Strawberry Hearts
Chocolate-dipped strawberry hearts are a delightful treat for any occasion, perfect for spring and summer celebrations. These hand-held dessert delights combine fresh strawberries with rich chocolate for a charming and sweet experience.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries (medium to large) Buy firm, ripe strawberries — they should be bright red with fresh green caps and no bruises.
- 2 cups dark or milk chocolate chips Use milk chocolate for a sweeter finish or dark chocolate for a richer taste.
Equipment
- 1 unit small, sharp paring knife For carving
- 1 unit wooden skewers or popsicle sticks For handling the strawberries
- 1 unit microwave-safe bowl For melting the chocolate
- 1 unit parchment paper or silicone baking mat For setting the dipped strawberries
- 1 unit baking tray or plate For setting the strawberries
- 1 unit small offset spatula or spoon Optional for drizzling chocolate
- 1 unit kitchen thermometer Optional but helpful for tempering chocolate
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse and gently pat dry fresh strawberries, ensuring they are completely dry.
- Using a small, sharp knife, carve out the stem of the strawberry in a circular motion.
- Slice the strawberry in half for symmetrical halves.
- At the top center of each berry half, cut a small V-shape to create the notch for the heart.
- Insert a wooden stick at the bottom of the heart shape to secure the half.
Melting Chocolate
- Heat chocolate chips in the microwave for 30 seconds, stirring in between until melted and smooth.
- Alternatively, melt chocolate using a double boiler over gently simmering water.
Dipping & Setting
- Dip strawberries in melted chocolate, tilting the bowl to coat as preferred.
- Place dipped strawberries on parchment paper and allow them to set at room temperature.
- For faster setting, chill briefly in the fridge for 6–10 minutes.
Notes
To keep fresh strawberries from sweating, store in a single layer in an airtight container lined with parchment. Best consumed within 24–48 hours.