Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberries

I used to think chocolate dipped strawberries were only for fancy occasions. These days, I make them on a random Tuesday night when I want something sweet but don’t want to fuss in the kitchen. This recipe was originally developed by Jenn Wong.

The Ingredients

Refer to the recipe card for exact quantities.

• Strawberries: Fresh, at room temperature, and completely dry.
• Vegan chocolate: Use a good-quality chocolate made with cocoa butter, like semi-sweet chips by Guittard or Trader Joe’s. Dark or white both work.
• Coconut oil (optional): A drop gives you a thinner, smoother coating, but I leave it out to keep costs down. You don’t need it.

For Stuffed Strawberries

For a fun twist, fill the strawberries before dipping. Try vegan chocolate spread, Biscoff, peanut or almond butter, dairy-free ganache, or a vegan cheesecake filling. Remove the stem and core with a melon baller or paring knife, then fill each berry with a piping bag or small spoon, using about ½ to 1 teaspoon per large berry.

Best Vegan Chocolate for Dipping

Lots of brands make dairy-free chocolate chips, including Enjoy Life, Pascha, Hu Kitchen, Lily’s Sweets (dark varieties), Guittard (Akoma line), Equal Exchange, No Whey! Foods, Chatfield’s, and MiiRo. Some store brands are vegan too, like Trader Joe’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips.

Always check the label, since ingredients can change. Skip anything that lists milk, milk solids, milkfat, butter oil, or whey. Dark chocolate is often dairy-free, but not always.

How to Make Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

PRO TIP: For a crisp, snappy coating, temper the chocolate before dipping.

Serve them on their own, or use them to top vegan vanilla cupcakes, the middle of a strawberry upside down cake, or easy strawberry bread. They’re also great alongside a strawberry banana milkshake.

Common Problems To Avoid

• Chocolate won’t stick or turns lumpy: Water is almost always the cause. Make sure the strawberries are completely dry and at room temperature, or the chocolate can seize.
• Chocolate gets too thick: If it starts to thicken between berries, warm it again briefly, or keep it over a double boiler while you dip.
• Smudged coating: Don’t stack them while they set or in storage.

How to Decorate Chocolate Covered Strawberries

DIY chocolate dipped strawberries can be adapted for any occasion: Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Halloween, baby showers, date night, and more.

• Vegan chocolate drizzle: In the same or a contrasting type of chocolate.
• Marbled vegan chocolate: Swirl two types of non-dairy chocolate before dipping.
• Mini vegan chocolate chips or sprinkles: Sprinkled on or dipped into.
• Chopped nuts: Almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, and more.
• Crushed cookies: Like Oreos, Biscoff, graham crackers, or pretzels.
• Crushed candy: Like peppermints or crushed vegan M&M’s.
• Freeze-dried berries.
• Coconut: Shredded or flakes, raw or toasted.
• Edible glitter or gold leaf: For a touch of elegance, added once the chocolate has set.
• Flaky sea salt.

You can also color white chocolate with oil-based coloring.

Try It With Other Fruit

The same method works with other fruit. One reader made these with raspberries and coconut flakes for her kids’ first day of school. You can also try banana slices, orange segments, or dried apricots. Just make sure the fruit is completely dry before dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Best timing: They’re best enjoyed within 24 hours, so for Valentine’s Day or a party, make them the same day or the day before.
• Store: Keep leftovers in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Avoid stacking them so the coating doesn’t get blemished.

Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberry FAQs