Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hearts

Name: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hearts
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 pieces
Ingredients: 12 medium-sized fresh strawberries; 200g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa); 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for shine); Sea salt (for topping, optional)

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Recipes

I absolutely adore making Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hearts for special occasions! These delightful treats are not only visually stunning but also remarkably easy to prepare. With a glossy chocolate coating and fresh strawberries at their core, every bite is a heavenly combination of sweetness and fruitiness. Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or simply indulging on a casual afternoon, these little hearts bring joy to any moment. Plus, the vibrant colors make them the perfect centerpiece for gatherings!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-16T14:38:28.790Z

When I first attempted making Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hearts, I was pleasantly surprised by how easily I could transform simple ingredients into an impressive dessert. I learned that using high-quality chocolate not only elevates the flavor but also improves the texture, giving that perfect snap when you bite into it. Melting the chocolate over a double boiler ensures a smooth, glossy finish that looks irresistible.

As I experimented, I found that adding a dash of sea salt to the melted chocolate enhances the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. This simple step turned my good treats into something extraordinary. I always make extra to share with friends and family!

        Why You'll Love These Hearts
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Easy to make and perfect for sharing
Great for any celebration or as a sweet treat

      

The Importance of Strawberry Selection

Choosing the right strawberries can elevate your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hearts to the next level. Look for medium-sized strawberries that are firm, plump, and free of blemishes. The best strawberries for this recipe are local or in-season ones, as they tend to be sweeter and have a vibrant color. Pay attention to their fragrance; the sweeter the smell, the better the flavor will be. Strawberries should be a deep red color, indicating ripeness, which is crucial for achieving a delicious fruitiness that balances the rich chocolate.

For those who may not have fresh strawberries available, frozen strawberries could be an option, but keep in mind that they may not hold their shape as well once thawed. If using frozen, choose ones that are unprocessed and avoid any that have been in syrup. For a fun twist, consider using other fruits such as banana slices or pineapple chunks to create a variety of chocolate-dipped treats.

Getting the Chocolate Just Right

Melting chocolate can be tricky if not done properly. When using a double boiler, ensure that the water is simmering gently and not boiling vigorously; steam can cause the chocolate to seize. Stir the chocolate occasionally to promote even melting until glossy and smooth, taking care not to let water get into the bowl as even a drop can ruin the consistency. If using the microwave, melt it in 15-second increments, stirring in between, to prevent scorching and clumping.

If you like a glossy finish on your strawberries, I highly recommend adding coconut oil to the chocolate. The oil thins the chocolate slightly, making it easier to dip, and gives it a beautiful sheen once set. If coconut oil isn’t on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or cocoa butter for a similar effect. Just remember to use high-quality chocolate; the cocoa percentage should be at least 70% for rich flavor and better tempering.

Presenting Your Chocolate-Covered Hearts

Presentation can make a significant difference, especially when it comes to something as visually appealing as Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hearts. Once your strawberries have set, you can arrange them on a decorative platter or in small heart-shaped boxes for gifting. Consider garnishing with additional toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles before the chocolate hardens for a festive touch. Using a parchment-lined baking sheet not only prevents sticking but also allows for easy cleanup.

These treats can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, for the best taste and texture, I recommend enjoying them within the first 24 hours. If you plan to serve them at an event, consider preparing them the day before, making sure to allow ample time for the chocolate to set completely for the best results.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for delightful Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hearts:

Ingredients

12 medium-sized fresh strawberries
200g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for shine)
Sea salt (for topping, optional)

Once you have everything ready, you're all set to create these delicious treats!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hearts:

Prepare the Strawberries

Wash the strawberries gently under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Ensure they are completely dry before proceeding, as moisture can prevent the chocolate from adhering properly.

Melt the Chocolate

In a medium bowl, combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil (if using). Melt over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts (15 seconds intervals), stirring until smooth.

Dip the Strawberries

Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the strawberry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the chocolate-covered strawberries while the chocolate is still wet. This adds a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate.

Chill and Serve

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate set. Once hardened, serve it directly or arrange them nicely on a platter.

Enjoy your beautiful and delicious Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hearts!

Pro Tips

For extra decoration, consider drizzling white chocolate over the finished strawberries for a beautiful contrast. Also, make sure to use strawberries that are at their peak ripeness for the best flavor.

Troubleshooting Chocolate Dipping

If you find that the chocolate isn’t sticking well to the strawberries, it could be due to moisture. Make sure that the strawberries are thoroughly dried after washing. To test the melted chocolate, dip a few strawberries to see if the chocolate adheres nicely; if it's too thick, you may need to rewarm it gently or add a bit more coconut oil. Remember, chocolate should coat the strawberries smoothly without dripping excessively.

Sometimes, after chilling, you might encounter white streaks on the chocolate surface. This is known as 'chocolate bloom' and occurs when the chocolate is improperly stored. To avoid this, maintain a consistent temperature when melting and cooling your chocolate, and store it properly in a cool, dry place.

Flavor Variations and Enhancements

For a special twist, consider flavoring your chocolate by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder or a drop of vanilla extract as you melt it. These additions not only enhance the chocolate's flavor but also add depth to the overall taste experience. You could also try using white chocolate for a sweeter variation, or blend dark and white chocolate for a marbled effect on the strawberries.

If you like a bit of crunch, try rolling the chocolate-covered strawberries in finely chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers, or toasted coconut before allowing the chocolate to set. These toppings not only add texture but also create an appealing visual contrast against the dark chocolate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate is a great alternative, but it will result in a sweeter flavor.

→ How do I store the chocolate-covered strawberries?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours for optimal freshness.

→ Can I freeze Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hearts?

It's not recommended as freezing can cause the strawberries to become mushy once thawed.

→ What other fruits can be used instead of strawberries?

You can try bananas, raspberries, or even pineapple chunks, but be sure to adapt the dipping method slightly for larger fruits.