Indulge in the sweet simplicity of these 4-ingredient chocolate strawberry birds, where fresh strawberries take center stage alongside chocolate, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs. As you craft these charming treats for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or another special occasion, be prepared for them to vanish quickly – a testament to their irresistible taste and adorable appearance. This festive treat is not only a delightful indulgence but also a fun project to tackle when faced with an abundance of fresh strawberries and chocolate. For added inspiration, try your hand at other sweet treats like chocolate dipped peppermint meringue kiss Christmas cookies or ginger snap eggnog jello pudding shots.
Why You’ll Love Them
These bite-sized treats are a delightful surprise, combining the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of milk chocolate. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring no special skills or equipment. Simply follow a straightforward recipe and you’ll be enjoying these tasty morsels in no time. If you’re a fan of strawberry-milk chocolate combinations, you won’t be disappointed – the flavors meld together seamlessly. And if you’re looking for something unique to share with friends and family, look no further. These unusual treats are sure to spark conversation and delight those who try them.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Birds
To create these sweet treats, start by melting the chocolate in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once melted, prepare your strawberries by washing and thoroughly drying them, as any excess moisture can prevent the chocolate from adhering properly. Next, assemble the chocolate strawberry birds by threading a strawberry onto a skewer, dipping it into the melted chocolate, and then adding candy eyes and shaping orange sprinkles into beak-like forms. Allow the creations to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to selecting a chocolate type for this recipe, you have the freedom to choose between milk chocolate and semisweet chocolate – both will yield similar results. If orange sprinkles in bead form are not available, feel free to substitute with any other orange-flavored candies. For those looking to obtain the specific round orange sprinkles used here, they can typically be found at most retailers that carry them.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Penguins
These sweet and indulgent treats can serve multiple purposes. Not only are they perfect for satisfying your cravings between meals, but they also make a delightful topping for a scoop of ice cream. Alternatively, you can present them as the focal point of a charming table setting, paired with some savory options like homemade jalapeno popcorn or deviled eggs. They’d also be an adorable addition to a dessert charcuterie board, adding a pop of color and whimsy to your gathering.
How to Store Strawberry Chocolate Birds
When it comes to these chocolate strawberry penguins, freshness is key. They have a remarkably short shelf life of just one day, making it ideal to serve them as soon as they’re ready. If you need to store them briefly, refrigeration for a few hours will suffice. However, it’s crucial to note that the black candy eyes can become discolored if exposed to moisture, further emphasizing the importance of serving them promptly. On the flip side, these treats don’t fare well when frozen, so be sure to enjoy them at their best while they’re fresh. If you find yourself with leftovers or anticipate a smaller gathering, consider halving the recipe to avoid waste.
Chocolate Strawberry Birds FAQs
While it may seem tempting to use frozen strawberries for this treat, it’s essential to use fresh, ripe ones instead. The texture and juiciness of the strawberries are crucial in achieving the perfect consistency. Using frozen strawberries would result in a mushy rather than crispy chocolate-covered penguin. Moving on, some might be curious about the absence of shortening or coconut oil in this recipe, given that it’s common to add these ingredients when dipping strawberries in chocolate. However, since the strawberries themselves contain enough moisture, there’s no need for additional softeners like shortening or oil. The natural moisture from the strawberries is sufficient to soften the chocolate, making it a smooth and creamy treat.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Birds Recipe
Chocolate Strawberry Birds
Here’s a delightful recipe that combines the simplicity of four ingredients with the charm of edible art. Say hello to chocolate strawberry birds, which are not only visually appealing but also a sweet treat. With just 35 minutes dedicated to preparation and an additional 8 minutes for cooking, you can indulge in these tasty creations. This recipe yields 20 servings, making it perfect for parties or special occasions.
Instructions
To begin, ensure your strawberries are completely dry, as any moisture can prevent the chocolate from adhering properly. This is easily achieved by gently wiping them with paper towels. Next, place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each interval, until smooth and melted. This process should take around 5-6 minutes. With your chocolate ready, insert a strawberry onto the end of a skewer, allowing you to easily coat the fruit without getting chocolate on your fingers. Dip the strawberry into the melted chocolate, leaving a triangular portion exposed for the penguin’s belly, then allow any excess to drip off before pressing two candy eyeballs above the triangle. Immediately after, place two round sprinkles below the eyes, positioning them upright to resemble the beak of your penguin. Once you’ve completed the decoration, stand the skewers upright in a floral foam base or an empty jar/cup until the chocolate sets, which should take around 20-30 minutes.