Discover the joy of vegan chocolate covered strawberries, a perfect blend of rich, velvety dairy-free chocolate and sweet, juicy berries. Made into kebobs for a mess-free delightful treat for any special occasion! Valentine's Day, parties, or any time you crave a simple yet elegant vegan dessert!
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Hey there, fellow sweet-toothed friends and busy moms! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, are you looking for that perfect treat that's both elegant and easy to whip up? Well, you've hit the jackpot with my vegan chocolate covered strawberries recipe – a delightful twist on a classic dessert that's sure to win hearts!
Now, let me be upfront: I'm no professional baker. My kitchen adventures are more about fun experiments than culinary expertise. So, if I can make this dairy free chocolate covered strawberries, trust me, so can you – no fancy baking skills required!
Mess-free Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Here's a little secret to making this treat even more mom-friendly: turn them into kebobs! Yes, you heard that right. Chocolate strawberry kebobs are not only a chic and mess-free way to enjoy this dessert but also a huge hit at kids' parties. I stumbled upon this idea out of necessity – tired of cleaning sticky fingers and chocolate smudges off my furniture. It turns out, that kebobs are the perfect solution for us busy moms who want to keep the fun high and the cleaning low. And if you are into easy party treats you want to check out these super fun vegan truffles (Brazilian Brigadeiro)!
My twist on this recipe involves a blend of cocoa and dark chocolate. I adore the rich, intense chocolate flavor that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. And guess what? My kids, with their discerning sweet tooths, can't get enough of thess dairy-free chocolate-covered strawberries. It's a win-win: a decadent, fun treat that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
if you are a cocoa lover be sure to check out these 15 minute no bake energy bites!
So, are you ready to dive into the world of easy, elegant, and scrumptious vegan chocolate-covered strawberries? Let's get started and turn this Valentine’s Day, or any day really, into a celebration of love, flavor, and hassle-free fun!
👪Why Your Family Will Love This Chocolate Treat
Discover the joy and simplicity of a dessert that's as delightful to make as it is to eat. Here's why these treats will be a hit with your family:
- 🍓Bursting with Flavor: Juicy, ripe strawberries meet rich, velvety dark chocolate, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- 🎉Fun to Make: Skewering strawberries for dipping is an engaging, kid-friendly kitchen activity.
- 🕒Easy and Quick: Quick to prepare with minimal steps, these strawberries are an easy way to add a touch of elegance to any occasion.
- 🎨Fully Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your family's favorite flavors or toppings.
- 🌿Allergy-Friendly: Dairy-free, gluten-free, and plant-based, making them a safe and healthy choice for everyone.
These vegan chocolate covered strawberries are not just a treat; they're a delightful experience that combines taste, health, and fun in every bite!
🧠Brain-Boosting Benefits of Cocoa and Dark Chocolate
As a neuroscientist with a PhD, I'm passionate about brain health and development, and I firmly believe in the role of food in supporting our cognitive well-being. That's why I'm excited to share some fascinating insights about the brain-boosting benefits of cocoa and dark chocolate, ingredients featured in our vegan chocolate covered strawberries recipe. Here are three key benefits, backed by scientific research:
- Better Brain Function: Studies show that cocoa can help our brains work better. It seems to improve how our brain processes information, helps with memory, and even makes us feel better (1). It's like giving your brain a little workout while you enjoy your treat! Read the study
- Learning and Memory Boost: Researchers have found that dark chocolate (especially the kind with a lot of cacao) is good for our brain's ability to learn and remember things (2, 3). It's like fuel for your brain's learning engine, making it run smoother and more efficiently. Read the study.
- Helps with Mindfulness and Meditation: And here's a cool fact from a 2017 study – eating dark chocolate might even help with mindfulness and meditation (3,. It's linked to better cognitive processing, learning, memory, and recall. So, having a piece of dark chocolate might just make your meditation sessions a bit more focused.
Remember, while these studies show some exciting benefits, it's all about balance. Enjoying our vegan chocolate covered strawberries as part of a varied diet is a delicious way to give your brain a little love!
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
As a busy parent, I know how precious every minute can be. Here are some time-saving tips to help you whip up these vegan chocolate-covered strawberries without the stress:
- Prep in Advance: Wash and dry your strawberries the night before. You can even skewer them onto the kebab sticks and store them in the fridge, ready for dipping.
- Use Microwave Wisely: For this recipe, we will be melting dairy-free chocolate in the microwave! This is a real-time-saver compared to the double boiler method. Just be sure to use short bursts and stir in between. see the recipe card for instructions!
- Batch Work: Work in sections if you're making a large batch. While one batch is sitting in the fridge, you can start dipping the next.
- Leftover Chocolate: If you have leftover melted chocolate, use it to make mini chocolate bars or drizzle it over nuts or fruits for a quick snack – no waste and extra treats! Here is an easy recipe for leftover chocolate bark!
- Cleanup Simplified: Lay out parchment paper under your work area for an easy cleanup. Once you're done, just fold it up and toss away any drips or spills
🍓Ingredients
Before we dive into the magic of creating these delightful vegan chocolate covered strawberries, let's gather our simple ingredients. Each component has been chosen for its quality and contribution to creating the perfect treat – trust me, I've experimented enough to know what works best!
- Fresh Strawberries: The stars of our show, ripe strawberries! I always opt for the ripest strawberries I can find – they have the best natural sweetness.
- Wooden Kebab Sticks: These are my secret to keeping things fun and mess-free, especially with kids around.
- Oat Milk: A dairy-free dream that adds a subtle, creamy touch to our chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate Chips (Vegan): I love the rich flavor vegan chocolate chips bring, making our dessert not just elegant but irresistibly delicious. I try and select a brand that has cocoa mass or cocoa butter as the first ingredient and ensure it is also dairy-free!
- Cocoa Powder: For that extra depth of chocolatey goodness.
- Cinnamon: Just a hint to add a warm, spicy note – it's a game-changer.
For full quantities, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
💡Recipe Tips For Perfect Chocolate Strawberries
Creating the perfect vegan chocolate covered strawberries is all about the details. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out delicious every time:
- Quality Ingredients: The best strawberries make the best desserts. Choose ripe, organic strawberries for a naturally sweet taste.
- Chocolate Consistency: For a smooth chocolate coating, ensure your oat milk is hot enough to melt the chocolate chips but not boiling. This helps achieve a velvety texture.
- Avoid Water Contact: Water can cause the chocolate to seize, so make sure your strawberries are completely dry and avoid getting water in the chocolate mixture.
- Flavor Balance: The combination of dark chocolate chips and cocoa powder creates a rich flavor, while cinnamon adds a unique twist. Adjust these to suit your taste.
- Cooling Time: Let the dipped strawberries set on parchment paper in a cool area or the fridge. This helps the chocolate coating harden properly, giving you that perfect crunch.
👩🏽🍳Step-By-Step Instructions
Let's break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps for making dairy-free chocolate-covered strawberries. Don't worry if you're not a kitchen pro – these instructions are foolproof!
Step 1: Prep Your Strawberries
Start by washing your strawberries. Then ensure they are fully dry and at room temperature. This is crucial for the chocolate to adhere properly. Gently remove the leaves from each strawberry, then skewer 3-4 strawberries onto each kebab stick. This not only makes them easier to handle but also adds a fun twist to serving!
Step 2: Warm the Oat Milk
In a microwave-safe bowl (I use a glass bowl), pour in your oat milk. Microwave on low for 45 seconds to 1 minute – you're aiming for almost boiling. This step is key to getting the perfect consistency for our chocolate coating.
Step 3: Create the Chocolate Mixture
To make your homemade chocolate, add the dark chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and a dash of cinnamon to the warm milk. Let it rest for about a minute. This allows the chocolate chips to soften, making them easier to melt into a smooth sauce. Now, stir the mixture. It should transform into a smooth, velvety chocolate sauce.
Pro Tip: If you find some chips haven't melted, microwave the mixture in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is perfectly melted. Patience is key here – you don't want to overheat the chocolate.
Step 4: Assemble your Chocolate Strawberry Kebobs
Now you are ready to create your vegan chocolate-covered strawberries. First, add 3-4 strawberries to each wooden skewer. Take each strawberry kebab and place it in your chocolate sauce bowl. Using a spoon ladled some chocolate over the strawberries. Rotate the stick to get the strawberries to be fully coated. Tap the end of the stick onto the bowl to get any excess chocolate off. This will help them look smooth.
Alternatively, you can just dunk each strawberry into the chocolate for a more traditional treat!
Step 5: Let the Chocolate Harden
After dipping your strawberries in the warm chocolate, it's important to let them rest and harden properly to ensure a smooth, firm chocolate coating. Place the chocolate covered strawberries on a parchment-lined tray, cooling rack, or plate, ensuring they are not touching each other.
Then, refrigerate them for about 2 hours. This will help the chocolate set and harden evenly. Alternatively, you can let them harden at room temperature in a cool, dry place, but this may take longer and the results can vary depending on the room temperature and humidity.
🍫Substitutions & Variations
In the spirit of "using what we have," it's perfectly okay if you're missing an ingredient or two for these vegan chocolate-covered strawberries. This section is all about adapting the recipe to suit what's available in your pantry or to meet your family's unique tastes.
Substitutions:
- Milk Alternative: No oat milk? Any plant-based milk (like almond or soy) can be a great substitute. If you don't want an overpowering flavor try using almond or soy. Coconut milk will work well but will create a sweeter flavor profile!
- Chocolate Options: If you don't have dark chocolate chips, any vegan chocolate will do. Even dairy-free chocolate or non-dairy chocolate chips can work if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Cocoa Powder: In case you're out of cocoa powder, you can increase the amount of chocolate chips slightly to compensate.
- Cinnamon: This spice is optional. You can skip it or replace it with a dash of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
Variations:
- Leftover Chocolate: If you have leftover chocolate sauce, dip other fruits like bananas or pineapples, or pour it over vegan ice cream for an extra treat.
- Flavor Twists: Feel free to add a pinch of chili powder or sea salt to the chocolate mixture for an adventurous twist.
- Decorative Touch: Sprinkle your finished strawberries with crushed nuts, vegan sprinkles, or coconut flakes for added texture and visual appeal.
🥡Storage Tips: Keeping Your Treats Fresh
Storing your vegan chocolate-covered strawberries correctly is key to maintaining their freshness and deliciousness.
Fridge Storage:
- Place the strawberries in a single layer on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cover them loosely with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The chocolate may slightly soften, but they'll still be tasty!
Room Temperature Storage:
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- They're best enjoyed within 24 hours when stored at room temperature.
Freezer Storage: Freezing is not typically recommended for chocolate-covered strawberries. The strawberries can become mushy once thawed, and the chocolate may develop a white coating due to temperature changes.
❔FAQ
If your chocolate sauce becomes gritty or clumpy, it's likely due to contact with water. To prevent this, always use a dry bowl for melting. If seizing occurs, you can fix it by adding small amounts of boiling water or more plant milk, then stirring vigorously. It might seem counterintuitive, but it works!
Overheated chocolate sauce tends to become dry or thick. To fix this, remove the chocolate from the heat and add more chocolate chips, stirring until they melt. To avoid overheating, melt the chocolate on low heat (below 120 degrees), either in the microwave on a low setting or using a double boiler without boiling water.
When using a double boiler, keep the water hot but not boiling to avoid splashing or steam entering the chocolate. Avoid using wooden spoons or cutting boards, as they can retain moisture. Also, never cover the chocolate while it's melting to prevent condensation.
To make a double boiler, simply fill a pot with a few inches of water and place a heatproof bowl on top, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water, then heat the water on a stove.
If the chocolate sauce hardens while you're coating the strawberries, simply reheat it. Microwave the sauce on low for 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until it's fully melted again. This will help maintain a smooth consistency for easy coating.
🥣Parining and Similar Recipes
I hope you enjoyed this easy vegan dessert recipe. We love dairy-free chocolate-covered strawberries and enjoy this vegan version, they make the perfect dessert! If you are looking for more fun recipes check out these:
If you make this recipe sure to tag me over on Instagram (@at.my.table) I would love to see what you are making.
Until next time, tchau
📖 Recipe
Easy Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberry Kebobs
Equipment
- Wooden Kebab sticks
Ingredients
- 1 pint strawberries, washed and dried
- 8 wooden kebab sticks
- ½ cup oat milk
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips vegan
- 2 tablespoon cocao powder
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Make sure your strawberries are dry and at room temperature. Remove the leaves from each one then place 3-4 strawberries onto each kebab stick.
- In a microwave-safe bowl add your plant milk and microwave on low for 45 seconds-1 minute. You want the milk to be almost boiling. Then add in the chocolate chips, cocoa powder and cinnamon. Let it rest for about 1 minute.
- Stir the chocolate mixture. It should now be a smooth chocolate sauce. If the chips did not melt all the way then microwave again for 20 seconds at a time, stopping to stir until all the chocolate is melted.
- Take each strawberry kebab and place it over your chocolate sauce bowl. Using a spoon ladled some chocolate over the strawberries. Rotate the stick to get the strawberries to be fully coated. Tap the end of the stick onto the bowl to get any excess chocolate off. This will help them look smooth.
- (Optional) Sprinkle some cocoa powder over them or use any remaining chocolate sauce to drizzle onto the kebab for some extra texture.
- Place the chocolate covered strawberries on a parchment-lined tray or plate, ensuring they are not touching each other. Then, refrigerate them for about 2 hours.
Nutrition
Information Source
- Scholey, A., Owen, L., Gates, J., Rodgers, J., Buchanan, T., Ling, J., … & Pipingas, A. (2016). Chocolate and the brain: Cacao increases power spectral density (μV2) of EEG gamma wave band activity (31–40Hz) which is associated with neuronal synchronization, enhanced cognition, memory, recall and physiological benefits. The FASEB Journal, 30(1_supplement), 679.14.
- Montopoli, M., Gordon, K., Kang, H., Wang, M., Acosta, S., Raja, A., … & Scholey, A. (2018). Dark chocolate (70% organic cacao) increases acute and chronic EEG power spectral density (μV2) response of gamma frequency (25–40 Hz) for brain health: enhancement of neuroplasticity, neural synchrony, cognitive processing, learning, memory, recall, and mindfulness meditation. The FASEB Journal, 32(1_supplement), 878.10.
- Santiago-Rodríguez, E., Estrada-Zaldívar, B., & Zaldívar-Uribe, E. (2018). Effects of Dark Chocolate Intake on Brain Electrical Oscillations in Healthy People. Foods, 7(11), 187.
- Pase, M. P., Scholey, A. B., Pipingas, A., Kras, M., Nolidin, K., Gibbs, A., … & Stough, C. (2017). Is Chocolate Beneficial for Brain Health? Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao) Increases Brain EEG Power Spectral Density (μV2) Gamma Wave Frequency (31–40Hz) Which Is Associated with Enhanced Cognitive Processing, Learning, Memory, Recall, Neural Synchrony and Mindfulness Meditation. The FASEB Journal, 31(1_supplement), 636.23.
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