Strawberries and chocolate are a classic flavor combination that has been enjoyed for decades. The sweetness of the strawberries complements the richness of the chocolate, creating a delicious and indulgent treat.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a classic flavor combination, and their versatility and health benefits have helped them become popular in the food world. Strawberries themselves are a nutritious food, as they are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, also contains antioxidants and has health benefits when consumed in moderation.
So, that’s why we thought a post about strawberries and chocolate would be the best way to kick off this month. It’s perfect for any spring event or just something fresh and healthy to snack on when you desire an indulgent moment.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips on what chocolate to use when making chocolate-covered strawberries, and of course, we have a simple recipe that requires only a few ingredients. You can make it at home with just a few minutes of prep time.
What is the best chocolate for dipping chocolate
The best type of chocolate to use when dipping strawberries is dark chocolate which contains a high percentage of cocoa. Dark chocolate has a richer, more complex flavor than milk chocolate and is less sweet, making it a great complement to the natural sweetness of strawberries.
Use good quality chocolate containing cocoa butter, not vegetable oil or other fat substitutes, for the best texture and flavor. Look for chocolate that has a smooth and glossy appearance, without any gray or white streaks (which can indicate bloomed or out-of-temper chocolate and could make it harder to keep the chocolate on your strawberries looking good).
If you prefer sweeter chocolate, you can try a dark-milk chocolate which has the creaminess of milk chocolate but the flavor intensity of a dark chocolate. You can also use milk or white chocolate if you don’t mind the added sweetness. Some people also like to add a touch of vanilla (use powder rather than extract if possible) or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the chocolate.
Although there are many types of chocolate to choose from, the best chocolate for dipping strawberries is one that you enjoy most and that has a good quality and texture. We encourage you to experiment with different types of dark chocolate to find your favorite!
Dipping chocolate
Couverture chocolate is a type of chocolate that is specifically formulated for dipping or coating foods. It has a thin and smooth consistency that makes it easy to coat food items such as fruits, cookies, pretzels, or marshmallows.
Couverture chocolate is usually made from high-quality chocolate that contains extra cocoa butter, which makes it easy to work with and gives it a smooth and glossy appearance. Some brands of coverture chocolate may also contain vegetable oil or other fats to help thin the chocolate but try to stick with the ones that only contain cocoa butter.
Because of its high cocoa butter content, couverture chocolate has a lower viscosity than other types of chocolate. This makes it easier to work with and ideal for creating thin, smooth, and shiny coatings on truffles, bonbons, and of course strawberries.
Couverture chocolate can be purchased pre-made in the form of chocolate chips, bars, or melting wafers, or it can be made at home by melting chocolate and adding a small amount of cocoa butter to thin it out.
The key feature of couverture chocolate is its ability to temper easily. This means that it can be melted and cooled in a specific way to create a stable, shiny coating.
Here’s how to make dipping chocolate from scratch at home.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (226 g) high-quality chocolate, chopped (dark, milk, or white)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) cocoa butter (or substitute vegetable or coconut oil)
Method:
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until it has melted and is smooth.
- Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the cocoa butter (or substitute oil). This will help thin out the chocolate and make it easier to work with.
- Once the fat is fully incorporated, let the chocolate cool for a few minutes until it is warm but not hot to the touch.
- Dip strawberries into the chocolate, using a fork or skewer to coat them evenly. If you washed your strawberries, make sure they are completely dry before dipping.
- Once the treats are fully coated, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden. You can also add toppings such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt while the chocolate is still wet.
- Let the chocolate cool and harden at room temperature until it is firm.
Enjoy!
Note: You can adjust the amount of chocolate and fatin this recipe depending on how much dipping chocolate you need and the desired thickness of the coating. The ratio of chocolate to added fat is typically 4:1, but you can adjust it to your preference.
Notes:
- Use good quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the bowl and utensils used for melting the chocolate are completely dry (strawberries too!), as any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize or become grainy.
- If the chocolate starts to thicken or harden while dipping, gently reheat it while stirring constantly to thin it out again.
Dipping chocolate with other fruits
Ideally, select a chocolate that works well with the fruit that you are dipping. Some fruits are very sweet while others are sourer. Some fruits are rich in flavor while others act more as a canvas to highlight complementary flavors. Dark chocolate is a good option for those who prefer a less sweet and more intense chocolate flavor, while milk chocolate is milder and sweeter. White chocolate is a good choice for those who prefer a less intense chocolate flavor and want to highlight the fruit’s, natural sweetness.
Many fruits can be dipped in melted chocolate to create a delicious and indulgent treat. Here are some popular options:
- Bananas are deliciously sliced and dipped in chocolate, which can then be frozen for a refreshing snack.
- Pineapple has a sweetness and tartness that can be balanced by a coating of chocolate.
- Apples, especially tart varieties like Granny Smith, can be a great choice for dipping in caramel or chocolate.
- Grapes make a sweet, bite-sized treat when dipped in chocolate.
- Cherries, whether fresh, dried, or maraschino, can be dipped in chocolate for a sweet and indulgent treat.
- Orange slices can be dipped in chocolate to make a refreshing, citrusy treat (don’t cut the slices since the chocolate won’t stick if they are moist).
- Kiwi, a fruit with a tart flavor, can be complemented by a sweet coat of chocolate.
- Mango, dried or fresh, is a sweet and tropical fruit, which can be enhanced by a chocolate coating.
- Melons, such as watermelon or cantaloupe, can be dipped into melted chocolate for a sweet, refreshing treat.
When choosing fruits to dip in chocolate, it’s important to choose fresh and ripe fruit for the best flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate from different origins to find the perfect combination for each fruit.
We hope you enjoyed this article. For more great recipes, check out the rest of our CocoTerra blog. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us through our social media channels.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us through our social media channels. We are @cocoterra_co on Instagram and Pinterest and @cocoterraco on Twitter and Facebook.
