Gourmet Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
Gourmet Chocolate Covered Strawberries are an elegant and delicious treat perfect for any special occasion or dessert table. Fresh, juicy strawberries are dipped in rich, melted Ghirardelli chocolate and optionally coated with toppings like crushed nuts or coconut. Finished off with an optional drizzle of white chocolate, these easy-to-make confections set quickly in the refrigerator for a stunning, decadent snack or gift.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Chocolate
- 10 ounce package Ghirardelli Baking Chips (Bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate)
- Optional: White chocolate for drizzling
Fruit
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries (stems attached)
Optional Toppings
- Crushed nuts
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly under running water, then dry them very well using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Ensuring that the strawberries are completely dry is critical because any moisture will prevent the chocolate from adhering properly.
- Prepare Toppings and Work Area: If using toppings like crushed nuts or coconut flakes, place them on small plates or shallow bowls for easy dipping. Line a sheet pan or baking tray with parchment paper or waxed paper to place the dipped strawberries on.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler by gently heating over simmering water or microwave the chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent burning. Stir frequently until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Dip Strawberries: Hold a strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate. Lift and twist the strawberry to let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. At this point, you may roll or sprinkle the dipped strawberry in your choice of toppings or leave it plain. Then, place the strawberry on the prepared parchment-lined sheet.
- Drizzle White Chocolate (Optional): Melt white chocolate similarly if desired. Using a fork, dip it into the white chocolate and drizzle it over the dipped strawberries for an elegant finishing touch.
- Set Chocolate: Transfer the sheet pan with the dipped strawberries to the refrigerator and chill for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate has fully set and hardened.
Notes
- Make sure strawberries are completely dry before dipping to ensure chocolate adheres properly.
- You can customize toppings according to your preference, such as crushed pistachios, almonds, or shredded coconut.
- For best results, use high-quality baking chocolate like Ghirardelli for superior taste and texture.
- If white chocolate is used for drizzling, temper it carefully or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning.
- Store chocolate covered strawberries in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
