There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of luscious strawberries and rich chocolate, and that’s exactly what you get with this delightful Strawberry Cream Chocolates Recipe. Imagine bite-sized, velvety cream cheese centers bursting with the bright, fruity tang of freeze-dried strawberries, all enveloped in a smooth, glossy chocolate shell. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, these no-bake treats offer a sophisticated twist on classic chocolate truffles. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such an irresistible treat. Each component plays a key role in providing the perfect texture, sweetness, and that gorgeous pink-speckled creamy center wrapped in chocolate.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: Using freeze-dried allows for an intense strawberry flavor without added moisture that could affect the texture.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the chocolates their dreamy, creamy consistency and subtle tang.
- Powdered sugar: Provides sweetness with a smooth texture, preventing any graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds warmth to the filling.
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark): The rich chocolate coats and complements the strawberry cream filling beautifully.
- Coconut oil (optional): Helps achieve a shiny, silky melt and makes dipping the creams silky smooth.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Chocolates Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Powder
Begin by pulsing the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until they turn into a fine, fragrant powder. This step is vital because it intensifies the strawberry flavor throughout the creamy filling without adding moisture, ensuring your chocolates have that perfect texture and taste in every bite.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Strawberry Center
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s wonderfully smooth and fluffy. Then, add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and your freshly made strawberry powder. Mix all these together until you achieve a beautifully blended, creamy pink mixture that’s bursting with fruity flavor.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Centers
Using a small scoop or your hands, form the strawberry cream mixture into 1-inch balls. Place these on a parchment-lined tray and pop them into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling step firms them up and makes them easier to coat with the chocolate later on.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While the centers chill, melt your chocolate chips along with the coconut oil if you’re using it. Warm the mixture in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each interval until the chocolate is perfectly smooth and shiny. This smooth chocolate will beautifully enrobe your strawberry cream centers.
Step 5: Dip and Set the Chocolates
Carefully dip each strawberry cream ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Gently shake off any excess and return the chocolates to the parchment-lined tray. Once all are dipped, refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the chocolate set firmly.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Chocolates Recipe
Garnishes
These beauties are charming on their own, but adding a little garnish can elevate them even more. Consider sprinkling some crushed freeze-dried strawberry bits on top before the chocolate sets for a pop of color and an extra strawberry crunch. A light dusting of edible glitter or a drizzle of contrasting white chocolate also makes them look truly elegant.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Cream Chocolates pair wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of sparkling rosé. Their creamy sweetness balances out the bitterness and fruitiness of these drinks. Try serving them alongside fresh berries or a light salad to create a sophisticated dessert course for your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes all the difference! Arrange your chocolates in a pretty box layered with parchment paper for gifting. You can also serve them on a ramekin lined with a doily or place them individually in mini cupcake liners for elegant party favors. Personalizing with tiny edible tags or a dusting of cocoa powder adds a thoughtful touch that your friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Strawberry Cream Chocolates are set, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh and creamy for up to one week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or last-minute entertaining.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Place the chocolates in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
This recipe shines best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not usually necessary. If the chocolate shell loses its shine after freezing, letting the chocolates sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes will restore their perfect texture for eating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture for this recipe, which could make the filling runny and difficult to set. Freeze-dried strawberries offer intense flavor without added moisture, making them ideal for these chocolates.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key to achieving the creamy, tangy texture of these chocolates. However, a soft mascarpone cheese could be used as a substitute, offering a slightly milder flavor.
Can I use white chocolate instead of dark or semi-sweet?
Absolutely! White chocolate adds a sweeter, creamier coat that pairs beautifully with the strawberry filling. Just be cautious with melting as white chocolate can scorch more easily.
How do I get the chocolate coating smooth and shiny?
The coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a beautiful gloss. Be sure to stir frequently as you melt the chocolate in the microwave and avoid overheating to prevent graininess.
Are these chocolates suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Strawberry Cream Chocolates Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no gelatin or animal-derived additives, only delicious dairy and fruit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with a simple yet indulgently delicious treat, this Strawberry Cream Chocolates Recipe is a total winner. It’s easy to make, wonderfully rich, and just bursting with fresh strawberry flavor wrapped in smooth chocolate. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these little bites of joy with your loved ones—they’re sure to become a heartfelt favorite!
Print
Strawberry Cream Chocolates Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 20 chocolates
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Cream Chocolates, a no-bake dessert featuring creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese balls dipped in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect as an elegant Valentine’s Day treat or a simple indulgence, these chocolates combine the tartness of freeze-dried strawberries with rich chocolate for a decadent yet easy-to-make confection.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cream Mixture
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 10 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Powder: Pulse the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until they become a fine powder to infuse concentrated strawberry flavor throughout the cream mixture.
- Make Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and strawberry powder. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Form Balls: Scoop small portions of the strawberry cream mixture and roll each into 1-inch balls. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined tray for easy handling.
- Freeze Balls: Place the tray in the freezer for 20–30 minutes until the cream balls are firm enough for dipping.
- Melt Chocolate: While the balls chill, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the chocolate is completely smooth.
- Dip in Chocolate: Remove the cream balls from the freezer and dip each one fully into the melted chocolate coating. Place the coated chocolates back onto the parchment-lined tray.
- Set Chocolates: Chill the dipped chocolates in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to harden.
Notes
- Store these chocolates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the chocolates to maintain freshness.
- Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter variation.
