Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 70 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $72.15 total, $6.01 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Strawberries (large, ripe, washed and patted dry)
- 8 oz Dark Chocolate (70% cacao bittersweet) (chopped into small uniform pieces)
- 8 oz White Chocolate or Candy Melt (can be white chocolate or a candy coating; chopped if solid)
- 2 tbsp Sanding Sugar (colored sanding sugar for sparkle; optional)
- 0.25 drop Gel Food Coloring (pink) (optional, to tint candy melt)
- 1 piece Piping Bag (disposable or reusable)
- 1 piece Piping Tip (size 1 or 2) (for fine drizzle; optional)
- 1 piece Skewer (metal or wooden, for lifting and decorating)
- 1 piece Glass Bowl (heat‑proof, for melting chocolate over steam)
- 1 sheet Parchment Paper (for setting dipped strawberries)
Instructions
Prepare Strawberries
Rinse the strawberries, hull them if desired, and pat completely dry with paper towels. Keep them refrigerated until ready to dip.
Time: PT5M
Chop Chocolate
Finely chop the dark chocolate and white chocolate (or candy melt) into uniform pieces so they melt quickly and evenly.
Time: PT5M
Melt Dark Chocolate
Set up a double boiler: bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer, place the glass bowl over it ensuring the water does not touch the bowl. Add the dark chocolate pieces and stir for 90‑120 seconds until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Melt White Chocolate / Candy Melt
Repeat the double‑boiler method with the white chocolate or candy melt, stirring until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Transfer Melted Chocolates
Pour the melted dark chocolate into a glass container and the white chocolate (or candy melt) into a separate glass container for easy dipping.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Piping Bags
Fit a piping bag with a snipped tip (or a size 1/2 tip) and fill it with the white chocolate for drizzling. Set aside.
Time: PT2M
Tint Candy Melt (Optional)
Add a quarter drop of pink gel food coloring to the candy melt and stir until evenly colored.
Time: PT1M
Set Up Dipping Station
Arrange a sheet of parchment paper on a tray, place the glass containers of chocolate within easy reach, and have the strawberries ready.
Time: PT2M
Dip Strawberries
Holding each strawberry by the stem, dip it into the desired chocolate, gently rotate to coat, and let excess drip off. Place the coated strawberry on the parchment paper.
Time: PT10M
Decorate
Using the piping bag, drizzle contrasting chocolate, add sanding sugar, or create tuxedo designs by first coating with white chocolate and then adding dark chocolate accents. Drag a skewer through the chocolate for stripe or spider‑web effects.
Time: PT10M
Set Chocolate
Allow the decorated strawberries to sit at room temperature for 15‑20 minutes, or place the tray in the refrigerator for 5‑7 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
Time: PT15M
Serve
Arrange the finished strawberries on a platter and serve immediately, optionally paired with champagne.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 70
- Protein
- 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Milk, Soy, Chocolate, Strawberries
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Strawberries: fresh raspberries
- Instead of Dark Chocolate (70% cacao bittersweet): semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips
- Instead of White Chocolate or Candy Melt: white chocolate chips, candy coating
- Instead of Sanding Sugar: colored sprinkles
- Instead of Piping Bag: plastic zip‑top bag
- Instead of Skewer: fork
- Instead of Parchment Paper: silicone baking mat
Equipment Needed
- Double Boiler
- Glass Bowl
- Microwave (optional)
- Piping Bag
- Piping Tip (size 1 or 2) (optional)
- Skewer
- Small Spoon
- Parchment Paper
- Spatula (optional)
- Plate or Tray
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Chop chocolate into uniform pieces for even melting.
- Melt chocolate using a double boiler without allowing water to touch the chocolate.
- Dry strawberries completely before dipping to prevent chocolate seizing.
- Allow excess chocolate to drip off before setting to avoid clumps.
- Let the chocolate set fully before serving.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a heat‑proof glass bowl; glass conducts heat evenly and lets you see the chocolate melt.
- Dry strawberries with a clean kitchen towel and then a paper towel for best results.
- For a glossy finish, brush the dipped strawberries with a thin layer of melted chocolate after the first coat has set.
- If you want extra sparkle, sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter instead of sanding sugar.
Troubleshooting
Chocolate seizes or becomes grainy.
If water got into the chocolate, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and stir vigorously, or start over with fresh chocolate.
Strawberries are too wet and chocolate slides off.
Pat the strawberries dry again, and if needed, let them air‑dry for a few minutes before dipping.
Chocolate does not harden quickly.
Place the tray in the refrigerator for 5‑7 minutes or use candy melt, which sets faster than pure chocolate.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Chocolate may firm up; let sit at room temperature 5 minutes before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when frozen and thawed.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed within 2 hours of setting; after that chocolate may soften.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Melt the chocolate up to 24 hours ahead and store in a glass container in the refrigerator; rewarm gently before dipping.
- Prepare the piping bags and tinted candy melt in advance.
- Dry strawberries thoroughly and keep them refrigerated until just before dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chocolate-covered strawberries in American Valentine's Day celebrations?
Chocolate-covered strawberries became popular in the United States during the mid‑20th century as a romantic, bite‑size treat for Valentine's Day. The combination of sweet fruit and indulgent chocolate symbolizes love and luxury, making it a staple at romantic dinners and holiday gift baskets.
What are the traditional regional variations of chocolate-covered strawberries in American cuisine?
While the classic version uses dark or milk chocolate, regional twists include adding white chocolate drizzles in the Pacific Northwest, using candy melt for a quicker set in the South, and incorporating flavored sanding sugars in New England for festive color.
How is chocolate-covered strawberries traditionally served in the United States?
They are typically arranged on a decorative platter, often paired with champagne or sparkling wine. In upscale settings they may be garnished with edible gold leaf or fresh mint, while casual gatherings serve them on parchment paper for easy cleanup.
What occasions or celebrations are chocolate-covered strawberries traditionally associated with in American culture?
They are most commonly served on Valentine's Day, anniversaries, bridal showers, and as a romantic appetizer for dinner parties. They also appear at holiday brunches and as a sweet addition to cocktail receptions.
What makes chocolate-covered strawberries special or unique in American dessert tradition?
The dish combines fresh fruit with a rich chocolate coating, offering contrasting textures and flavors in a single bite. Its simplicity, visual appeal, and ability to be customized with drizzles or toppings set it apart from other fruit desserts.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chocolate-covered strawberries from the Preppy Kitchen video?
Common errors include not drying the strawberries completely, allowing water to touch the chocolate, overheating the chocolate, and letting excess chocolate drip onto the parchment, which creates uneven coating. Following the double‑boiler method and using a glass bowl prevents most issues.
Why does this Preppy Kitchen recipe use a double boiler instead of direct heat for melting chocolate?
A double boiler provides gentle, indirect heat that melts chocolate evenly without scorching. Direct heat can cause the chocolate to seize or burn, which would ruin the smooth coating needed for a glossy finish.
Can I make chocolate-covered strawberries ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can dip and decorate them up to 24 hours in advance. Store the finished strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator; let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving to restore the ideal texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chocolate coating is properly set?
The chocolate should be firm to the touch, with a glossy surface and no tackiness. When you gently press a fingertip on the edge, it should snap cleanly without smearing.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, specializes in approachable, visually appealing home cooking tutorials that focus on seasonal dishes, quick desserts, and elegant plating for everyday celebrations.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to dessert recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen emphasizes simple, step‑by‑step techniques with a focus on visual presentation and creative variations, often using everyday kitchen tools like piping bags and skewers. The channel blends casual conversation with polished filming, making gourmet‑looking desserts feel accessible.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
