Luxury Chocolate Strawberry Cups

Name: Luxury Chocolate Strawberry Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa); Pinch of sea salt; 8 large strawberries; Whipped cream (optional); Crushed nuts or sprinkles (optional for garnish)

Highlighted under: Oven Delights

I absolutely love indulging in decadent desserts, and these Luxury Chocolate Strawberry Cups are no exception. Each bite combines rich chocolate with fresh strawberries, creating a luxurious balance that’s hard to resist. Preparing these is simple yet rewarding, and they’re perfect for impressing guests or satisfying my own sweet tooth. I find that using high-quality chocolate truly elevates this dish, allowing the flavors to shine. Whether for a special occasion or a quiet evening at home, these cups offer a delightful escape into dessert heaven.

Created by

Rosalie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-02-10T19:45:40.264Z

When I first made these Luxury Chocolate Strawberry Cups, I was amazed at how quickly they came together. The key is to temper the chocolate properly, ensuring it has a glossy finish and a satisfying snap. I learned this the hard way by using untempered chocolate for my first attempt, which ended in a less-than-ideal texture. After experimenting with different methods, I found that slowly melting the chocolate and allowing it to cool slightly before dipping the strawberries yields the best results.

Every time I prepare these cups, they disappear in minutes, leaving my friends and family raving about them. I always keep a stash of ripe strawberries in the fridge, ready to indulge in this delightful treat whenever the craving strikes. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before serving elevates the flavors even further, making these cups a true showstopper for any gathering.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Decadent yet easy to prepare for any occasion
Versatile: can be personalized with toppings

Perfecting the Chocolate Cups

To create stunning chocolate cups, selecting quality chocolate is paramount. I recommend using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich, intense flavor. This high cocoa content also ensures a smoother melting process, preventing the chocolate from becoming too thick or grainy. Additionally, tempering the chocolate can yield a shinier finish and a more consistent snap once set. If you’re short on time, simply melting without tempering will still result in delicious cups, though they may not hold their shape as well.

When melting chocolate, keep an eye on the heat level. A double boiler is ideal, but if you don't have one, a microwave on low power works too. Melt in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between to prevent overheating. Properly melted chocolate should be glossy and free of lumps. Avoid getting any water in the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize and become unusable.

Choosing and Preparing Strawberries

Opt for large, ripe strawberries for this recipe, as they not only provide a substantial bite but also offer the best flavor. Look for berries that are bright red and firm, as overripe strawberries may become mushy when dipped in chocolate. Rinse your strawberries gently under cold water and dry them thoroughly before dipping; excess moisture can hinder chocolate adherence. I like to leave the stems on, as they make for lovely edible handles and add to the overall presentation.

If you want to enhance the strawberries before dipping, consider macerating them slightly with a sprinkle of sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes—this draws out their natural juices and intensifies their sweetness. Just be sure to pat them dry again before dipping to maintain that beautiful chocolate coating. This extra step can elevate the flavor contrast between the rich chocolate and perfectly sweet strawberries.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cups

200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
Pinch of sea salt

For the Filling

8 large strawberries
Whipped cream (optional)
Crushed nuts or sprinkles (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Chocolate

Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. Set it over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and melt the chocolate, stirring frequently until completely smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Dip the Strawberries

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip two-thirds of it into the melted chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.

Add Salt

Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of the dipped strawberries while the chocolate is still wet. Repeat this process with all strawberries.

Chill

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.

Serve

Once the chocolate has hardened, serve the strawberries as is or with a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with crushed nuts or sprinkles if desired.

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider using flavored chocolate or adding liqueurs like Grand Marnier to the mix. Ensure you use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best taste and results.

Creative Serving Suggestions

These Luxury Chocolate Strawberry Cups can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For impressive presentations, consider serving them on a platter with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Alternatively, you can place them in individual cupcake liners for a more personal touch. Adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream not only enhances the flavor but also creates a beautiful contrast with the dark chocolate and red strawberries.

For fun variations, experiment with different toppings such as crushed nuts, colorful sprinkles, or even a hint of sea salt. The salt complements the sweetness of the chocolate and strawberries, enhancing their flavors beautifully. Additionally, feel free to swap out the strawberries for other fruits, like raspberries or bananas, to create a variety of chocolate cups that cater to different tastes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These chocolate cups can be made in advance, making them a great choice for entertaining. Once the chocolate has set completely, store the cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just keep in mind that the freshness of the strawberries can affect the overall dish, so it’s best to prepare them the day before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Should you need to freeze the chocolate-covered strawberries, ensure they are fully hardened first. You can separate layers with parchment paper in the container. They can be frozen for up to a month, though keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Defrost them in the refrigerator to minimize condensation, ensuring the chocolate remains intact and the strawberries retain as much freshness as possible.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but keep in mind that milk chocolate has a sweeter taste and is less intense than dark chocolate.

→ How can I store leftover chocolate cups?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What other fruits can I use for this recipe?

Raspberries, bananas, or even mini pretzels can be delicious alternatives dipped in chocolate.

→ How do I know when the chocolate is tempered?

Tempered chocolate will have a glossy finish, be firm, and snap cleanly when broken.