Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries with Sea Salt
Okay, so picture this: you bite into a juicy, ruby-red strawberry, then get hit with a luscious wave of rich, dark chocolate—and just when you think it can’t get better, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt crunches on your tongue. Pure bliss, right? I can scarcely wait to share this recipe with you because it’s the perfect combo of sweet, bittersweet, and savory that feels fancy but is oh-so-easy to make at home. Plus, it’s practically foolproof, with just a handful of ingredients and zero baking involved. I’ll spill my best tips for getting that glossy, smooth chocolate coating every single time, so you can impress friends or indulge solo whenever the craving hits.
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting chocolate)
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including chilling)
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries (about 12–16 berries), washed and dried
- 6 ounces dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa recommended), chopped or chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smooth melting)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
How I Make It
Step 1:
First things first: make sure your strawberries are completely dry. Any water will make the chocolate seize up and ruin that beautiful shine. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to rest your dipped strawberries on.
Step 2:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and the 1 teaspoon of oil (this keeps the chocolate silky and easier to dip). Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Step 3:
Hold each strawberry by the stem or a toothpick, dip it into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat evenly. Let any excess drip off before placing it on the parchment paper.
Step 4:
While the chocolate coating is still soft, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This is the magic touch that balances out the bitterness and sweetness.
Step 5:
Once all strawberries are dipped and salted, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator to chill for about 15 minutes, until the chocolate sets completely.
Step 6:
When ready to serve, arrange your strawberries on a pretty plate and watch how quickly they disappear—trust me, these are dangerously addictive.
Variations & Tips
- Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate for a sweeter twist.
- Add finely chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes immediately after dipping for extra texture.
- If chocolate seizes, stir in a teaspoon of warm heavy cream to rescue it.
- Use high-quality sea salt flakes like Maldon for the best crunch and flavor.
- Don’t wash strawberries until right before use to avoid excess moisture.
- For a fun presentation, drizzle white chocolate over the dark dipped strawberries.
How I Like to Serve It
These beauties are perfect for Valentine’s Day, a cozy night in, or a special party dessert platter. Pair them with a glass of bubbly or your favorite red wine to up the indulgence. They also make for charming, edible gifts—just package them in a pretty box with parchment!
Notes
- Store leftovers in a single layer in the fridge up to 2 days; best eaten fresh.
- Reheat the chocolate gently if needed, but avoid water contact.
Closing: Seriously, once you nail this recipe, these sweet-and-salty delights become your go-to for instant mood boosts and impressing anyone lucky enough to share.