Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Covered Strawberries: An Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these exquisite chocolate hazelnut covered strawberries! You’re just three simple ingredients away from crafting a dessert that is both incredibly easy to make and utterly decadent. These delightful treats are perfect for elevating any occasion, transforming fresh strawberries into a luxurious experience with minimal effort.
Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day surprise, a cozy date night in, a celebratory party dessert, or simply craving a sophisticated sweet treat, these chocolate hazelnut covered strawberries are your go-to. They effortlessly combine elegance with simplicity, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or break the bank to create something truly special. The classic pairing of rich chocolate and juicy strawberries is taken to the next level with a generous coating of crunchy, aromatic hazelnuts, making them virtually irresistible.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about making a dessert; it’s about creating an experience. Here’s why these chocolate hazelnut covered strawberries will become a staple in your repertoire:
- Effortless Elegance: With only three main ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll produce a dessert that looks like it came from a gourmet patisserie.
- Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries, rich, melted chocolate, and nutty, toasted hazelnuts creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is truly divine.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From intimate romantic evenings to grand celebrations, these strawberries fit right in. They’re impressive yet approachable.
- Quick & Easy: The entire process, from prep to setting, takes under 30 minutes, with active preparation time being less than 10 minutes. This makes them ideal for last-minute treats.
- Customizable: While the core recipe is perfect as is, it also offers fantastic opportunities for customization, allowing you to tailor them to your preference or occasion.
The Magic of Just 3 Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. High-quality ingredients are key to achieving the best flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, firm, and vibrant red strawberries. Look for berries with bright green caps, which indicate freshness. Make sure to wash them thoroughly and, most importantly, dry them completely before dipping. Any moisture will cause the chocolate to seize or create a bumpy coating. Washing them 1-2 hours in advance and letting them air dry on paper towels is a great strategy.
- Quality Chocolate for Dipping: The type of chocolate you choose will significantly impact the final taste. Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate is highly recommended as it balances the sweetness of the strawberries and hazelnuts beautifully. Avoid using chocolate chips, as they contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting smoothly. Instead, opt for baking bars or high-quality chocolate callets (couverture). Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) can also be used for a more intense flavor.
- Hazelnuts: These nuts add a delightful crunch and a distinct, buttery flavor that complements chocolate perfectly. Whole, raw hazelnuts are ideal as you’ll toast them yourself to bring out their full aroma and make them easier to chop. Once toasted and cooled, they provide the perfect textural contrast to the smooth chocolate and soft strawberry.
Crafting Your Decadent Strawberries: Less Than 10 Minutes Active Time!
Get ready, because creating this impressive dessert is surprisingly quick and straightforward. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps:
- Toast Your Hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become fragrant and their skins start to crack. This step is crucial as toasting enhances their nutty flavor. Once toasted, let them cool completely. For a cleaner look and a less bitter taste, you can rub the cooled hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel to remove most of their skins before chopping.
- Chop the Hazelnuts: Once cooled, finely chop the toasted hazelnuts. You can use a sharp knife and cutting board for a more rustic texture or a food processor for a finer, more uniform chop. Place the chopped hazelnuts in a shallow dish, ready for rolling.
- Melt the Chocolate: The key to smooth, glossy chocolate is proper melting.
- Double Boiler Method: Place your chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Stir occasionally until the chocolate is mostly melted, with just a few small lumps remaining. Remove from heat and continue stirring until completely smooth.
- Microwave Method: Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can burn quickly in the microwave.
Let the melted chocolate cool slightly; it should be warm enough to be liquid but not so hot that it “cooks” the strawberries.
- Dip and Roll the Strawberries: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Hold a clean, dry strawberry by its green stem. Dip it into the melted chocolate, twirling gently to coat about two-thirds of the berry. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Immediately roll the chocolate-coated strawberry in the chopped hazelnuts, ensuring a generous and even coating. Place the finished strawberry onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining strawberries.
- Allow Chocolate to Set: Let the chocolate-covered strawberries sit at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden. If you’re short on time or prefer a firmer set, you can chill them in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes.
Tips for Chocolate Strawberry Perfection
Achieving perfectly coated strawberries every time is easy with these simple tips:
- Dry Strawberries Are Essential: We can’t stress this enough! Moisture is the enemy of melted chocolate. Ensure your strawberries are completely dry after washing.
- Choose the Right Chocolate: As mentioned, opt for good quality baking chocolate bars or couverture. Chocolate chips often contain less cocoa butter and more stabilizers, making them less ideal for smooth dipping and setting. Brands like Baker’s Chocolate bars are a good choice.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your melted chocolate isn’t too hot (which can make it seize or thin out too much) and not too cool (which can make it too thick and clumpy). It should be warm and fluid.
- Work Quickly: Once the chocolate is melted, work efficiently to dip the strawberries before the chocolate begins to cool and thicken.
- Even Coating: When rolling in hazelnuts, ensure an even layer for consistent texture and visual appeal.
- Storage: Store covered at room temperature if your berries are very fresh and ripe, or in the refrigerator if you need them to last longer or if your kitchen is warm. They are best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Creative Variations & Customizations
While the classic chocolate hazelnut combination is divine, don’t hesitate to get creative:
- Nutty Alternatives: Instead of hazelnuts, try crushed almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Decorative Drizzles: After the chocolate-hazelnut layer has set, drizzle melted white chocolate or a contrasting dark chocolate over the strawberries for an artistic touch.
- Sprinkles and Sparkles: Before the chocolate fully sets, sprinkle on edible glitter, colorful sprinkles, or cocoa nibs for extra flair and texture.
- Coconut Delight: Roll the chocolate-dipped strawberries in toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Spiced Chocolate: Infuse your melted chocolate with a pinch of cinnamon, chili powder, or a hint of orange zest for an adventurous flavor.
More Chocolate and Strawberry Recipes to Fall in Love With
If you’re a fan of the timeless pairing of chocolate and strawberries, you’ll adore these other delightful recipes:
- Strawberry Chocolate Fool: A light and airy dessert that perfectly balances fruity and rich flavors.
- Chocolate Zabaglione (Chocolate Wine Sauce) with Strawberries: An elegant, boozy chocolate sauce that pairs exquisitely with fresh berries.
- Chocolate and Strawberry Tiramisu Trifle: A stunning layered dessert that combines coffee-soaked ladyfingers with chocolate and strawberries.
Shop Tools for This Recipe
To make your chocolate hazelnut covered strawberries experience even smoother, here are a few tools that come in handy:
Chocolate Hazelnut Covered Strawberries
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Ingredients
- ½ cup hazelnuts (60 grams)
- 6 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate , chopped (170 grams)
- 1 lb whole strawberries (455 grams)
Instructions
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Toast hazelnuts in a 350°F oven until fragrant and just beginning to turn brown, about 5-6 minutes. Let cool completely, then finely chop and place in a shallow dish.
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In a double boiler, or in a heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan pan filled with water, melt chocolate over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat just when a few lumps remain and stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
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Line a sheet pan with parchment or wax paper.
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Hold strawberries by the stem and dip into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Immediately roll in the hazelnuts and place on the prepared sheet pan. Let sit until chocolate is hard, about 20 minutes. You can chill in the fridge to set faster.
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Depending on how ripe your berries are, store them covered at room temperature or in the fridge. They are best enjoyed within 1-2 days.
Notes
NOTES
- Make sure berries are completely dry before dipping. Wash 1-2 hours ahead of time and let dry on paper towels.
- For best results, do not use chocolate chips. They are made to hold their shape when heated and may not melt well. I like to use Baker’s Chocolate bars.
In conclusion, these chocolate hazelnut covered strawberries offer a delightful blend of simplicity and sophistication. They are a testament to how easily you can create a truly memorable dessert with just a few quality ingredients and a little bit of care. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply treating yourself, these irresistible berries are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite decadent treat!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Diamond of California as part of a long-term culinary ambassadorship. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I love and believe in, which make Completely Delicious possible. All opinions are always 100% my own.
To find more great recipes using nuts, visit the Diamond Nuts website. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.