There’s something wonderfully romantic about the combination of rich chocolate and the sweet, tangy taste of strawberries. As I was brainstorming the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, I found myself daydreaming about a dessert that would not only be a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate. That’s when I stumbled upon this easy chocolate covered strawberry fudge recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my home.
With its vibrant pink hue and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this fudge is more than just a treat; it’s an experience! Best of all, it requires no special equipment—just your trusty microwave and a single bowl—making it an effortless addition to your celebration. Imagine serving these beautiful, creamy squares to your loved ones and watching their eyes light up with delight!
So, whether you’re having a quiet dinner at home or planning a festive gathering, let’s celebrate love with this simple yet indulgent chocolate covered strawberry fudge that’s bound to impress.
Why love this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge?
Simplicity at Its Best: This easy fudge recipe requires just a microwave and one bowl—perfect for busy bakers!
Vibrant Presentation: With its stunning pink hue, this fudge looks just as good as it tastes, making it ideal for any celebration.
Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the fruity sweetness of freeze-dried strawberries, resulting in a treat that’s hard to resist.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether for a romantic dinner or a friendly gathering, everyone will adore this delightful dessert.
Dairy-Free Option: Easily switch to coconut condensed milk for a guilt-free version, making it suitable for diverse dietary needs.
Elevate your Valentine’s Day with this irresistible fudge that’s not only tasty but also a fun activity; discover more dessert ideas like our sweet treats blog for endless inspiration!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge Ingredients
For the Fudge
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – The key ingredient providing sweetness and texture; substitute with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds creaminess and is essential for helping the fudge set; try coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free version.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries – Vital for flavor and color; avoid fresh strawberries as they alter the fudge’s texture. Look for them in the snack aisle or on Amazon.
• Butter – Adds richness; can be omitted for dairy-free adaptations.
• Vanilla Extract (optional) – Enhances flavor; feel free to skip or replace with another extract if desired.
Indulge in this delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge that’s perfect for a festive Valentine’s Day treat!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge
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Melt Chocolate & Milk: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Heat in bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
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Mix Strawberry Layer: Once melted, gently fold in 1 cup of freeze-dried strawberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for maximum flavor and color.
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Swirl & Chill: Pour half of the chocolate mixture into a lined baking dish, then sprinkle the strawberry mixture on top. Add the remaining chocolate mixture, swirling gently to create a marbled effect.
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Cool Thoroughly: Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until firm. Once set, slice into squares or use fun cookie cutters for festive shapes!
Optional: Garnish with crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for an extra pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge
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Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Ensure you use freeze-dried strawberries for the best flavor and texture; fresh ones can introduce unwanted moisture.
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Cool Completely: Allow the fudge to chill fully for cleaner cuts; it’s ready when it feels firm and lifts easily from the pan.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you like a less sweet fudge, consider reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly, but be cautious as it may affect the texture.
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Perfect Portioning: For uniform squares, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. Dust with cocoa powder before cutting to prevent sticking.
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Store Right: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days or in the fridge for up to a week to maintain that delicious chocolate covered strawberry fudge texture!
Make Ahead Options
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep and can save you valuable time, especially around busy holidays like Valentine’s Day! You can prepare the fudge up to 24 hours in advance—just allow it to cool completely and then refrigerate it in an airtight container. For best quality, wait to slice it into squares until you’re ready to serve, as this helps maintain that delicious fudgy texture. If you prefer to make it even earlier, you can freeze the fudge for up to 3 months; simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have a deliciously easy treat ready to impress your loved ones!
What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge?
Treat your loved ones to a delightful meal that perfectly complements the sweetness of your fudge with these charming pairings.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits will lighten the indulgence and balance the richness of the fudge wonderfully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream is the perfect contrast to the fudge’s softness, elevating every bite.
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Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly adds a celebratory touch to your dessert, enhancing the luxury of this lovely treat and making it even more special.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: For the ultimate chocolate experience, dip some fresh strawberries in chocolate for a decadent dessert board treat that mirrors your fudge.
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Peanut Butter Cookies: The nutty flavor and chewy texture of peanut butter cookies create a satisfying contrast, making each bite feel like a sweet hug.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A warm drizzle of rich chocolate sauce over each fudge piece adds an extra layer of decadence that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Coffee or Espresso: Serving this dessert alongside a robust cup of coffee or espresso can enhance its flavors, creating a perfect sweet and bitter experience.
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Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake: This delightful milkshake brings a refreshing element that beautifully complements the fudge’s rich chocolate base.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this airy topping enhances the feel of the fudge, bringing a tropical twist to your Valentine’s Day indulgence.
Storage Tips for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge
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Room Temperature: Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to preserve its luscious texture.
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Fridge: If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate the fudge for up to 1 week. Just ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent moisture absorption.
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Freezer: For even longer storage, freeze the fudge for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheating: If you prefer a softer texture, allow the frozen chocolate covered strawberry fudge to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge Variations
Customize your fudge to suit your taste buds and make it truly unique!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut condensed milk and omit butter to keep it creamy and delicious.
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Nutty Twist: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the smooth fudge.
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Minty Freshness: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate mixture for a refreshing mint chocolate flavor.
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Coconut Bliss: Mix in shredded coconut before chilling for an added tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
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Flavorful Extracts: Experiment with almond or hazelnut extract in place of vanilla for a nutty aroma and taste you’ll love.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for an unexpected but tasty heat that contrasts the sweetness.
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Fruit Fusion: Blend in other freeze-dried fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, for a vibrant medley of flavors and colors.
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Chocolate Variety: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a different sweetness and texture experience.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right strawberries for the fudge?
Absolutely! You’ll want to use freeze-dried strawberries for this recipe. They provide the best flavor and maintain the fudge’s texture. Avoid fresh strawberries, as their moisture can lead to a soggy fudge. Look for freeze-dried varieties in the snack aisle or on Amazon for ease.
How should I store my chocolate covered strawberry fudge?
To keep your fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Just remember, it needs to be sealed tight to keep that luscious fudge texture intact!
Can I freeze chocolate covered strawberry fudge?
Very! You can absolutely freeze this fudge for up to 3 months. Here’s how: wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, or gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds.
What should I do if my fudge is too soft after chilling?
If your fudge feels soft after the initial chilling time, don’t worry! Just return it to the fridge for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour until it firms up completely. It should be ready to cut into squares when it feels firm to the touch and lifts easily from the pan.
Are there any dietary considerations with this fudge recipe?
Absolutely! This fudge can easily be made dairy-free by substituting regular sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk. This way, it’s suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Always double-check labels for any hidden allergens!
How do I get perfect cuts when slicing the fudge?
For the best results in cutting your fudge, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter! Dust the blade lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Make sure to let the fudge chill completely before slicing for cleaner, more even pieces.
Irresistible Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge Recipe Easy Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Heat in bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Once melted, gently fold in 1 cup of freeze-dried strawberries, ensuring they're evenly distributed for maximum flavor and color.
- Pour half of the chocolate mixture into a lined baking dish, then sprinkle the strawberry mixture on top. Add the remaining chocolate mixture, swirling gently to create a marbled effect.
- Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until firm. Once set, slice into squares or use fun cookie cutters for festive shapes!