Looking for an adorable and incredibly easy way to impress your guests this Thanksgiving? Our Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys are the perfect solution! This delightful recipe transforms simple strawberries into charming Thanksgiving characters, making them a fun and festive addition to any holiday table. They are incredibly simple to make and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Key Ingredients for Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried
- 12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or a combination of your favorites)
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
- Candy corn, for turkey beaks and wattle (you’ll need about 20-30 pieces)
- Small candy eyes (about 20-30) or edible marker
- Optional: White chocolate chips for drizzling or adding details
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys
Get ready for a no-bake wonder that’s as fun to create as it is to eat! These Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys are ridiculously simple to assemble, requiring minimal prep time and no oven skills whatsoever. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of these whimsical treats ready to dazzle. The rich chocolate coating paired with the burst of fresh strawberry is utterly satisfying, making them a truly delightful edible craft. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, plus chilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries: Start by gently washing your fresh strawberries. It’s crucial that they are completely dry before dipping them in chocolate. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels or let them air dry for a bit. This ensures the chocolate adheres properly and sets with a nice, smooth finish. Leave the green tops (stems) on; these will act as the “body” of your turkey.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips with the optional coconut oil or shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler over simmering water, stirring constantly until smooth.
Coat the Strawberries: Holding a strawberry by its green top, dip it into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Make sure to coat about two-thirds of the strawberry, leaving the green leafy tops exposed. Place the chocolate-covered strawberry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process with all of your strawberries.
Add the Turkey Facial Features: While the chocolate is still wet, it’s time to bring your turkeys to life! For the beak, carefully place two pieces of candy corn very close together on the wider, chocolate-covered end of the strawberry. For the wattle, place a single piece of candy corn just below the candy corn beak. If you prefer, you can use a small dab of melted white chocolate to secure the candy corn if it doesn’t stick easily.
Create the Eyes: Gently press two small candy eyes into the chocolate above the beak. If you don’t have candy eyes, you can use a dab of melted white chocolate and a tiny black dot from an edible marker for a simpler eye. You can also use two very tiny pieces of candy corn for a more rustic look.
Chill to Set: Once all your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys are decorated, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set. This step is essential for ensuring the chocolate coating holds its shape and the decorations stay in place.
Optional Drizzle: For an extra touch of flair, you can melt a small amount of white chocolate and drizzle it over some of the turkeys. This can mimic feathers or simply add a decorative swirl.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys
These adorable Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys are more than just a treat; they’re a miniature edible masterpiece that will charm everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering. The creamy, decadent chocolate beautifully complements the naturally sweet and juicy strawberry, creating a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible. Making these at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to purchasing store-bought festive treats, allowing you to create a show-stopping dessert without breaking the bank. Plus, the customizable candy corn features and sweet strawberry base make them a uniquely flavorful and visually stunning addition to any dessert spread, far surpassing the ordinary candy apple.
Imagine the smiles as your guests discover these fun, fruity, and chocolatey characters! They offer a healthier and more wholesome alternative to many sugary holiday candies, and the burst of fresh, ripe strawberry offers a refreshing counterpoint to richer Thanksgiving fare. If you enjoy making fun, festive treats like chocolate-covered pretzels or decorated sugar cookies, you’ll absolutely adore the simplicity and charm of these Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys. So why not add a touch of playful elegance to your holiday table this year? Give these festive little turkeys a try – your taste buds, and your guests, will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys looking and tasting their best, proper storage is key. Once the chocolate has fully set, store them in a single layer on a wax-lined or parchment-lined airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making them, as fresh strawberries can become softer over time. Avoid stacking them, as this can cause the chocolate to crack or the decorations to fall off. Since these are fresh fruit dipped in chocolate, they are not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the strawberry will change significantly upon thawing. They are meant to be enjoyed fresh!
Final Thoughts
Our Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys are an absolute delight, offering a perfect blend of festive charm and delicious flavor. We encourage you to give this simple recipe a try for your next holiday gathering; it’s sure to be a memorable and cherished sweet treat!
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by gently washing your fresh strawberries. It’s crucial that they are completely dry before dipping them in chocolate. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels or let them air dry for a bit. Leave the green tops (stems) on; these will act as the “body” of your turkey.1 pound fresh strawberries
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips with the optional coconut oil or shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler over simmering water, stirring constantly until smooth.12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- Holding a strawberry by its green top, dip it into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Make sure to coat about two-thirds of the strawberry, leaving the green leafy tops exposed. Place the chocolate-covered strawberry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process with all of your strawberries.1 pound fresh strawberries
- While the chocolate is still wet, it’s time to bring your turkeys to life! For the beak, carefully place two pieces of candy corn very close together on the wider, chocolate-covered end of the strawberry. For the wattle, place a single piece of candy corn just below the candy corn beak. If you prefer, you can use a small dab of melted white chocolate to secure the candy corn if it doesn’t stick easily.20-30 candy corn, White chocolate chips
- Gently press two small candy eyes into the chocolate above the beak. If you don’t have candy eyes, you can use a dab of melted white chocolate and a tiny black dot from an edible marker for a simpler eye. You can also use two very tiny pieces of candy corn for a more rustic look.20-30 small candy eyes, White chocolate chips, 20-30 candy corn
- Once all your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys are decorated, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
- For an extra touch of flair, you can melt a small amount of white chocolate and drizzle it over some of the turkeys. This can mimic feathers or simply add a decorative swirl.White chocolate chips