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These Valentine’s Strawberries with dark chocolate are surprisingly easy, and perfect for Valentine’s Day desserts and other special occasions.
With bold, fruity flavors, rich chocolate, and a pop of bright flavor, they’re loved by kids and adults alike! Plus, with a few simple steps, they’re unbelievably easy to make yet always look impressive.
All you need are a few strawberries, dark chocolate, and fresh basil, and you can have an impressive treat ready to eat in less than 30 minutes!
Recipe Tip
Not a fan of chocolate? Try plain strawberry roses instead. Or, go the savory route with an avocado rose appetizer!
I first made strawberry roses with chocolate as a fun Valentine’s Day treat for my kids. However, now, I use them as a last-minute dessert to elevate any special occasion or holiday platter.
Valentine’s Strawberries Ingredients
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Fresh strawberries: Use medium to large berries that are firm and not overly ripe. If they’re mushy at all, they won’t hold the strawberry shape!
- Dark chocolate: I prefer at least 70% dark chocolate to contrast the sweetness of the berries, but you can use any kind you like best.
- Fresh basil leaves: Used as decoration, these replicate leaves on a rose stem and add a pop of bright, refreshing flavor.
How to Make Valentine’s Strawberries
- Carve the first row of petals: Cut the base off each strawberry so that it sits flat. Trim four petals on each side of your strawberries, making sure to leave the bottom ⅓ intact.
- Carve the second row of petals: Slice four more petals between the first petals for a layered rose look. To finish, cut a small V-shape at the tip of the berry.
- Form the base: Melt the chocolate in the microwave or in a double boiler, being careful not to let it burn. Then, spoon small discs onto parchment paper.
- Assemble: Pat the berries’ bases dry, then press one berry into the center of each chocolate disc. Add a fresh basil leaf to each berry.
Possible Variations
- Whipped cream: They’re great on their own, but I love these tasty berries with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Chocolate: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate in place of the dark chocolate. Or, use a combination for different tastes.
- Add ins: Stir a pinch of cinnamon, chili powder, or espresso powder into the melted chocolate for extra depth.
- Toppings: Add a sprinkle of flaky salt, chopped pistachios, pecans, almonds, coconut flakes, sprinkles, or edible glitter to each rose before the chocolate sets.
Recipe Tip
The strawberries make delicious treats served with a fruit dip or melted chocolate.
How to Store Leftovers
Store the strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy them within 1 day.
FAQs
This recipe is best served right away, but you can store the roses for 1 day in an airtight container.
You can easily enjoy these roses on their own as a treat alongside a glass of champagne or espresso. You can also top them onto a dessert platter with other sweets such as marshmallow flowers and white chocolate hearts. Or, use them as cake toppers for a bakery-worthy appearance!
You can, but the strawberries will become mushy when thawed (still great for smoothies, though).
More Strawberry Desserts
Valentine Strawberries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 strawberries
- 100 grams dark chocolate
- 10 basil leaves, fresh
Instructions
- Cut the base off the strawberries.
- Using a small knife, trim four petals on each side of the strawberry from the middle towards the base, slicing slightly inwards and leaving the bottom ⅓ intact.
- Make four petals between each of the outer ones.
- Cut a v-shape on the top of each berry.
- Melt the dark chocolate.
- Spoon the chocolate in a round disc onto parchment paper or a lined baking sheet.
- Dry the base of the strawberries on a kitchen towel (this will ensure the chocolate will stick).
- Top the chocolate disc with the strawberry roses and allow to set.
- Decorate with a mint or basil leaf.
- Serve as is or with whipped cream.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
