Description
Chocolate dipped strawberries offer a luxurious French-inspired dessert that merges sweet berries with rich chocolate coating. Romantic and elegant, these treats provide a perfect balance of fruitiness and indulgence for intimate gatherings or special celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate and Strawberries:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 8 ounces (226 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Complementary Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Preparation Tools:
- 1 saucepan
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 wooden cutting board
- 1 jelly roll pan
Instructions
- Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or wax paper, creating a clean surface for the chocolate-dipped strawberries.
- Thoroughly cleanse the strawberries under cool running water, removing any dirt or debris. Gently pat each strawberry completely dry using a clean kitchen towel to prevent water from interfering with chocolate coating.
- Carefully chop high-quality dark or milk chocolate into uniform small pieces using a sharp knife, ensuring even melting. Transfer the chocolate fragments into a heat-resistant glass or ceramic bowl.
- Create a makeshift double boiler by filling a medium saucepan with approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) of water, heating it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Position the bowl of chocolate pieces atop the simmering water, making sure the bottom does not touch the water surface. Stir chocolate consistently using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon.
- Monitor the chocolate’s temperature with an instant-read thermometer, aiming for 118°F (47.8°C). Maintain a smooth, glossy consistency while stirring to prevent burning or seizing.
- Hold each strawberry by its leafy green cap, then delicately immerse it into the melted chocolate, rotating to ensure complete and even coverage.
- Gently tap the strawberry against the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate, allowing a smooth, thin coating to remain.
- Carefully place each chocolate-coated strawberry onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to prevent touching.
- For added visual appeal, consider drizzling contrasting white or milk chocolate over the dark chocolate coating using a small spoon or piping bag.
- Refrigerate the strawberries for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the chocolate to set and create a crisp, glossy shell.
- Remove from refrigerator and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain optimal freshness.
Notes
- Start with bone-dry strawberries to prevent chocolate from seizing or becoming grainy.
- Chop high-quality chocolate into tiny, uniform pieces for smooth melting and consistent texture.
- Create a gentle water bath using a small saucepan, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch water directly to prevent burning.
- Monitor chocolate temperature carefully, aiming for 118°F to achieve a glossy, professional-looking finish.
- Dip strawberries quickly and smoothly, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl for clean, elegant coating.
- Chill dipped berries briefly to set chocolate and create a satisfying snap when biting into them.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: <1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg