makes it silkier and easier to dip with.
• optional toppings – crushed nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of a contrasting chocolate for decoration.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries

1. Wash the strawberries and pat them completely dry – any water on the surface will cause the melted chocolate to seize.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Melt the dairy free chocolate morsels (and coconut oil, if using) in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, or over a double boiler on the stovetop.
4. Holding each strawberry by the stem, dip it into the melted chocolate, twisting slightly to coat and letting the excess drip off.
5. Place the dipped strawberry on the parchment-lined sheet. Add any toppings while the chocolate is still wet.
6. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set, before serving.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• always purchase the best quality strawberries you can find; they'll look better, taste better, and hold up better
• and buy more than you think you'll need. You'll find that some in the carton are mushy or have bruises. These strawberries tend to leak faster and should be avoided.
• also carefully wash and allow your strawberries to dry completely before dipping them. Keep in mind melted chocolate and water are not friends and they don't play well together. Only dip completely dry strawberries in melted chocolate.
• before dipping your strawberries, arrange them on the dish you'll be serving them on. That way you'll know just how many you need. Pro tip -- if I'm serving this dessert at a fancy party, I try to serve strawberries that are similar in size and shape. I dip and keep back the extra large or small strawberries for the kids to enjoy at home.
• melt the dairy free chocolate and coconut oil either in the microwave or over the stove top on low, stirring often until there are no clumps. For every ½ cup of chocolate chip morsels you use add in ½ teaspoon of coconut oil.
• speaking of dairy free choices--
  • semi-sweet morsels taste the best to the kids and I. Let me know in the comments which chocolate you like best.
  • dark chocolate morsels
  • white chocolate morsels -- this chocolate by far gives me the most hassle. If you're using the Simply Delicious White Chocolate morsels, be prepared for some of them not to turn out. The chocolate seems to separate more often. I'm going to keep experimenting with other dairy free white chocolate morsel brands. I will update this when I find one that consistently melts well.
• once the chocolate has melted and is smooth, dip each strawberry to their "shoulder" line
• next gently drag the bottom of each strawberry across the lip of the bowl to remove excess chocolate
• then place the dipped strawberries on parchment-lined baking sheets
• if desired top chocolate covered strawberries with sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, crushed gluten and dairy free "oreo" bits, or even gluten free graham cracker crumbs
• otherwise allow chocolate to harden completely at room temperature
• serve these delicious chocolate covered strawberries OR drizzle them with more melted chocolate.
• to drizzle strawberries with chocolate: after the chocolate on the strawberries has hardened at room temperature, place melted chocolate in a Ziploc bag. Make a small corner cut and drizzle lines back and forth across each strawberry.
• or you can use a Wilton 3 Piping Tip in a disposable icing bag found here to drizzle too. That is to say I've found using the piping tip gives a much cleaner drizzle line.
• then allow chocolate drizzle to harden at room temperature, uncovered until serving
• finally it's super important these dipped strawberries be consumed the day you dip them. Otherwise the chocolate pulls out the liquid from strawberries, and they start to leak and well...they get gross. And we just don't want to go there. So do yourself a big favor and only dip these the day of.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chocolate covered strawberries ahead of time?

They're best made the same day you plan to serve them, since fresh strawberries release moisture over time. If needed, you can dip them up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.

What should I serve with chocolate covered strawberries?

They're a treat on their own, but pair nicely with a cheese board, a glass of dairy free sparkling cider, or alongside other bite-sized desserts on a dessert charcuterie board.

What else can I add to this recipe?

Try drizzling a contrasting chocolate on top, rolling the wet chocolate in crushed nuts or sprinkles, or using white chocolate for a different look.

How do I store chocolate covered strawberries?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They're best enjoyed within a few hours of dipping, since the berries will start to release moisture the longer they sit.

more gluten + dairy free dessert ideas

• heart peanut butter blossom cookies you'll find yourself easily addicted to these adorable and festive cookies. They're a Valentine's must.
• dessert charcuterie board filled with all your favorite desserts and dipping sauces -- all gluten and dairy free
• oreo dipped valentines that are easy and quick to make. These are allergen friendly and perfect for your child's classroom party

In the end this is one dessert you will always look forward to and yet won't be able to get enough of. Honestly, it's always a sad moment when the last chocolate dipped strawberry is consumed. Of course that's why my family is creating more "traditions." So make these a family tradition...every Valentine's and Mother's Day like us.

Likewise let's connect on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. After all you'll want to see my latest gluten and dairy free recipes and new product announcements.

And it goes without saying -- if you found these chocolate covered strawberry tips helpful, please leave me a 5-star rating. Thank you.

Eat well and feel well,

Share for others and save for later!