Effortless Instant Pot Chocolate Covered Strawberries: The Ultimate Double Boiler Hack
Imagine creating beautifully glossy, perfectly coated chocolate covered strawberries without the stress of burned chocolate or complicated setups. With this ingenious Instant Pot Double Boiler Hack, it’s not just possible – it’s incredibly easy! Your Instant Pot truly is a magical kitchen appliance, capable of so much more than just pressure cooking. This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.
These elegant treats look like they came straight from a gourmet chocolatier, yet they are surprisingly simple to whip up right in your own kitchen. And the secret to their effortless perfection? Your trusty Instant Pot. Forget the traditional methods that can lead to culinary mishaps; the Instant Pot makes melting chocolate a smooth, stress-free experience, ensuring your chocolate covered strawberries are always a stunning success.
Why the Instant Pot is Your New Best Friend for Melting Chocolate
Melting chocolate can be a delicate art. Many of us have experienced the heartbreak of burned or seized chocolate, whether using a microwave or a makeshift stovetop setup. One moment you have a bowl of promising chocolate, the next it’s a lumpy, unusable mess with a rather unpleasant odor. It happens quickly, and it’s a surefire way to dampen your dessert-making spirits (and sometimes, even lead to a small, chocolate-loving person’s tears!).
This is where the Instant Pot truly shines. By transforming your Instant Pot into a perfectly controlled double boiler, you eliminate the risk of burning and achieve a consistently smooth, warm, and perfectly dippable chocolate every single time. The gentle, even heat from the Instant Pot’s sauté and “keep warm” functions ensures your chocolate melts gradually and stays at the ideal temperature for dipping, allowing you to create beautiful treats at your leisure.
Mastering the Instant Pot Double Boiler Hack
Setting up your Instant Pot as a double boiler is incredibly simple. All you need is your Instant Pot, 1-2 cups of water, and a glass mixing bowl that is slightly larger than your Instant Pot liner. The key is to ensure the bottom of your glass bowl fits snugly inside the Instant Pot without touching the water, while the rim rests securely on the Instant Pot’s edge, creating a perfect steam bath for your chocolate. This setup mimics a traditional double boiler but with the added benefit of precise temperature control from your Instant Pot.
Once your setup is ready, simply pour 1-2 cups of water into the Instant Pot liner. Place your glass bowl on top, add your chocolate and any other ingredients, then select the “Sauté” setting on low or normal heat. The Instant Pot will gently heat the water, creating steam that melts your chocolate to a silky-smooth consistency. As soon as your chocolate is nearly melted and smooth, switch the Instant Pot to the “Keep Warm” setting. This maintains the perfect dipping temperature, preventing the chocolate from solidifying or overheating while you work. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone who loves making homemade chocolate treats!
What is the Best Kind of Chocolate for Healthier Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
For those mindful of their health goals, like my fellow FIXers and Weight Watchers members, you have fantastic options for creating delicious and healthier chocolate covered strawberries. The beauty of making them at home is controlling the ingredients and avoiding unnecessary additives. We’ll explore two great choices that are both satisfying and diet-friendly.
Option 1: The Pantry Chocolate Sauce
One of my favorite methods, especially if you’re looking for a “no-treat-swap” option (for those following 21 Day Fix), is to create a simple chocolate sauce from pantry staples. This is the same method we use for my Banana Ice Cream Bon Bons and it’s incredibly versatile. You’ll simply mix together coconut oil, unsweetened cocoa powder, a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, and a touch of vanilla extract. Not only is this sauce rich and flavorful, but it’s also dairy-free and made from wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s perfect for when you want a guilt-free indulgence without needing to worry about keeping chocolate chips stocked (which, let’s be honest, can disappear quickly!).
Option 2: High-Quality Dark Chocolate Chips
If you prefer the convenience of chocolate chips, opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage (70% or higher is ideal). Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy eating plan. Just be mindful of your portion sizes, especially if you’re counting treat swaps for programs like 21 Day Fix.
We highly recommend Enjoy Life brand dark chocolate chips. They are an excellent choice because they are free of all major allergens, including dairy and gluten. They’re also paleo-friendly and contain no artificial ingredients, ensuring a cleaner, healthier treat. Look for similar brands that prioritize quality ingredients and minimal sugar content.
The Secret to Shiny, Smooth Chocolate: Coconut Oil
Regardless of whether you choose the pantry chocolate option or dark chocolate chips, my ultimate trick for achieving a beautifully shiny and smooth chocolate coating is to incorporate a small amount of coconut oil during the melting process. While shortening used to be a common choice, coconut oil works even better and adds a touch of healthy fat. It helps the chocolate melt more evenly and gives it that professional, glossy finish that makes these strawberries irresistible.
You can also use a high-quality dark chocolate bar, broken into pieces, for an equally luxurious dip. Always check the ingredient list and sugar content to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences and health goals.
Preparing Your Strawberries for Dipping Perfection
Before you even think about melting chocolate, the preparation of your strawberries is crucial for a successful and lasting treat. Always select fresh, firm, and vibrant red strawberries with their green stems intact. The stems make for a convenient handle when dipping!
- Wash Thoroughly: Rinse your strawberries under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Dry Completely: This is arguably the most important step. Any moisture on the strawberries will cause your chocolate to seize and not adhere properly. Gently pat each strawberry completely dry with a paper towel. For best results, let them air dry for an additional 10-15 minutes on a clean kitchen towel.
- Room Temperature: Ensure your strawberries are at room temperature before dipping. Cold strawberries can cause the chocolate to set too quickly, leading to cracks or an uneven coating.
Beyond Strawberries: More Dippable Delights
While chocolate covered strawberries are a classic for a reason, the fun doesn’t have to stop there! Your Instant Pot double boiler is perfect for dipping a variety of fruits and other treats. We love to dip banana slices, sweet cherries, and even clementine segments for a burst of citrusy goodness. For an extra indulgent touch, throw in an occasional marshmallow – because, well, YUM!
This Instant Pot melting method is also fantastic for my 21 Day Fix Dairy-Free Chocolate Fondue – a crowd-plepleasing, kid-friendly treat that’s perfect for parties or a fun family night.
Creative Topping Ideas for Your Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Toppings are where you can really let your creativity shine! They add texture, flavor, and a beautiful visual appeal. For those following the 21 Day Fix, this is a fantastic opportunity to get in your orange container! I often struggle to hit my orange container goals, so dipping my chocolate covered strawberries in crushed peanuts or unsweetened shredded coconut is a delicious and easy way to do it. Just remember to account for your orange (or blue) container equivalent if you’re tracking.
Here are some other fantastic topping ideas to elevate your chocolate covered strawberries:
- Chopped Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats.
- Shredded Coconut: Toasted or untoasted, it adds a tropical flair.
- Sprinkles: A classic choice, especially for birthdays or holidays.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey layer.
- Sea Salt Flakes: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt creates a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
- Other Chocolate Drizzles: Drizzle with melted white chocolate or a contrasting dark chocolate for an artistic touch.
- Crushed Freeze-Dried Raspberries: For a tart and vibrant burst of color and flavor.
- Spices: A tiny pinch of chili powder or cinnamon for a sophisticated kick.
Just look at how incredibly pretty and effortless these are! I frequently make these for dinner parties and gatherings, and they are always a HUGE hit. The best part is knowing that the dessert is so easy, allowing me to focus more attention on the main meal and my guests. They’re a simple pleasure that never fails to impress.
For a visual guide, take a look at this handy video to see just how easy it truly is!
How Long Do Chocolate Covered Strawberries Last? Storage Tips
To enjoy your homemade chocolate covered strawberries at their best, you’ll want to store them properly. Keep your berries in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Beyond that, the strawberries tend to release their natural juices, which can soften and ruin the chocolate coating. If you’ve made a large batch and want to save some for later (or simply don’t want to share!), these delightful treats can be frozen for 1-2 months. Just place them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them slightly in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing cool treat.
Instant Pot Chocolate Covered Strawberry Hack | 21 Day Fix Chocolate Covered Strawberries [Dairy-free]
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Option
- 24 large strawberries
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips I use Enjoy Life
Pantry Chocolate Option
- 24 large strawberries
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Shredded coconut
- Crushed peanuts
Instructions
Chocolate Chip Option
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Pour 1-2 cups of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot liner. Place a glass bowl on top of the liner – make sure the glass bowl fits inside the pot with the top of the bowl above the liner like a traditional double boiler.
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Set Instant Pot to Saute – be sure it’s on low or normal and not high.
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Place coconut oil and chocolate chips in the glass bowl.
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Stir chocolate mixture until smooth.
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After the chocolate is smooth, press cancel and then hit the keep warm button.
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Dip strawberries in chocolate, covering almost to the stem. Place covered strawberries on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
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If you want, add some crushed peanuts or shredded coconut to some of the strawberries.
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Place berries in the fridge for 15 minutes to allow chocolate to harden before serving. These will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or the freezer for 2 months.
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Pantry Chocolate Option
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Pour 1-2 cups of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot liner. Place a glass bowl on top of the liner – make sure the glass bowl fits inside the pot with the top of the bowl above the liner like a traditional double boiler.
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Set Instant Pot to Saute – be sure it’s on low or normal and not high.
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Place coconut oil in the glass bowl and melt. Add the remaining ingredients and stir chocolate mixture until smooth.
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After the chocolate is smooth, press cancel and then hit the keep warm button.
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Dip strawberries in chocolate, covering almost to the stem. Place covered strawberries on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
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If you want, add some crushed peanuts or shredded coconut to some of the strawberries.
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Place berries in the fridge for 15 minutes to allow chocolate to harden before serving. These will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or the freezer for 2 months.
Stovetop
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In a small saucepan, heat coconut oil over medium low heat, then whisk in cocoa powder, maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract or chocolate chips.
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Remove from heat and continue to whisk until smooth.
Microwave
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In a microwave save bowl, melt coconut oil, then whisk in cocoa powder, maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract or chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
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The chocolate chip option will require extra heating – place in the microwave for ten seconds at a time, stirring in between until smooth.
Video
Notes
Pantry Chocolate Option – 21 Day Fix: 1/4 PURPLE, 1 1/2 sweetener tsp, 2 TSP (per 2 strawberries); WW link for personal points: Chocolate Covered Strawberries – pantry option (per 2 strawberries)
**If you have smaller strawberries or if you dip lower, you can make and have MORE…so if you make 30 strawberries, you can have 3 for the same counts. If you make 38 strawberries, you can have 4 for the same counts, except 1/3 purple.
If you add peanuts or coconut to your strawberries, be sure to count your orange or blue. I measured 1/2 orange for each strawberry.
Nutrition facts below are with chocolate chips.
Nutrition