Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe – Easy Coconut Oil Hack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe – Easy Coconut Oil Hack

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a super simple, yet incredibly impressive dessert, you have to try these chocolate covered strawberries. Seriously, they look fancy, but they’re so easy to make – even my little niece loves helping me with this one! I first made these for a Valentine’s Day treat, and they’ve been a hit ever since. Plus, I’ve got a little secret weapon to make the chocolate extra smooth and glossy… let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chocolate covered strawberries are the perfect treat for so many occasions. They’re quick to whip up (ready in under 20 minutes!), require minimal ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a romantic gesture, a fun activity with the kids, or a sweet addition to a festive spread, these strawberries are guaranteed to bring a smile. And honestly, who doesn’t love chocolate and strawberries?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful treats:

• 1 pound (about 450g) fresh strawberries
• 1 cup (about 170g) dark/milk/white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) coconut oil
• Toppings (sprinkles, chopped nuts, desiccated coconut, etc.) – get creative!

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec. The strawberries should be ripe but firm – you don’t want them to be mushy!

Now, about that coconut oil… this is my little secret! Adding just a teaspoon to the melting chocolate gives it the most beautiful shine and a super smooth texture. Trust me, it makes a huge difference. You can use refined or unrefined coconut oil, but refined won’t impart a coconut flavour if you prefer.

As for the chocolate, the choice is yours! Dark chocolate offers a rich, intense flavour, milk chocolate is classic and creamy, and white chocolate is wonderfully sweet. I personally love using a mix of dark and milk chocolate for a beautiful contrast. Feel free to experiment!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking!

1. Wash and dry: First things first, wash your strawberries thoroughly and completely pat them dry. Any water will cause the chocolate to seize up, and nobody wants that!
2. Melt the chocolate: Now, let’s melt the chocolate. You can use a double boiler or the microwave. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Once melted, stir in the coconut oil until it’s fully incorporated.
3. Dip the strawberries: Time for the fun part! Hold a strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat it evenly.
4. Add toppings: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle on your favourite toppings. Sprinkles, chopped nuts, a dusting of cocoa powder… the possibilities are endless!
5. Set and enjoy: Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is set. Then, enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to take your chocolate covered strawberries to the next level? Here are a few tips:

• Tempering (optional): For a truly professional finish, you can temper the chocolate. This involves carefully heating and cooling the chocolate to stabilize the cocoa butter. It’s a bit more involved, but worth it if you’re aiming for perfection.
• Preventing blooming: Chocolate “blooming” (those white streaks) happens when the chocolate isn’t stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
• Smooth coating: Ensure your strawberries are completely dry before dipping. A dry surface helps the chocolate adhere smoothly.

Variations

Let’s get creative! Here are a few ways to spice things up:

• Vegan Chocolate Options: Use vegan chocolate chips for a plant-based treat. There are some amazing options available now!
• Different Topping Ideas: Beyond sprinkles and nuts, try shredded coconut, crushed cookies, sea salt flakes, or even edible glitter.
• Spice Infusion – Chili Chocolate Strawberries: Add a pinch of chili powder to the melted chocolate for a surprising kick! My friend, Priya, swears by this – it’s her signature treat.
• Festival Adaptations – Valentine’s Day, Diwali gifting: For Valentine’s Day, use pink sprinkles and heart-shaped toppings. For Diwali, use silver varak (edible silver leaf) and colourful sprinkles.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate covered strawberries are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:

• A glass of sparkling wine or champagne
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• A simple fruit salad

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chocolate covered strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, as the strawberries may start to soften over time.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of chocolate is best for dipping strawberries?

Honestly, it’s up to you! Dark, milk, and white chocolate all work beautifully. Choose your favourite, or mix and match for a fun flavour combination.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?

The biggest culprit is water! Make sure your strawberries are completely dry before dipping. Also, avoid getting any water into the melted chocolate.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can! They’re best made within a few hours of serving, but you can prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

How long do chocolate covered strawberries last?

They’re best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but the quality will decline as the strawberries soften.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate without burning it?

Low and slow is the key! Use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently. Patience is your friend here!

Enjoy making (and eating!) these delicious chocolate covered strawberries. Let me know in the comments how yours turn out!