Plump, juicy strawberries meet their match in this simple yet indulgent dessert. Each berry is dipped in silky melted dark chocolate, then sprinkled with crushed toasted almonds and a pinch of flaky sea salt for a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors. It’s the perfect harmony of sweet, salty, crunchy, and smooth—ideal for dinner parties, Valentine’s Day, or a chic nibble with champagne.
[cooked-sharing]
Yields4 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time5 minsTotal Time25 mins
~20 dipped strawberries
Core
20fresh strawberries (firm, ripe, with stems on)
6ozdark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips (60–70% cacao works well)
1tbspneutral oil (like coconut or vegetable, optional—for smoother coating)
Toppings
¼cuptoasted almonds, finely chopped or crushed
½cupflaky sea salt (Maldon or similar)
Prep the Strawberries
1
Wash and dry strawberries completely (any moisture will cause chocolate to seize).
Leave stems on for easy dipping.
Toast & Crush the Almonds
2
Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant (~3–5 min).
Let cool slightly, then finely chop or crush using a rolling pin.
Melt the Chocolate
3
Microwave method:
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate (and oil, if using) in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
Stovetop method:
Use a double boiler: melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
Dip the Strawberries
4
Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip ¾ of the way into melted chocolate.
Let excess drip off, then immediately sprinkle with crushed almonds and a small pinch of flaky salt.
Set
5
Place dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined tray.
Let them set at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to speed it up.
Tips for Success
6
Use room temperature strawberries—cold ones can cause chocolate to crack.
If chocolate thickens while dipping, rewarm gently to keep it fluid.
Add toppings immediately after dipping so they stick.
Variations
7
Swap almonds for pistachios, hazelnuts, or crushed pretzels
Drizzle with white chocolate after setting for visual flair
Add a pinch of cayenne or pink peppercorn to the salt for a bold twist
