If you have some chocolate covered strawberries left over from a gathering or someone gave you a delicious gift, like Edible®’s Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Box, you want to enjoy every last one. If you don’t gobble them all up in one sitting first (who could blame you?), you want to ensure they last. Chocolate covered strawberries are delicious, but they’re also delicate. So how long do chocolate covered strawberries last? And how can you store them so they stay fresh as long as possible? Here’s our go-to guide on storing chocolate covered strawberries.
How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries at Room Temperature
Keeping chocolate covered strawberries at room temperature is actually the most preferable way to store them, allowing them to retain the best flavor. However, it also means your strawberries will spoil quicker than any of the other methods. In fact, you shouldn’t use this method unless you want to eat your chocolate covered strawberries within 24 hours.
If you decide to store your dipped strawberries at room temperature, lightly cover them with foil or plastic wrap and sit them on the counter. You don’t want to store the berries in an airtight container, because this will cause decomposition and mold at a much quicker rate than if the strawberries are lightly covered. Chocolate covered strawberries are prone to condensation, which causes extra moisture to build up, and eventually leads to mold. Therefore, it’s important to allow for proper airflow.
How to Store Chocolate Dipped Strawberries in the Refrigerator
If you want to keep your chocolate covered strawberries for up to 48 hours, you can refrigerate them. You might even be able to get several days out of your berries, but they’re usually best within two days. When you refrigerate your chocolate covered strawberries, they won’t taste as fresh or flavorful as keeping them at room temperature. But, of course, you’ll get more longevity out of them.
Condensation is a major concern that you’ll need to take into account when refrigerating.To cut down on the sweating and avoid the growth of mold that could spoil your fruit, first lay down a few paper towels in the bottom of a container. Place your strawberries in a single layer in the container and cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap. An airtight container can trap in excess condensation, which can lead to rapid spoiling, so it’s important to cover the berries loosely. Likewise, you don’t want to crowd the strawberries in the container, so keep them to a single layer and use more containers if necessary.
If you’re storing a chocolate covered strawberry that has been cut or hulled, this is the one instance where you’ll need to choose an airtight container instead. An airtight container will protect the exposed flesh of the berries, but will greatly decrease the time the fruit will stay fresh. Plan to polish off any cut chocolate covered strawberry within 24 hours.
How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries in the Freezer
Freezing your chocolate covered strawberries will allow you to enjoy them over a longer period of time. In fact, you can keep them for up to three months in the freezer. To freeze, place your chocolate covered strawberries on a parchment-lined sheet in a single layer, with enough space between the strawberries to allow air to flow. Freeze for about three hours or until they are solid, which will prevent them from sticking together when stored.Once the berries are solid, you can place them in a freezer container or bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, defrost your chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge for an hour.Or, you can choose to eat the strawberries frozen. Either way, you don’t want to defrost the strawberries completely or they can become mushy and watery. Partially or completely frozen strawberries aren’t as crunchy or hard as you might think. In fact, they’re pretty delectable – and a lot tastier than a mushy strawberry.
Knowing how long chocolate covered strawberries last can help you plan how many you want to eat now and how many you want to save for later. Whether you’ve received a delicious arrangement like our mouth-wateringJust For You Bouquet or have some chocolate covered strawberries left over from an event, storing them properly will keep them fresh longer so you can savor every last bite.
More FAQs About How Long Chocolate Covered Strawberries Last
How do you make chocolate covered strawberries last longer?
You can refrigerate chocolate covered strawberries to make them last longer. Put a layer of paper towels and lay the chocolate covered strawberries in a single layer in a container. Cover the container loosely with plastic wrap or foil. They can be stored for about two days using this method. Don’t use an airtight container, as the condensation will lead to faster spoiling.
Can chocolate covered strawberries last 3 days?
Yes, chocolate covered strawberries can last for 3 days when stored in the refrigerator, but it’s not a guarantee. Generally, you should enjoy them within two days if you’re storing them in the fridge. However, if they’ve been refrigerated for three days, you may still be able to eat them. Carefully inspect each strawberry. If the chocolate has fallen off, the strawberry feels mushy, or you can see spots of mold, you should dispose of them rather than eating them.
Should you put chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge?
No, you shouldn’t put chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge unless you want to store them for a couple of days. They’re best enjoyed within 24 hours at room temperature, so you can let them sit out for a day. You can store them in the fridge.
Why are my chocolate covered strawberries sweating?
The sweat you sometimes see on chocolate covered strawberries is condensation. This usually happens when they’re refrigerated. To avoid condensation, keep your chocolate covered strawberries at room temperature and enjoy them within 24 hours.
When dipping strawberries and chocolate should they be cold or room temperature?
Strawberries should be room temperature when dipping them in chocolate. In addition, avoid putting them in the refrigerator to set the chocolate; the chocolate should be set at room temperature also.
Can I leave chocolate covered strawberries out overnight?
You can leave chocolate covered strawberries out overnight if you’ll be eating them within 24 hours. Otherwise, you can store them in the refrigerator and eat them within two to three days. However, they’re best enjoyed at room temperature within 24 hours. When storing them in the fridge, line the bottom of a container with paper towels and place the chocolate covered strawberries in a single layer. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil. Don’t use an airtight container. It will cause your chocolate covered strawberries to attract more condensation, which creates the appearance of “sweating” and leads to faster spoilage.
How do you dry strawberries after dipping in chocolate?
To dry strawberries after dipping them in chocolate, line a sheet pan with wax paper or parchment paper. As you dip them in chocolate, place each freshly dipped strawberry on the pan, leaving ample space around it for air circulation. Allow your chocolate covered strawberries to rest at room temperature. The chocolate will set in about 30 minutes.
How do you transport chocolate covered strawberries?
Transport chocolate covered strawberries in an open container with high sides (tall enough that the strawberries won’t fall out). You can place each chocolate covered strawberry in a cupcake liner or baking cup to prevent them from bumping into each other during transit. To ship chocolate covered strawberries, refrigerate them immediately after making them to allow them to cool fully. Then, wrap them individually in cellophane or individual baking cups. Place them in a single layer in a container with space between them. Close this container and pack it in a larger, insulated shipping container with dry ice or frozen cold packs. This will keep the strawberries at a cooler temperature during shipping.
