This delightful Christmas Lights Chocolate Strawberries recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is a fun no-bake treat for a quick and easy festive dessert that your family will love! You can easily switch up the toppings to suit your taste or use it as a way to “clean out the fridge” by getting rid of all those odds and ends of leftover candy. So grab those strawberries, and let’s get started on this fun holiday treat!
Ingredient Breakdown
Juicy Strawberries
Choosing ripe, fresh strawberries is a must for this recipe! Not only do they provide a beautiful, vibrant red color that mimics Christmas lights, but they also add a juicy sweetness that balances perfectly with the chocolate. You’ll want to look for plump, firm strawberries with vivid green leaves.
Substitution options: If strawberries aren’t in season, you can try other fruits like bananas or even pineapple, though they won’t have the same appearance.
Tip: Always wash your strawberries and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel. Too much water on the surface can cause the chocolate to seize up when you dip them!
Chocolate (Melting or Dipping Chocolate)
You can use either melting or dipping chocolate for this recipe, both work wonderfully! Melting chocolate gives you a nice, smooth finish, while dipping chocolate can provide that perfect coating without needing to temper it.
Why I chose this ingredient: It’s all about the flavor and texture! A high-quality chocolate melts beautifully and maintains a rich chocolate flavor.
Substitution options: If you’re keeping it dairy-free, opt for dark chocolate or even carob chips. You can also use colored candy melts for a fun twist!
Mini M&Ms
Here’s where the fun really happens! Mini M&Ms are perfect for creating the illusion of Christmas lights on your strawberries. Their vibrant colors and crunchy texture provide a nice contrast to the smooth, creamy chocolate coating.
Why I chose this ingredient: They’re festive and easy to use, all you have to do is sprinkle them on!
Substitution options: You can also use sprinkles, crushed candies, or even nuts! Really, whatever you have on hand works great.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Melt the Chocolate: Start by melting your chocolate. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. If using the microwave, heat at 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until fully melted and smooth.
Dip the Strawberries: Grab those beautifully dried strawberries and dip each one into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. This is where the magic happens!
Add the ‘Lights’: Before the chocolate sets (this should be fairly quick, about a minute), sprinkle mini M&Ms on top. Arrange them to resemble Christmas lights, no two are alike!
Set Them Up: Place your decorated strawberries on a parchment-lined tray. This ensures they don’t stick when they cool and set.
Enjoy: Once they’re set, about 15-20 minutes in the fridge you can serve these festive beauties at holiday parties or savor them during a cozy movie night with the family.
Why I Love This Recipe!
This is my go-to recipe for holiday gatherings! Whenever I feel like I need a quick and easy dessert that doesn’t require baking (or the half-burnt cookies I sometimes end up with), I whip up these Christmas Lights Chocolate Strawberries. I’m a real sucker for anything that looks fancy but is super simple to make. Not to mention, they’re always a crowd-pleaser! I love that I can include my kids in the fun, everyone loves getting creative with the toppings. The best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, so there’s zero pressure!
If you loved this fun recipe, be sure to check out my Homemade Peppermint Bark, my Yule Log Cake, or my Homemade Fresh Fruit Tart!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dessert is incredibly quick and easy! Since it comes together in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for when you’re short on time during the busy holiday season.
Customizable
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Not only can you play with fruit, but you can also mix and match the chocolate and toppings based on what you have or what your family loves.
No-Bake
Because these beauties are no-bake, you get to skip the oven and all that extra heat, especially welcome when you’re making a festive meal.
Family Favorite
Kids and adults alike are going nuts for these! It’s like eating dessert and playing with your food at the same time…and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love an edible work of art?
Perfect for Parties
These chocolate strawberries are not just a weekday snack, they shine at holiday gatherings! They’re easy to grab and share, making them the perfect finger food for parties.
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Christmas Lights Chocolate Strawberries
Serve them on a festive platter or even in a decorative bowl. You might even consider arranging them to mimic a beautiful holiday wreath, talk about a showstopper!
How Long They Last
These strawberries keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, though honestly, they probably won’t last that long! Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Reheating Instructions
There’s really no reheating required for these. Just pop them in the fridge to keep the chocolate solid and the strawberries fresh!
Are They Freezer Friendly?
I don’t recommend freezing them. The texture can get a bit mushy when thawed. However, if you absolutely want to prepare in advance, you could freeze only the chocolate to create a nice little topping for fresh strawberries later on.
And that’s it! Festive, delightful, and a blast to make, these Christmas Lights Chocolate Strawberries are a surefire hit for any holiday gathering. They capture the spirit of the season while being quick and easy enough for even the busiest of weeks. Grab your strawberries and get ready for some family fun in the kitchen, you won’t regret it!
Let me know in the comments how yours turn out, and happy holidays! For more Recipe Follow us in Pinterest.
Christmas Lights Chocolate Strawberries
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the strawberries and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Dip each dried strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl.
- Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle mini M&Ms on top to resemble Christmas lights. Arrange them creatively.
- Place the decorated strawberries on a parchment-lined tray to cool and set.
- Refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes until the chocolate is set before serving.