How To Store & Keep Chocolate Covered Strawberries Fresh


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Chocolate-covered strawberries always gave me a delightful experience that is both visually appealing and tantalizing to the taste buds. However, making sure that they stay fresh for longer periods of time presented to be a challenge due to their delicate nature. So I began to experiment to find the answer.

As a general rule, the best way to keep chocolate-covered strawberries fresh is by placing them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper and storing it in the refrigerator. The parchment paper will prevent the chocolate from sticking to the container when stored for longer than twelve hours.

I’ve got a couple more handy tips for you! Below, I will break down the right way to store chocolate-covered strawberries with different types of storage methods so that you will be prepared no matter what.

How To Properly Store Chocolate-Covered Strawberries After You Make Them?

The best way to store chocolate-covered strawberries is by placing them in an open container lined with parchment paper and storing them in the refrigerator if eaten within 12 hours. After 12 hours, they should be placed in an airtight container lined with parchment paper and stored in the fridge.

If the chocolate is still warm, placing paper towels on the bottom of the open container is a must since chocolate-covered strawberries have a tendency to sweat!

How To Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries To Keep Fresh

*By the way, for a long time, I was looking for a way to store my baked goods without them breaking and losing their shape. I recently came across a great Set of Flat Storage Containers that worked great for storing my baked goods flat in the fridge and freezer without breaking them! You can check out this Storage Set on Amazon!

Chocolate-covered strawberries are simple to create and make great gifts for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and any other time of the year to show how much you care.

I like to make them a few times a year for my family and friends. Fortunately, storing your chocolate-covered strawberries is relatively simple.

I’ve found that the best way to store chocolate-covered strawberries is usually at room temperature in a container lined with paper towels if they’re going to be eaten within a couple of hours.

After this point, it’s best to place them in the fridge with a fitted lid.

*By the way, you might also want to know How To Store Melted Chocolate To Make It Last. I recently wrote an article that talks about The Best Way To Store Melted Chocolate, which you can check out here!

How Do You Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries Overnight?

When stored overnight, chocolate-covered strawberries should be placed in an open container lined with paper towels and stored in the refrigerator overnight. The paper towels will help absorb any extra moisture that the chocolate-covered strawberries produce when stored for a short period of time.

To store chocolate-covered strawberries overnight, you need to take certain precautions to make sure they remain fresh and maintain their quality.

Here’s a step-by-step process that I use to store my chocolate-covered strawberries properly:

  1. Cool the strawberries: Before dipping the strawberries in chocolate, make sure they are completely dry and at room temperature. Any moisture on the strawberries can cause the chocolate to seize or become grainy.
  2. Line a container: Choose an airtight container or a shallow dish lined with parchment paper. This will prevent the strawberries from sticking to the surface and help maintain their shape.
  3. Place the strawberries in the container: Arrange the chocolate-covered strawberries in a single layer in the container, making sure they are not touching each other. If you have multiple layers, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
  4. Cover and refrigerate: Once the strawberries are in the container, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or put on the lid if using an airtight container. Then, place the container in the refrigerator. Refrigeration helps to keep the strawberries fresh and prolong their shelf life.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Remove the container from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This allows them to slightly soften and enhances their flavor. Enjoy them within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.

Since both strawberries and chocolate are perishable in nature, their texture and flavor might change over time. That’s why it’s important to keep in mind that chocolate-covered strawberries are best enjoyed soon after they are made.

Enjoy Your Chocolate-Covered Strawberries When They're Fresh!
Store your chocolate-covered strawberries if they’re not eaten within a few hours!

If you’re planning to enjoy your chocolate-covered strawberries within a couple of hours or so, then leaving them out at room temperature without a lid should be fine.

Condensation will begin to build up on the strawberries if you put them in the refrigerator right away. This is referred to as “sweating,” and it frequently occurs with dipped fruit.

However, once the chocolate on the strawberries hardens, placing the strawberries in the fridge should help keep them that way overnight.

*By the way, you also might want to see an in-depth article about Creative Things To Do With Leftover Melted Chocolate. I recently wrote this article breaking down all the ways to Use Leftover Melted Chocolate, which you can check out here!

How Long Do Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Last At Room Temperature?

Generally speaking, chocolate-covered strawberries can be left out at room temperature for twelve hours before they start sweating. However, they can last for about 1 to 2 days depending on various factors such as humidity, temperature, and the freshness of the strawberries themselves.

Here’s a breakdown of how long chocolate-covered strawberries last in each form of storage:

Room TemperatureAirtight ContainerRefrigeratorFreezer
Up to 12 hoursUp to 24 hoursAbout 2-3 daysAbout 2-3 months

Chocolate-covered strawberries will last about ten to twelve hours at room temperature before they start sweating. This sweating is simply condensation that is gathering on the surface of the strawberry.

While sweating doesn’t change the taste of the strawberries, they do alter their appearance and make them somewhat soggy.

You definitely don’t want to be serving up sweaty strawberries at your next gathering, so just leave them out for a few hours and they should still look as good as they taste.

*Side Note: You might also want to know The Right Way to Melt Chocolate Without Burning It. I recently wrote an article that talks about the Different Ways to Melt Chocolate Correctly, which you might want to check out!

How Long Do Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Last In Containers?

Generally speaking, chocolate-covered strawberries can last in containers for up to two days. Strawberries contain moisture which softens the chocolate and promotes spoilage. Make them last longer by wiping down each strawberry before dipping it in chocolate to minimize the moisture on them.

When chocolate-covered strawberries are stored in the fridge, they typically last between two to three days. Usually, they start to soften and change in texture within forty-eight hours.

Three days tend to be the upper limit before you should think about tossing them out.

You can make them last longer and keep them fresh by taking the proper precautions during the storage process.

Placing hot food in the fridge can lead to quality issues and condensation problems later on.

  • Make sure the chocolate has completely set before storing them. Also, make sure the shell has hardened and cooled.
  • Next, take aluminum foil, parchment paper, or wax paper and place it inside a container.
  • Take some paper towels and place them on top of that layer.
  • Carefully place each strawberry inside the container so you don’t break the shell.
  • Close the lid, and place them in the refrigerator.

If you’re looking for a good set of airtight storage containers, I recommend getting the Rubbermaid Brilliance Leak-Proof Food Storage Containers with Airtight Lids.

I’ve used these containers for a couple of years now and I’ve successfully stored all of my food and baked goods in room temperature, fridge, and freezer. I’ve even used them in the microwave! These containers come in many different sets, so choose the right one for you. You can check out these containers on Amazon!

Should You Store Chocolate-Covered Strawberries In The Fridge?

As a general rule, store chocolate-covered strawberries in the fridge if you plan to use them the next day. If serving the same day, store them at room temperature. If there are leftovers, place the strawberries in a container lined with parchment paper or paper towels and store them in the fridge.

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a favorite treat for many special occasions.

If you love celebrating those special times in your life with these sweet treats you may be wondering “How long do they last,” so you can enjoy them for as long as possible.

Chocolate-covered strawberries do well when they’re left out at room temperature for about ten to twelve hours.

They are the type of dessert that should be eaten within two days in order to avoid quality issues.

I found this video that helps illustrate how you should line your containers for refrigeration:

*By the way, I recently came across a Wilton Chocolate Fountain/Fondue Fountain that can be used for any type of occasion. This 4 lb chocolate fountain is perfect for chocolate-covered strawberries, cake pops, brownies, and fruit! You can check out this chocolate fountain on Amazon!

If you have several strawberries leftover from a party you can safely store them in the fridge for up to two days.

Make sure to store the strawberries in an airtight container lined with parchment paper or paper towels before placing them into the fridge.

This ensures that the strawberries don’t stick to the containers and prevent sweating from occurring.

How To Keep Chocolate-Covered Strawberries From Sweating

As a whole, minimize sweating by drying each strawberry before dipping it in chocolate. When stored in the fridge they should be placed in a container lined with paper towels or parchment paper to trap excess moisture. Adding baking soda between layers of paper towels can also minimize condensation.

This is probably the most common problem people have when it comes to making and storing chocolate-covered strawberries.

They always start to sweat after about a day, especially if you’ve chosen to store them in the fridge.

Fortunately, there are a few tips you can use in order to keep condensation to a minimum.

First, before you dip your strawberry in the melted chocolate, it’s always a good idea to completely wipe and dry them down.

If you don’t dry them off, you’re allowing those water droplets to collect underneath the chocolate layer, which will eventually come through and gather as droplets of condensation over time.

Another tip is to allow your strawberries to cool down at room temperature.

Keeping the strawberries at an even temperature without fluctuations or change will help to reduce their amount of sweating.

Prevent Your Chocolate-Covered Strawberries From Sweating!
Make sure to wipe your strawberries dry before dipping them in chocolate!

*By the way, you might also want to know The 5 Best Ways To Temper Chocolate Correctly. I recently wrote a full step-by-step article about tempering chocolate correctly without burning it! You can check out this article here!

One last tip to keep your strawberries from sweating is to try to enjoy them on the same day you make them.

While there are some desserts that can be baked a week ahead of time, it’s a good idea to try to enjoy chocolate-covered fruit relatively quickly.

Strawberries have a naturally high water content, which means their quality will start to decline within two to three days.

Can You Store Chocolate-Covered Strawberries In The Freezer?

As a whole, you can store chocolate-covered strawberries in the freezer. Gently dab the strawberries on a paper towel to remove moisture and then wrap each strawberry individually in aluminum foil and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will last up to three months when properly stored.

Contrary to popular belief, you actually can freeze chocolate-covered strawberries. If they are properly stored in the freezer they can actually last upwards of three months.

There are a couple of caveats to remember when you’re storing chocolate-covered strawberries in the freezer.

First, understand that three months in the freezer can change their appearance somewhat, specifically the chocolate.

The chocolate dipping sauce may turn slightly lighter than before due to sugar crystallization.

Wrap Each Chocolate-Covered Strawberries In Aluminum Foil!
Aluminum foil will help prevent the strawberries from getting freezer burn!

*Side Note: You might also want to know The Right Way To Store Chocolate-Covered Bananas To Keep Them Fresh. I recently wrote an article detailing exactly How To Store Chocolate-Covered Bananas with different types of storing methods. You can check out this article here!

While the color change shouldn’t change their taste, they will look slightly different. If you’re planning to enjoy your chocolate-covered strawberries as an occasional snack over the next few months this shouldn’t be an issue.

However, if you’re planning to present them as a gift or to bring them along to a dinner party, you may want to stick with preparing and gifting your strawberries within a day or so.

You have two different options if you’re getting your chocolate-covered strawberries ready for freezer storage.

The first option is to carefully wrap each individual strawberry in foil before placing them in a plastic food storage container with a lid.

The second option is to freeze them on the aluminum foil sheet they dried on and then carefully place the sheet into a food storage container.

If I’m planning on storing my strawberries in the freezer I prefer to individually wrap each one. This way I can ensure there aren’t any gaps in the wrapping and eliminate the chances of freezer burn.

Can Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Spoil? Can They Go Bad?

As a general rule, chocolate-covered strawberries can spoil and go bad. Indications of spoilage include a change in color, foul odor, squishy texture, and mold growth. You can prevent spoilage for longer by properly storing the strawberries in paper towel-lined containers in the fridge.

Unfortunately, like all food items, your chocolate-covered strawberries can eventually spoil. Since strawberries are a fruit, they tend to spoil much more quickly than some other food items.

According to Food Network:

“If the chocolate has fallen off or the tops of the strawberries appear mushy, you’ll probably want to toss them.”

Food Network

When chocolate-covered strawberries go bad, it can be a little more difficult to tell due to the chocolate shell.

Your first sign of spoilage is mold growing on the tops of the strawberries.

The chocolate shell may become discolored, and you may notice the strawberry is dark red and soggy when you cut into it. It may start to smell “off” as well.

Since spoiled fruit can make you sick it’s always better to just go ahead and toss them if you think your strawberries may have gone bad.

Besides, it’s the perfect excuse to whip up a fresh new batch to enjoy with all your family and friends.

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Fainna

My name is Fainna! I've been baking desserts ever since I was 10 years old with my grandma passing her baking wisdom down to me with every passing day. I hope you find these tips and tricks helpful here at my little Baking Nook!

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