Chocolate-covered strawberries 101

From flavour pairings to ensuring a glossy coating, embrace the classic combination of chocolate and strawberries for a simple yet impressive summer treat.

Fresh, juicy strawberries encased in a crisp shell of cacao-rich chocolate — what could be a more refreshing summer nibble? Or perhaps you prefer the contrast of chilled fruit with a warming bowl of silky-smooth melted chocolate. Either way, there’s something about this classic combination that we just can’t get enough of. Whilst chocolate-covered strawberries may be a fairly straightforward concept, they deliver a burst of flavour and delightful textures with every bite.

It’s also worth noting that not all chocolate strawberries are created equal. That’s why, from choosing the best ingredients to melting your chocolate so it sticks perfectly to your berries, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on creating the best chocolate-covered strawberry treats.

Strawberries and chocolate: An unbeatable flavour pairing

Together, chocolate and fruit create a harmony of flavours. Our chocolatiers adore exploring the combination of fruit’s tangy sweetness and cacao’s deep, nuanced profiles. From zesty orange chocolate to the uplifting tartness of our Pineapple and Yuzu Chocolate Selectors, we’re always intrigued to see where these fruity chocolate pairings will take us.

However, we also recognise that some flavour combinations are classic for a reason — just like strawberry chocolate.

But why do strawberries and chocolate go so well together? Much of the appeal comes from the contrast of flavours. Ripe strawberries have a natural sweetness and juicy texture that compliments the deep yet gentle bitterness of dark chocolate and the light creaminess of white chocolate. When brought together in a truffle, filled chocolate, or macaron, these ingredients strike a beautiful balance.

Moreover, when you put chocolate and strawberries together in their purest form, as chocolate-dipped strawberries, their properties shine in a whole new light.

When to enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries

You might be wondering what occasion calls for chocolate strawberries, and there’s no denying that these bitesize delights have a romantic connotation. Engaging all the senses, they make a wonderful addition to any date night — particularly when eaten as part of a chocolate fondue.

However, chocolate-covered strawberries can be a fantastic treat for any occasion. When left to set in the fridge, they can be the ideal dessert option for a picnic. From dinner party light bites to baby shower and birthday party platters, they’re a versatile choice — and a real crowd-pleaser.

As you’ll see, you can also adapt your chocolate strawberries to suit any theme or event.

Choosing the best chocolate for dipped strawberries

What kind of chocolate is best for chocolate-covered strawberries? Much of this is down to personal preference and the combination of flavour notes and textures you want to achieve, However, as with any type of chocolate-dipped treat, we always recommend looking for a top-quality chocolate that contains a high cacao content.

The variety you go for is up to you. Here’s our take on choosing the best chocolate variety for strawberries:

• Milk chocolate: A classic option for chocolate-dipped strawberries, milk chocolate strikes an ideal balance between cacao depth and mellow malty notes. We suggest looking for milk chocolate that has a minimum of 40% cacao to ensure a nuanced flavour profile.

• Dark chocolate: If you prefer even more depth, try 70% or 85% dark chocolate. The higher cacao percentage brings a delightful bitter edge that holds its own against the fruit’s sweetness for a sophisticated tasting experience.

• White chocolate: The creamy texture and hint of vanilla sweetness make white chocolate a beautiful strawberry companion. Evoking the flavour of strawberries and cream, it makes the ultimate treat for a British summer picnic.
  
  At Hotel Chocolat, we use a minimum of 36% cacao butter in our white chocolate for a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
  
• Flavoured chocolate: Although you can use flavoured chocolate for your strawberries, you may find it overpowers the fruit, creating confusion for your taste buds. We find it’s best to enjoy mint chocolate, chilli chocolate, and other varieties on their own to get the most of the unique profiles.

Chocolate chips vs chocolate bars

Once you’ve decided which variety of chocolate you’d like to pair with your strawberries, what about the structure? Using chocolate chips can be tempting as you may wonder if they melt more quickly than chocolate bars.

However, many chocolate chips contain ingredients to help them keep their shape. These additions can affect the taste and texture of your melted chocolate. Instead, look for solid cooking chocolate made with authentic ingredients and a high cacao content. Our Slabs and Batons are perfect for nibbling, but they also melt beautifully into a glossy texture that will envelop your strawberries.

Should strawberries be cold before dipping in chocolate?

Strawberries contain a lot of water, and this can affect how well melted chocolate sticks to them. The temperature of your fruit can also affect the end results.

For perfect chocolate strawberries that retain their shape and flavour, use room-temperature fruit. If the strawberries are too cold, you may find that condensation develops, making it more difficult for the chocolate to stick. The cold moisture can cause the chocolate to seize.

With this in mind, dry your strawberries before dipping them in chocolate. Use a sheet of kitchen paper to remove any excess water but dab gently to avoid damaging the fruit.

How to melt chocolate for strawberries

When it comes to melting the chocolate for your strawberries, the well-established bain-marie method is your best bet. Our comprehensive guide to melting chocolate provides all the information and inspiration you need for silky-smooth results, but here are the key details to remember:

1. Break your chocolate up into small pieces of the same size so they melt evenly.

2. When using a bain-marie or double boiler, heat a couple of inches of water in a pan and place a heatproof bowl over the top — there should be a gap between the water and the bottom of the bowl.

3. Place your chocolate in the bowl and warm it on a low heat, stirring regularly.

4. If you use a microwave to melt your chocolate, do so in very short bursts and stir the mixture regularly to prevent it from burning.

5. Stop heating the chocolate while there are still some solid pieces. They’ll continue to melt as you stir and this will prevent the chocolate from boiling or burning.

Should you temper chocolate for strawberries?

Tempering involves heating and then cooling melted chocolate quickly to prevent any crystallisation. It creates a very smooth, glossy coating that provides a snappable bite once chilled.

Tempering your chocolate for dipped strawberries isn’t completely necessary but it will give an elegant, professional finish.

• To temper your chocolate, you’ll need a thermometer to ensure your melted mixture reaches 45°C.
  
• The next step is to cool your chocolate to 27°C, stirring continuously.
  
• You’ll then want to increase the temperature very slightly, and the exact degree will depend on your chocolate type. A general guide is to stick with: 31-32°C for dark chocolate, 30°C for milk chocolate, and 29°C for white chocolate.
  
• You can then use your chocolate for dipping.

Dipping and decorating your chocolate-covered strawberries

Now for the fun part — it’s time to dip your strawberries. If your plan is to enjoy warm melted chocolate, you can set out your fresh fruit along with the bowl of chocolate, and any toppings you want to add. Chopped nuts, sprinkles, or toasted coconut flakes work well.

Use a fork or skewer to hold your strawberry and dip it into the melted chocolate, then into your chosen toppings.

If you’d prefer to set your chocolate, you can follow the same steps, then place your dipped strawberries onto a plate or into individual confectionery cases. The trick here is to dip your fruit quickly for an even coating and apply the toppings before the chocolate has a chance to set.

It can be helpful to use a deep bowl for your melted chocolate, so you can dunk each strawberry, getting a consistent coating,

Another decoration idea is to let your dipped strawberries cool and then set in the fridge before adding a drizzle of a contrasting chocolate type. For example, you can dip your fruit in melted dark chocolate and then add a zig-zag of white chocolate for a sophisticated look and a combination of flavours.

Indulge in fruity delights with Hotel Chocolat

Chocolate-covered strawberries are often overlooked for their simplicity. But while they may be straightforward to whip up, ensuring you start with ripe fruit and top-quality chocolate brimming with cacao can transform these humble bites into a treat that engages the senses.

Embrace the contrast of fruity sweetness and cacao depth with chocolate strawberries made with our premium cooking chocolate.

By Rhian Wood