Quick Sugar Free Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Finding a dessert that satisfies your chocolate cravings without loading up on sugar can feel like mission impossible. We’ve all been there – staring at the dessert menu or candy aisle, trying to balance our sweet tooth with healthier choices, especially when managing blood sugar or following a specific eating plan.

That’s where these sugar free chocolate covered strawberries come in: they’re naturally sweet, totally satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, they’re perfect for special occasions or just when you want to treat yourself without the sugar crash later.

What Kind of Strawberries Should I Use?

For chocolate-covered strawberries, you’ll want to look for large, ripe berries that are firm and have a bright red color with fresh green leaves still attached. The strawberries should be completely dry before dipping – any moisture will make the chocolate seize up and become grainy. While any variety of strawberries will work, larger varieties like Driscoll’s or Chandler strawberries are ideal since they’re easier to dip and make for a more impressive presentation. If you’re buying from the grocery store, check the bottom of the container for any moldy or squished berries, and plan to use them within 1-2 days of purchase for the best results.

Options for Substitutions

Making these sugar-free chocolate covered strawberries? Here are some helpful substitution tips:

• Unsweetened baking chocolate: You can swap this with 100% cacao chocolate bars, or use sugar-free chocolate chips (like Lily’s) – just reduce the sweetener by half since these already contain some sweetener.
• Heavy cream: For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut cream (the thick part from a can of coconut milk). Just make sure to shake it well before using.
• Stevia-erythritol mix: Other sugar-free sweeteners like monk fruit blend, allulose, or plain erythritol work too. Start with less and adjust to taste since sweetness levels vary between brands.
• Vitafiber IMO Syrup: If you can’t find this, use sugar-free maple syrup or additional powdered sweetener mixed with a tiny bit of water. The texture might be slightly different but still good!
• Strawberries: While strawberries are classic, you can try this with raspberries or blackberries too. Just make sure any fruit you use is completely dry before dipping.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making sugar-free chocolate covered strawberries is dealing with seized chocolate – this happens when even a tiny drop of water comes into contact with your melted chocolate, turning it into a grainy mess. Make sure your strawberries are completely dry and avoid using wet utensils or getting steam in your chocolate mixture.

Temperature control is crucial – overheating the chocolate can make it thick and unusable, so heat it gradually in 30-second intervals in the microwave or use a double boiler, stirring frequently until just melted. If your chocolate seems too thick, try adding a small amount of coconut oil or additional heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency.

For the smoothest coating, let your strawberries come to room temperature before dipping, and allow the excess chocolate to drip off completely before placing them on parchment paper – rushing this step can lead to messy puddles around your berries. Remember to let them set completely at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator, as sudden temperature changes can cause the chocolate to bloom and look dull.

What to Serve With Chocolate Covered Strawberries?

These sugar-free chocolate covered strawberries make a perfect dessert on their own, but you can turn them into a special dessert board with a few simple additions. Try serving them alongside some sugar-free whipped cream for dipping, or pair them with a handful of mixed nuts like almonds or pecans for some crunch. For a cozy evening treat, these strawberries go really well with a hot cup of coffee or sugar-free hot chocolate. If you’re hosting a party, arrange them on a platter with some sugar-free vanilla cookies or keto-friendly brownies for a dessert spread that everyone can enjoy.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These chocolate-dipped berries are best enjoyed within 24 hours of making them. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. Try not to stack them on top of each other, as this can mess up that pretty chocolate coating!

Short-term Storage: If you need to store them for a bit longer, they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just remember that the strawberries might start releasing moisture after the first day, which can make the chocolate coating a bit less perfect. Line your container with paper towels to help absorb any excess moisture.

Make Ahead: While you can prep your chocolate mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge, I recommend dipping the strawberries the same day you plan to serve them. This way, you’ll get that perfect chocolate coating and fresh berry taste that makes these treats so special!

Preparation Time	20-30 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	40-60 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-650
• Protein: 5-8 g
• Fat: 50-55 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Ingredients

For the chocolate ganache:

• 3 tbsp granulated stevia-erythritol mix (or other preferred sugar substitute)
• 3 tbsp Vitafiber IMO syrup
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (I use pure vanilla extract for best flavor)
• 4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate (finely chopped for easier melting)

For the strawberries:

• 8 oz fresh strawberries (whole with stems still attached)

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate

Begin by placing the chopped chocolate in a medium, heat-resistant bowl.

Set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Create the Cream Mixture

Add heavy whipping cream, granulated stevia/erythritol blend, and Vitafiber IMO Syrup to a small saucepan.

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat, and while stirring frequently, bring the mixture just to a simmer.

Be careful not to boil the cream mixture.

Step 3: Combine and Make Ganache

As soon as the liquid mixture comes to a simmer, promptly remove it from the heat and pour it over the chopped chocolate in your bowl.

Whisk vigorously to combine the chocolate and cream mixture into a smooth ganache.

Add in the vanilla extract and whisk again to incorporate.

Step 4: Thicken the Ganache

Transfer the bowl with the ganache to the refrigerator, leaving it uncovered.

Allow it to chill for about 1/2 hour to 1 hour, or until it’s thickened enough to coat your strawberries effectively.

Step 5: Dip the Strawberries

While the ganache is thickening, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Once the ganache is ready, dip each strawberry into it, ensuring it’s well-coated in the chocolate mixture.

Place each dipped strawberry on the parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Step 6: Set and Store the Strawberries

Refrigerate the strawberries, uncovered, until the ganache hardens into a fudge-like consistency.

Once set, cover them, or transfer to an airtight container for storage to enjoy later.