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Finding the perfect Valentine’s Day treat (or really, any special occasion dessert) that’s both impressive and easy to make can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Between juggling work deadlines, family commitments, and all of life’s other demands, who has time for complicated dessert recipes that require professional pastry skills?
That’s where these chocolate Nutella covered strawberries come to the rescue: they’re incredibly simple to put together, require just a handful of ingredients, and always manage to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Plus, they’re the kind of treat that makes people think you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Nutella Strawberries
- Quick and simple – These treats come together in just 15-25 minutes with only 3 main ingredients – perfect for last-minute desserts or when you’re craving something sweet.
- No baking required – You don’t need to turn on the oven or deal with complicated techniques – just melt, dip, and let them set.
- Customizable toppings – Make them your own by adding coconut, almonds, or any other toppings you love – each bite can be different and exciting.
- Perfect for special occasions – These chocolate-covered strawberries make a lovely dessert for Valentine’s Day, dinner parties, or any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
What Kind of Strawberries Should I Use?
For chocolate-dipped strawberries, you’ll want to look for large, firm berries with bright red color and fresh green leaves still attached. Regular strawberries work great, but if you can find long-stemmed strawberries, they’re even better since the stems make perfect handles for dipping. Fresh is definitely the way to go here – avoid using frozen strawberries since they’ll release too much moisture when thawed and won’t hold the chocolate coating well. Before dipping, make sure your strawberries are completely dry after washing them, as any water droplets will cause the chocolate to seize up. If you’re shopping ahead, pick berries that are just slightly underripe, as they’ll be firmer and last longer in your fridge.
Options for Substitutions
This simple treat is pretty straightforward, but here are some helpful swaps if you need them:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips instead. Just keep in mind that different chocolates may need slightly different melting times – white chocolate especially needs gentle heating to avoid burning.
- Chocolate-hazelnut spread: While Nutella is the most common choice, you can try other nut butter spreads like almond butter or peanut butter mixed with a bit of cocoa powder. Just warm them slightly to get a good dipping consistency.
- Strawberries: If strawberries aren’t in season or available, try using other fruits like banana chunks, orange segments, or even apple slices. Just make sure to pat them dry really well before dipping.
- Optional toppings: Besides almonds and coconut, you can try crushed pistachios, chopped peanuts, sprinkles, or even crushed graham crackers. The possibilities are endless!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making chocolate-covered strawberries is dealing with moisture – make sure your strawberries are completely dry after washing, as even tiny water droplets can make the chocolate seize up and become grainy. Another common mistake is overheating the chocolate mixture – instead, melt it slowly in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval, or use a double boiler on low heat to prevent the chocolate from becoming thick and unusable. If your chocolate coating isn’t setting properly, it’s likely because your strawberries are too cold or too warm – they should be at room temperature before dipping, and then placed immediately in the refrigerator to set. For the smoothest coating, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to your chocolate-Nutella mixture, which helps create that perfect, glossy finish and makes the coating easier to work with.
What to Serve With Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
These chocolate Nutella strawberries are perfect for serving at the end of a romantic dinner or as part of a dessert spread! They pair wonderfully with a glass of champagne or prosecco, and I love serving them alongside some whipped cream for dipping the extra strawberry tops. If you’re putting together a dessert platter, try adding some plain fresh berries, small brownie bites, and maybe some vanilla wafer cookies to create a nice mix of textures and flavors. Since these are pretty rich, having some lighter options on the plate helps balance things out.
Storage Instructions
Keep Cool: These chocolate-covered treats need to be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed within the first 24 hours when the strawberries are still firm and the chocolate coating is perfect.
Serve: Take them out of the fridge about 5-10 minutes before serving to let the chocolate soften slightly – this brings out the best flavor. Just don’t leave them at room temperature for too long, especially on warm days, or the chocolate might start to get too soft.
Make Ahead: While you can prepare these a day ahead for a party or special occasion, I wouldn’t recommend making them too far in advance. Fresh strawberries tend to release moisture over time, which can affect the chocolate coating. For the best results, make them the same day you plan to serve them.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 6-8 g
- Fat: 35-45 g
- Carbohydrates: 75-85 g
Ingredients
- 12 big strawberries
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 generous tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread
- Optional toppings: slivered almonds or shredded coconut
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by washing and thoroughly drying 12 large strawberries.
Ensuring they are completely dry is crucial, as any moisture can interfere with how the chocolate adheres to them.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a small microwave-safe bowl, add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Add Nutella to the Chocolate
Once the chocolate is melted, stir in 2 heaping tablespoons of Nutella.
Mix until the Nutella is smoothly incorporated into the melted chocolate, creating a rich, creamy mixture.
Step 4: Dip the Strawberries
Carefully hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the warm chocolate and Nutella mixture.
Ensure each side of the strawberry is evenly coated with the chocolate.
Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the strawberry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
If desired, sprinkle garnishes like slivered almonds, shredded coconut, or other toppings onto the chocolate-coated strawberries.
Once all strawberries are coated and garnished, place them in the refrigerator to chill until the chocolate hardens and sets completely.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate coating is firm, remove the strawberries from the refrigerator.
Serve them as a delightful treat for yourself or share with others.
Enjoy your deliciously rich chocolate and Nutella covered strawberries!