Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Buttercreams

These Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Buttercreams are luscious little treats featuring a smooth, strawberry-infused buttercream center coated in rich, velvety chocolate. Whether you’re gifting them or indulging yourself, they’re an irresistible combination of fruity and decadent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with real strawberry flavor using fresh or freeze-dried strawberries
• Simple to prepare and perfect for make-ahead treats
• No candy thermometer needed—just chill, roll, dip, and enjoy
• Elegant and customizable for holidays, gifts, or everyday treats
• Naturally gluten-free with minimal ingredients

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Cream cheese, softened (optional for a tangy twist)
• Powdered sugar
• Freeze-dried strawberries or fresh strawberry purée
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream (if needed to thin the mixture)
• Dark, milk, or white chocolate for coating
• Optional garnishes: crushed freeze-dried strawberries, coarse sugar, or sprinkles

Directions

1. Make the filling:
   • If using freeze-dried strawberries, pulse into a fine powder in a blender or food processor.
   • Beat butter (and cream cheese, if using) until smooth.
   • Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and strawberry powder or purée. Add a bit of cream if needed for smooth consistency.
2. Shape the centers:
   • Chill the mixture until firm (about 30–60 minutes).
   • Roll into small balls or pipe into shapes. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, about 1–2 hours.
3. Dip in chocolate:
   • Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
   • Dip frozen buttercream balls into the chocolate, letting excess drip off.
   • Set on parchment. Add toppings immediately if desired.
4. Chill and serve:
   • Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm. Store chilled.

Servings and timing

• Servings: about 40–45 candies
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 5 minutes (if reducing fresh strawberries)
• Chill time: ~2 hours
• Total time: ~2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Use white chocolate for coating and drizzle with dark chocolate for contrast
• Omit cream cheese for a firmer butter-only filling
• Add a touch of lemon zest for brightness
• Use raspberry or blueberry instead of strawberry for a fruity twist
• Add crushed cookies or nuts for texture

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week
• Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Yes, reduce fresh strawberries into a thick purée to avoid excess moisture.

2. Do I have to use cream cheese?

No, it’s optional. It adds creaminess and slight tang but can be left out.

3. What kind of chocolate is best?

Dark or semi-sweet chocolate pairs well with the sweet strawberry center.

4. Can I make these without a food processor?

Yes, but you’ll need to mash or finely chop the strawberries and whip well.

5. Will the chocolate crack after dipping?

Ensure centers aren’t too cold and chocolate isn’t too hot to minimize cracking.

6. How can I make these dairy-free?

Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate; skip cream cheese or use a vegan version.

7. Can I color the filling pink?

Yes, natural strawberry will usually tint it, but you can add food coloring if needed.

8. Are these gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially chocolate) are certified gluten-free.

9. Can I use store-bought frosting as the filling?

Not recommended—it may be too soft and won’t hold up well for dipping.

10. How long do these last?

They stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Buttercreams are as beautiful as they are delicious. With their creamy strawberry centers and rich chocolate shells, they make a perfect gift, party treat, or indulgent bite anytime. Easy to customize and store, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for sweet celebrations.

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