Discover the delight of homemade Strawberry Cream Chocolates, a simple yet elegant treat perfect for any occasion. This recipe offers a quick way to create luscious, fruit-infused chocolate confections that are both impressive and incredibly satisfying, proving deliciousness doesn’t need to be complicated.
Key Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Chocolates
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces good quality dark chocolate, chopped (or milk/white chocolate, to preference)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
How to Make Strawberry Cream Chocolates
Whip up these delightful Strawberry Cream Chocolates in no time! This recipe is a breeze to make, yielding a perfect balance of sweet, creamy strawberry filling encased in rich chocolate. The preparation time is minimal, making it an ideal last-minute indulgence or a fun weekend project, with a total active time of around 30-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small bowl, mash the fresh strawberries with a fork until they are mostly pureed but still have a few small chunks for texture. You want about ½ cup of mashed strawberry.
- Combine Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Beat it with an electric mixer or a whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sweetness and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the Strawberries: Gently fold the mashed strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain some of the fresh strawberry color and flavor.
- Chill the Filling: Cover the cream cheese and strawberry mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the filling to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Melt the Chocolate: While the filling chills, prepare your chocolate. Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. If using, add the coconut oil for a smoother consistency. Melt the chocolate using one of two methods:
- Microwave Method: Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until it is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
- Double Boiler Method: Fill a small saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the heatproof bowl with the chocolate over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir constantly until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Shape the Filling: Once the strawberry cream cheese filling is firm, scoop small spoonfuls (about 1-1.5 teaspoons) into your hands and gently roll them into small balls. If the mixture is too sticky, you can place it on a parchment-lined plate and chill it for another 15-20 minutes.
- Dip the Chocolates: Using a fork or a toothpick, carefully dip each strawberry cream cheese ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
- Set the Chocolates: Place the dipped chocolates onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. You can gently tap the sheet to help the chocolate spread evenly.
- Decorate (Optional): While the chocolate is still wet, you can sprinkle them with finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries, a tiny pinch of sea salt, or even some edible glitter for an extra touch of elegance.
- Chill to Set: Once all chocolates are dipped, place the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, carefully remove the Strawberry Cream Chocolates from the parchment paper. They are ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Chocolates
You’ll adore these Strawberry Cream Chocolates for their absolutely divine combination of bright, fresh strawberry flavor melded with a ridiculously creamy, rich chocolate shell. Unlike store-bought versions that can be overly sweet or artificial tasting, these homemade gems put you in control, offering a superior, authentic fruit taste without the premium price tag. The velvety smooth cream cheese filling, kissed with real strawberry essence, provides a delightful contrast to the satisfying snap of the dark chocolate, making each bite a truly decadent experience.
Imagine the joy of unwrapping these exquisite little bites, knowing you created them with love and fresh ingredients. They are perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party, as a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply as a personal indulgence to brighten your day. Give these Strawberry Cream Chocolates a try and discover your new favorite homemade treat – your taste buds (and your wallet!) will thank you.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These delightful Strawberry Cream Chocolates are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. The chilling process helps to maintain the integrity of both the chocolate shell and the creamy filling.
Due to the cream cheese filling, these chocolates are not meant to be reheated. If you find they have become slightly soft at room temperature, simply pop them back into the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to firm them up before serving again. Freezing is also an option for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Cream Chocolates truly embody simple elegance and delicious flavor. We encourage you to give this recipe a whirl; you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a luxurious treat at home. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Strawberry Cream Chocolates
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, mash the fresh strawberries with a fork until they are mostly pureed but still have a few small chunks for texture. You want about ½ cup of mashed strawberry.1 cup fresh strawberries
- In a separate medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Beat it with an electric mixer or a whisk until smooth and creamy.4 ounces cream cheese
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.4 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gently fold the mashed strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain some of the fresh strawberry color and flavor.4 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup fresh strawberries
- Cover the cream cheese and strawberry mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the filling to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.
- While the filling chills, prepare your chocolate. Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. If using, add the coconut oil for a smoother consistency. Melt the chocolate using one of two methods: Microwave Method: Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until it is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat. Double Boiler Method: Fill a small saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the heatproof bowl with the chocolate over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir constantly until the chocolate is melted and smooth.8 ounces good quality dark chocolate, 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Once the strawberry cream cheese filling is firm, scoop small spoonfuls (about 1-1.5 teaspoons) into your hands and gently roll them into small balls. If the mixture is too sticky, you can place it on a parchment-lined plate and chill it for another 15-20 minutes.
- Using a fork or a toothpick, carefully dip each strawberry cream cheese ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.8 ounces good quality dark chocolate
- Place the dipped chocolates onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. You can gently tap the sheet to help the chocolate spread evenly.
- While the chocolate is still wet, you can sprinkle them with finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries, a tiny pinch of sea salt, or even some edible glitter for an extra touch of elegance.
- Once all chocolates are dipped, place the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened.
- Once set, carefully remove the Strawberry Cream Chocolates from the parchment paper. They are ready to be enjoyed!