FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• My Method For Better Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• How Tempering Works
• More Tips For The Best Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Best Method!) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

My Method For Better Chocolate Covered Strawberries

When I first started making chocolate covered strawberries , I used to just dip the berries into melted chocolate and call it a day. But a couple years ago, I started experimenting to make them better and now I’ll never go back! After lots of testing, here’s why this method makes the best version of this healthy dessert :

• Shinier, snappier shell – My chocolate covered strawberries recipe​​ gives you a glossy shell, a cleaner bite, and that professional-looking finish. The trick is adding just a bit of oil and using a two-step melt.
• Even coating, less mess – My method makes it easier to dip cleanly without streaks, puddles, or excess pooling under the berries.
• Special but simple – Whether it’s date night, your new favorite Valentine’s Day recipe , or just a treat-yourself moment, these feel fancy without the stress.
• Make them your own – Sometimes I add nuts, coconut, or white chocolate, or you can skip the extras and let the shell shine.

Let me show you how to make chocolate covered strawberries that turn out like the professional ones. Make them with me!

“Absolutely gorgeous! I made these to take in to work and they were a huge hit!”

-Cindy

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my chocolate covered strawberries recipe​, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Fresh Strawberries – Choose plump, firm ones with a rich red color, a dry surface, and no soft spots. Avoid ones that feel light for their size — I find those usually start to “weep” into the chocolate more quickly. Frozen berries won’t work because they make the chocolate seize. This method also works for banana slices, apple wedges, pineapple chunks, dried apricots, or even blueberries.
• Chocolate Chips – I used these sugar free dark chocolate chips for a shiny, snappy shell, and these sugar free white chocolate chips for a pretty drizzle. Feel free to use any kind of chocolate you love – regular dark, milk chocolate, or semisweet chocolate work, too.
• Coconut Oil – This is one of my tricks to help the chocolate melt more smoothly and set your chocolate covered strawberries with a glossy finish. The closest alternative is avocado oil, but the result won’t “snap” as nicely. Do not use butter, which contains water and can cause seizing.
• Optional Garnishes – This is where you can have fun decorating. I used unsweetened shredded coconut and chopped nuts. Pecans, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts are all great!

How To Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Melt the chocolate . Add most of the dark chocolate and a little coconut oil to a heat-safe bowl. Melt it gently, stirring until smooth. Stir in the rest of the chocolate until fully melted. This is called tempering and here is why it works best .
2. Dip the strawberries . Dip each berry into the chocolate coating and turn to coat all sides. You can hold onto the berry leaves, or stick a toothpick through the top to make dipping easier. Place the chocolate covered strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet .
3. Set at room temperature. If you’ll be serving these right away, just let them sit on the baking sheet until the chocolate is firm — or see step 4 below if you’re adding toppings. In some cases you may prefer to refrigerate instead. See my tips below for when it’s better to do that, and when it’s not!

1. Decorate to your heart’s content . You’ve got options…

• Nuts or coconut – Sprinkle them on after dipping or gently roll the berries in them. Work quickly before the chocolate sets!
• White chocolate drizzle – Wait for the chocolate dipped strawberries to set first, unless you want a marble effect. Melt the white chocolate, then use a spoon, fork, or piping bag to drizzle over the hardened shell. I used a piping bag below, which gives you the most detailed drizzle.

How Tempering Works

The process I used for the chocolate here is called tempering . I melt 3/4 of the chocolate first, then stir in the rest to melt it gently and bring the temperature down.

📌 Compared to just melting all the chocolate upfront, this method gives you a chocolate covered strawberry shell that’s shinier , sets faster , and doesn’t melt as easily at room temp.

Here’s what helps it work correctly:

• The key is to melt most of the chocolate, then stir in more that’s not melted yet. This is super easy, but lowers the temp and yields better results.
• Be careful not to overheat. I usually use the microwave at 50% power in 15-30 second bursts, stirring in between. You can also use a double boiler on the stove.
• If you want to be precise with the tempering process , use a candy thermometer to check the temperature as you go. Melt the chocolate to 115-120 degrees F, then let it cool to 88-90 degrees F while stirring in the remaining chocolate. If it cools too much and drops to 80-85 degrees F, you can reheat it gently until it’s back in range.
• Work quickly to dip all the strawberries. The berries can lower the temperature of the chocolate even more and make it too thick over time. If that happens, just reheat it briefly to thin it back out, but not so much that it’s too hot.
• You can temper the white chocolate chips too, but I don’t since it’s such a small amount and just a drizzle. I usually stop heating when a few pieces are left and stir to finish melting.

More Tips For The Best Chocolate Covered Strawberries

• Choose firm strawberries. Very soft ones can release water into the chocolate too easily, causing it to seize.
• Dry fruit is everything. I prefer to wash my berries the day before, dry with paper towels, and leave them uncovered in the fridge to ensure they’re super dry. If you don’t have that much time, you can also air dry at room temperature after patting dry but I’d definitely give them at least 30 minutes.
• Bring the berries to room temperature before dipping. It doesn’t form condensation as easily and your chocolate covered strawberries will last longer that way.
• Leave the green stem on. These are your handle for dipping! Alternatively, you can use fork toothpicks or skewers like this .
• Is the coconut oil required? Not technically, but I highly recommend it. It makes the chocolate smoother for dipping and gives you a thinner shell that doesn’t shatter when you bite into it. You won’t really taste it because it’s just a small amount, but it makes a big difference in this chocolate covered strawberries recipe.
• How to avoid a chocolate “foot”: Just gently scrape the bottom of each chocolate covered strawberry on the edge of the bowl, before placing onto the parchment paper.
• I recommend drizzling the white chocolate only after the dark sets. You get more of a marble effect as they run together if the dark chocolate is still runny when you add the white. For the most precise designs, use a piping bag with a tiny hole snipped in it.
• If you’ll serve these within 2 hours, avoid the refrigerator completely. Going from cold to room temperature causes condensation to form on the chocolate, ruining your chocolate dipped strawberries more quickly. For the same reason, I let the chocolate set at room temp rather than refrigerating.
• If you’re serving later, set the chocolate at room temp and only then refrigerate. This gets you the shiniest, most even chocolate shell. At that point, remove from the fridge only right before eating, and they’re still best within 24 hours.

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 lb Strawberries (completely dry, at room temperature) ▢
• 1 cup Dark chocolate chips (I use these sugar-free ones ; divided into 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup) ▢
• 1 tsp Coconut oil ▢
• 1/4 cup White chocolate chips (optional; I use these sugar-free ones ) ▢
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened shredded coconut (optional) ▢
• 1/4 cup Chopped nuts (optional) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. After washing the strawberries, let them dry completely for at least 30 minutes and come to room temperature.
2. Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Make sure it fits in your fridge (if making ahead for later) and set aside.
3. Place 3/4 of the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe medium bowl, or a double boiler on the stove. Add the coconut oil. Heat at 50% power (or over simmering water on the stove), stirring occasionally, until completely melted. If microwaving, check in 15-30 second intervals.
4. Immediately add the remaining 1/4 of the dark chocolate chips. Stir vigorously until melted and smooth.
5. Working quickly, dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate and rotate to cover all sides. Place onto the parchment paper. Repeat until all the berries are covered in chocolate.
6. Optional step: If adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut, sprinkle onto the strawberries after dipping into the chocolate. Alternatively, you can dip the chocolate covered strawberries into the nuts or coconut before the chocolate sets, but you’d need more of the nuts or coconut to coat easily, and have to be careful not to drip chocolate into the bowl.
7. Let the chocolate covered strawberries sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to set the chocolate.
8. Optional step: If you want a white chocolate drizzle, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave or a double boiler. With a spoon, fork, or a piping bag fitted with a small tip, drizzle the melted white chocolate on the hard chocolate shell of the strawberries. Repeat until all strawberries are decorated. Let the berries sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes again to set the white chocolate drizzle.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chocolate covered strawberry

• Tips: To help you make the best chocolate covered strawberries with a smooth, snappy shell, don’t miss how tempering works and my recipe tips above.
• Storage: For best results, enjoy within a few hours without refrigerating. If you need to store them, place the berries in a single layer in a container lined with paper towels, and place another paper towel on top. They’ll be okay in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Remove them only right before serving, because they’ll start to form condensation fairly quickly.
• Freezing: Sorry, I just don’t recommend it. The berries will be mushy after thawing and ruin the chocolate shell.
• Note on nutrition info: I used sugar-free chocolate chips for these numbers, and didn’t include the optional nuts and coconut. The macros and calories can vary depending on the brand and type of chocolate you use.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Best Method!)

My chocolate covered strawberries recipe​ uses a better, easy dipping method for a beautiful, glossy, and snappy chocolate shell.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/chocolate-covered-strawberries/

Ingredients

• 1 lb Strawberries (completely dry, at room temperature)
• 1 cup Dark chocolate chips (I use these sugar-free ones ; divided into 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup)
• 1 tsp Coconut oil
• 1/4 cup White chocolate chips (optional; I use these sugar-free ones )
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/4 cup Chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. After washing the strawberries, let them dry completely for at least 30 minutes and come to room temperature.
2. Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Make sure it fits in your fridge (if making ahead for later) and set aside.
3. Place 3/4 of the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe medium bowl, or a double boiler on the stove. Add the coconut oil. Heat at 50% power (or over simmering water on the stove), stirring occasionally, until completely melted. If microwaving, check in 15-30 second intervals.
4. Immediately add the remaining 1/4 of the dark chocolate chips. Stir vigorously until melted and smooth.
5. Working quickly, dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate and rotate to cover all sides. Place onto the parchment paper. Repeat until all the berries are covered in chocolate.
6. Optional step: If adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut, sprinkle onto the strawberries after dipping into the chocolate. Alternatively, you can dip the chocolate covered strawberries into the nuts or coconut before the chocolate sets, but you’d need more of the nuts or coconut to coat easily, and have to be careful not to drip chocolate into the bowl.
7. Let the chocolate covered strawberries sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to set the chocolate.
8. Optional step: If you want a white chocolate drizzle, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave or a double boiler. With a spoon, fork, or a piping bag fitted with a small tip, drizzle the melted white chocolate on the hard chocolate shell of the strawberries. Repeat until all strawberries are decorated. Let the berries sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes again to set the white chocolate drizzle.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chocolate covered strawberry

• Tips: To help you make the best chocolate covered strawberries with a smooth, snappy shell, don’t miss how tempering works and my recipe tips above.
• Storage: For best results, enjoy within a few hours without refrigerating. If you need to store them, place the berries in a single layer in a container lined with paper towels, and place another paper towel on top. They’ll be okay in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Remove them only right before serving, because they’ll start to form condensation fairly quickly.
• Freezing: Sorry, I just don’t recommend it. The berries will be mushy after thawing and ruin the chocolate shell.
• Note on nutrition info: I used sugar-free chocolate chips for these numbers, and didn’t include the optional nuts and coconut. The macros and calories can vary depending on the brand and type of chocolate you use.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)