There’s something incredibly magical about the combination of creamy white chocolate and the vibrant, sun-kissed flavor of strawberries. Strawberry Cream Chocolates take these two irresistible elements and blend them into bite-sized treats bursting with color and luscious flavor. Whether you’re looking for a decadent dessert to impress your friends or simply craving a little homemade indulgence, this recipe delivers a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Strawberry Cream Chocolates lies in how a handful of quality ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Each element plays its part in bringing together that signature creamy texture, a delicate hint of vanilla, and a punch of real strawberry flavor.
- White chocolate chips: Choose a high-quality brand for a silky base that melts beautifully and tastes divine.
- Heavy cream: Provides the creaminess that makes these chocolates so decadent and smooth.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (crushed): These pack a bright, concentrated strawberry punch without adding extra moisture—essential for that vibrant flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances the creaminess and ties the flavors together.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures a smooth, rich ganache that melts perfectly with every bite.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Chocolates
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate
Start by placing your white chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. If you’re feeling classic, use a double boiler to gently melt them—just make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the simmering water beneath. For a speedier route, microwave the chips in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth. This step sets the stage for a silky ganache, so don’t rush it and keep your chocolate happy and lump-free!
Step 2: Warm the Cream
Pour your heavy cream into a small saucepan and warm it on low until it’s just shy of simmering. Be careful not to boil—it only needs to be warm enough to blend smoothly with the chocolate. Once it’s ready, remove the pan from heat. This simple technique ensures your ganache stays supremely creamy and doesn’t get grainy.
Step 3: Make the Ganache
Slowly pour the warm cream into your melted white chocolate, stirring in small circles until the mixture becomes glossy, thick, and homogeneously blended. The magic really happens here, as the cream and chocolate unite into a luscious ganache perfect for infusing with fruity goodness.
Step 4: Mix in Strawberry and Butter
Add in your vanilla extract, softened unsalted butter, and two tablespoons of the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Stir gently but thoroughly, so the strawberries speckle the ganache with beautiful rosy flecks, and the flavors meld together for a berry-delightful twist on traditional cream chocolates.
Step 5: Fill the Molds
Pour the ganache into silicone chocolate molds for dainty, uniform confections. If you don’t have molds, line a small baking dish with parchment paper and spread the ganache evenly. A spatula helps here to get every last bit—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
Step 6: Garnish and Chill
Before the chocolates set, sprinkle the remaining crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the top. This final flourish not only brightens your Strawberry Cream Chocolates visually, but packs an extra punch of flavor. Slip the tray into the fridge and allow the chocolates to chill for at least 2 hours, giving them time to firm up for the perfect bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Chocolates
Garnishes
The finishing touch for these Strawberry Cream Chocolates is a generous sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries right before the ganache sets. Not only does it make them look irresistibly pretty, but it also adds a delightful crispy texture and ups the vivid strawberry flavor.
Side Dishes
For a truly celebratory affair, serve your Strawberry Cream Chocolates with a bowl of fresh strawberries, a dish of lightly whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make fantastic companions to a fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot espresso, letting those creamy, tangy notes shine alongside just the right sips and bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange your chocolates in individual mini cupcake liners and nestle them into a decorative gift box—your friends and family will be wowed. Or, stack them in a glass jar with a pastel ribbon for an elegant homemade gift. For parties, scatter them on a serving platter lined with more freeze-dried strawberry bits for a truly irresistible display of Strawberry Cream Chocolates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Cream Chocolates fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious and creamy for up to a week—though I doubt they’ll last that long once everyone gets a taste!
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, you’re in luck—these chocolates freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in a sealed container, with a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating
Unlike some desserts, Strawberry Cream Chocolates don’t require reheating. If you’ve frozen them, simply let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Their texture and flavor return to their original dreamy state, ready to be savored.
FAQs
Can I substitute the white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate?
You definitely can, but keep in mind the overall flavor will shift—white chocolate highlights the strawberries’ sweetness and color, while milk or dark chocolate gives a richer, deeper taste. For a true Strawberry Cream Chocolates experience, white chocolate is best.
What can I use instead of freeze-dried strawberries?
If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, try freeze-dried raspberries for a tangy twist. Avoid using fresh berries, as they’ll introduce too much moisture and affect the ganache’s texture.
Do I need special molds to make these?
Silicone chocolate molds create picture-perfect candies, but you can also pour the mixture into a lined baking dish and slice into squares once set—it’s just as delicious and just as fun!
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing or splitting?
Be sure to melt your chocolate slowly, avoid overheating, and only add warm (not boiling) cream. Stir gently and patiently; rushing this part can result in a grainy or oily ganache instead of that signature creamy finish.
Can I make Strawberry Cream Chocolates vegan?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite dairy-free white chocolate, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and vegan butter. The results are still dreamy, creamy, and bursting with strawberry flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something delightfully decadent yet blissfully easy to make, these Strawberry Cream Chocolates are everything you could wish for in a homemade treat. I truly hope you give this recipe a whirl, share it with your favorite people, and discover just how fun and delicious customizing your own chocolates can be!
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Strawberry Cream Chocolates Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: About 20 chocolates 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Strawberry Cream Chocolates that marry the sweetness of white chocolate with the tangy essence of freeze-dried strawberries. These creamy treats are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chocolates:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries crushed into powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Melt White Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt white chocolate chips until smooth.
- Prepare Ganache: Warm heavy cream until simmering, then mix into the melted chocolate. Stir to create a smooth ganache.
- Add Flavors: Stir in vanilla extract, softened butter, and 2 tablespoons of crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Fill Molds: Pour the mixture into molds or a dish, chill until firm, then cut into pieces.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle remaining crushed strawberries on top before chilling for at least 2 hours.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate for enhanced flavor.
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense flavor without moisture.
- Store chocolates in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chocolate
- Calories: ~90 kcal
- Sugar: ~12 g
- Sodium: ~10 mg
- Fat: ~5 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~11 g
- Fiber: ~0 g
- Protein: ~1 g
- Cholesterol: ~5 mg
