Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries is a easy American recipe that serves 36. 1800 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 17 min | Cook: 43 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $12.30 total, $0.34 per serving
Ingredients
- 36 pieces Strawberries (large, ripe; washed and thoroughly patted dry)
- 12 oz Dark Chocolate (chopped into uniform small pieces; can use dark chocolate chips)
- 8 oz White Candy Melts (not true white chocolate; chopped into small pieces)
- 2 tsp Coconut Oil (optional; adds shine and thins chocolate if needed)
- 1 sheet Parchment Paper (to line baking sheet so chocolate doesn’t stick)
Instructions
Wash and Dry Strawberries
Place strawberries in a large bowl, rinse under cool water, then pat each berry completely dry with paper towels. Any remaining moisture will cause chocolate to seize.
Time: PT10M
Chop Chocolate
Measure 12 oz dark chocolate and 8 oz white candy melts. Using a cutting board and sharp knife, chop each into uniform small pieces to ensure even melting.
Time: PT5M
Melt Dark Chocolate
Place dark chocolate pieces in a microwave‑safe bowl. Microwave in 30‑second bursts at half power, stirring between bursts, until smooth and silky.
Time: PT5M
Melt White Candy Melts
Set a saucepan with about 2 inches of water to a low simmer. Place a heat‑proof bowl on top (bowl must not touch water). Add white candy melt pieces, stirring gently until fully melted. Remove from heat before a rolling boil.
Time: PT8M
Warm Dipping Bowls
Fill a second pot with hot (not boiling) water. Submerge the small dipping bowls for a few seconds, then dry. Warm bowls keep chocolate fluid longer.
Time: PT2M
Dip Strawberries
Holding a strawberry by the stem, dip it into the dark chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place on parchment‑lined baking sheet. Repeat for desired amount, then repeat with white chocolate for the remaining berries or for a tuxedo effect.
Time: PT10M
Set Chocolate
Allow the dipped strawberries to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or place the sheet in the refrigerator for up to 4–8 hours until the coating hardens.
Time: PT15M
Drizzle and Decorate
Transfer any remaining chocolate to a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a snipped corner). Drizzle contrasting chocolate over the set strawberries. For tuxedo details, use a toothpick to dot tiny white “buttons” on the dark‑coated side.
Time: PT5M
Final Set and Serve
Let the decorated strawberries firm for another 5 minutes. Serve on a platter or store as directed.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 1800
- Protein
- 2 g per strawberry
- Carbohydrates
- 6 g per strawberry
- Fat
- 3 g per strawberry
- Fiber
- 1 g per strawberry
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Milk, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Strawberries: Raspberries, Cherries
- Instead of Dark Chocolate: Semi‑sweet chocolate, Chocolate chips
- Instead of White Candy Melts: White chocolate chips, White couverture
- Instead of Coconut Oil: Vegetable shortening, Butter
- Instead of Parchment Paper: Silicone baking mat
Equipment Needed
- Large Bowl
- Paper Towels or Clean Kitchen Towel
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Microwave (optional)
- Saucepan (for double boiler)
- Heat‑proof Bowl
- Small Dipping Bowl
- Piping Bag or Ziploc Bag (optional)
- Baking Sheet
- Toothpick or Small Skewer (optional)
- Tongs or Fork
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensure strawberries are completely dry before dipping.
- Chop chocolate into uniform pieces for even melting.
- Do not let water touch the chocolate bowl during double‑boiler melting.
- Keep chocolate at a low temperature; avoid overheating white chocolate.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a shallow dish of parchment paper for easy removal of excess chocolate.
- For a glossy finish, add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the dark chocolate before melting.
Troubleshooting
Chocolate becomes grainy or seizes.
Remove from heat immediately, add a teaspoon of coconut oil, and whisk vigorously until smooth.
Chocolate sets too quickly and cracks.
Warm the dipping bowl in a hot‑water bath and work in a cooler room; add a little more oil to thin the coating.
Strawberries won’t stick to chocolate.
Make sure they are completely dry; pat any moisture away before dipping.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; chocolate coating may develop bloom.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours in a cool environment.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dip and set strawberries a day ahead; keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prepare chocolate and keep it warm in a thermos or insulated bowl to speed up later batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chocolate covered strawberries in American dessert tradition?
Chocolate covered strawberries became popular in the United States during the 1960s after a Chicago gourmet shop called Stop & Shop introduced them as an elegant, bite‑size treat, and they have since become a staple for Valentine's Day and romantic celebrations.
What are the traditional regional variations of chocolate covered strawberries in American cuisine?
While the classic version uses dark chocolate, many regions add white chocolate drizzles, colorful sprinkles, or a "tuxedo" style with both dark and white coatings. Some Southern cooks incorporate crushed nuts or coconut for added texture.
How is chocolate covered strawberries traditionally served in the United States during Valentine's Day?
They are typically arranged on a decorative platter or in a gift box, sometimes layered with parchment paper, and presented as a romantic gesture. The strawberries are often kept chilled until serving to maintain the glossy chocolate coating.
What occasions or celebrations are chocolate covered strawberries traditionally associated with in American culture?
Valentine's Day, anniversaries, bridal showers, and holiday gift‑giving are the most common occasions where chocolate covered strawberries are served as a sweet, elegant treat.
What makes chocolate covered strawberries special or unique in American dessert cuisine?
The combination of fresh, juicy fruit with a rich chocolate coating offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart, while the bite‑size format makes them easy to share and present beautifully, setting them apart from larger desserts.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chocolate covered strawberries on Preppy Kitchen?
Common errors include not drying the berries completely, overheating the white chocolate, and using bowls that get water into the chocolate. Each of these can cause the coating to seize or crack.
Why does this Preppy Kitchen recipe use a double‑boiler for white candy melts instead of a microwave?
White candy melts are more prone to scorching; a gentle double‑boiler provides steady, indirect heat that melts them evenly without burning, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish.
Can I make chocolate covered strawberries ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, dip and set the strawberries, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chocolate coating is properly set?
The coating should be firm to the touch, glossy, and crack‑free. When you gently tap a strawberry, the chocolate should not dent or smear.
How do I know when the chocolate is done melting and ready for dipping?
The chocolate is ready when it is completely smooth, fluid, and free of lumps, with a silk‑like sheen. Stirring should be effortless and the mixture should coat the back of a spoon evenly.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specializes in quick, stylish, and approachable home‑cooking tutorials that focus on modern twists of classic dishes, often featuring seasonal ingredients and elegant plating ideas.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen emphasizes minimal equipment, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and practical tips for home cooks, while many other channels may rely on more complex techniques or professional‑grade tools. The channel also highlights budget‑friendly ingredient swaps.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
