Tips for making the best dipped strawberries

Every year I make dipped strawberries at home. Usually, it is for Valentine’s day, but there are other occasions I will find a reason to enjoy some strawberries dipped in a bath of chocolate. Although dipping strawberries is a relatively easy process and recipe, there are tips you can follow to make them look pretty and last longer.

It took me a few years to master the perfectly dipped strawberry, but it was worth the patience. As easy as this process is for someone who makes them often, I get asked how I make mine frequently.  Those candy companies aren’t making twenty bucks on half-dozen chocolate-dipped strawberry purchases for nothing! There is a reason they charge so much, and a reason people buy them.

They are good.  And they are like artwork. Candy artwork.

Chocolate covered strawberries

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST DIPPED STRAWBERRIES:

  • Purchase the strawberries within 2-3 days before use.  Make sure they aren’t too ripe (soft).  A bright red (not dark red) with a white top, near the stem, is the best ripeness for dipping.
  • Select strawberries that have the leaves still on them.  This will make it easier for dipping and look best for presentation.
  • Do not purchase strawberries from a refrigerated case or store them in the fridge. Room temperature strawberries are essential to avoid “sweating” after they are dipped.
  • Wash strawberries immediately and allow them to air dry. I usually do this the day below I dip them, to allow enough drying time.

HOW TO DIP & DECORATE STRAWBERRIES: 

  • Choose a good quality dipping chocolate (Wilton’s candy melts work well!).  If you’d like to double-dip the strawberries, select two different types of chocolate (typically I do a white and dark chocolate combo).
  • You can purchase dipping tools to dip the strawberries, however, I generally I just hold the strawberry by the leaves to dip.
  • Use a sheet pan, layered with parchment (or wax) paper, to let dipped strawberries dry.
  • Start by melting chocolate in a glass measuring cup (this works best for me) or in a double-boiler or in a pan over hot water. Dip strawberry, pointed end down until emerged so that just a little bit of the red is still showing.  Set on the lined sheet pan to dry.
  •  Adding a small amount of oil to the melted chocolate gives the melted chocolate a smoother, glazy texture and appearance.
  • If you are doing a second dip with another chocolate, be sure that the first layer has had time to dry before dipping a second time.
  • Do not refrigerate (to avoid the “sweating” the strawberries).
Dipped strawberries drying

DECORATING DIPPED STRAWBERRIES  OPTIONS:

There are a number of ways you can decorate chocolate-covered strawberries, you will want to make sure you sprinkle or drip the chocolate-covered strawberry with these options before the chocolate dries.

  • Sprinkles (a variety of sprinkles can be used to add color or to fit a holiday theme)
  • Chopped nuts (almonds and peanuts work well)
  • Coconut flakes
  • Crushed Oreos
  • Crushed vanilla wafers
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Kraft Caramel Bits (melted in the microwave and drizzled on)
  • Crushed peppermint candies

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Other posts you might enjoy:

Raspberry Danish Recipe

The Best Fudge Brownies Ever! – recipe

Mini Cherry Pies – recipe

6 Comments

  • Kelly
    Posted 03/02/2020 2:06 pm 0Likes

    Those look beautiful!

  • Georgia
    Posted 03/02/2020 2:47 pm 0Likes

    I think you’ve answered my “sweaty” strawberry problem. I’ll have to try this again to surprise my husband! 🙂

    • Jamie
      Posted 03/03/2020 10:06 am 0Likes

      Oh good! I’m glad it’s a useful tip!

  • Breanne Barger
    Posted 03/02/2020 5:43 pm 0Likes

    Dipped strawberries are so good. Never thought of adding extras like cookie crumbles. Great tip.

    • Jamie
      Posted 03/03/2020 10:06 am 0Likes

      Our kids like the Oreo cookie crumbles on them!

  • Sierra
    Posted 03/03/2020 10:41 am 0Likes

    Yum these look delicious!

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