These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys are super fun and easy to make! You coat juicy strawberries in chocolate and add little candy pieces for feathers and features.
Let’s be honest, they’re almost too cute to eat! I love making these for Thanksgiving—everyone gets a kick out of them, and they’re a sweet way to celebrate the season!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Use large, fresh strawberries with green leaves. They add a nice pop of color and act as the turkey’s head. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, consider using large cherries as a fun alternative.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work great, but you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for richer flavor. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan chocolate chips!
Marshmallows: Small marshmallows create the turkey feathers. You can substitute with sliced pieces of pound cake or fruit slices like bananas if you’re looking for something different or if you have dietary restrictions.
Decorating Elements: Instead of graham cracker crumbs, use crushed nuts or coconut flakes for a unique taste. You can also swap mini chocolate chips for candy corn or small candies for eyes. Get creative!
How Do I Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
Melted chocolate is crucial for a smooth finish in this recipe. To melt it perfectly, follow these steps:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and add chocolate chips.
- Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between. This prevents overheating.
- Stop as soon as it’s mostly melted and stir until completely smooth. This residual heat will finish melting it.
By being patient and stirring frequently, you’ll avoid lumpy or burnt chocolate, ensuring your turkeys look smooth and professional!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 large fresh strawberries with green leaves intact
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting chocolate
- 10 small marshmallows (for turkey feathers)
- Graham cracker crumbs or cinnamon sugar for dusting on marshmallows
- 20 mini chocolate chips or candy eyes (for turkey eyes)
- Red decorating gel or small piece of red fruit leather (for turkey wattle)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick process with some time for chocolate to set! Get ready to enjoy some charming Thanksgiving treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by washing the strawberries under cold water. Make sure to dry them thoroughly with a paper towel while keeping the green leaves on top. These leaves will help create the turkey’s head!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips. Microwave them in 20-30 second intervals. Stir the chocolate in between each interval until it’s completely smooth and melted. This prevents it from burning!
3. Dip the Strawberries:
Take a strawberry by its leaves and dip the bottom half into the melted chocolate. Cover the tip and about halfway up the strawberry to create the body and legs of the turkey. Let excess chocolate drip off, then place the dipped strawberry upright on parchment paper.
4. Add Eyes and Wattle:
While the chocolate is still soft, gently press two mini chocolate chips or candy eyes onto the top front of the chocolate-covered strawberry to form the eyes. Then, use a small dab of chocolate to attach a piece of red decorating gel or fruit leather right below the eyes for the turkey’s wattle.
5. Create Turkey Feathers:
Slice each marshmallow in half or thirds to create fluffy feather shapes. Slightly brush the edges with water or melted chocolate, and then carefully press these pieces at the back top of the strawberry to fan out like turkey tail feathers.
6. Add Toasted Look:
Lightly sprinkle the marshmallow feathers with graham cracker crumbs or cinnamon sugar to give them a toasted effect, making them extra cute!
7. Let Them Set:
Allow the chocolate to set either at room temperature or pop them in the refrigerator for a bit to speed things up. Wait until the chocolate is fully firm.
8. Present and Enjoy!
Once the chocolate is set, arrange the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys on a platter. Enjoy them as delightful Thanksgiving treats that everyone will love!
This recipe yields about 10 festive Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys, perfect for parties, gatherings, or gifting!
Can I Use White Chocolate Instead of Semi-Sweet Chocolate?
Absolutely! White chocolate will give your turkeys a sweeter taste and a different look. Just keep an eye on the melting process, as white chocolate can burn easily.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but this will help keep the chocolate from melting and the strawberries from becoming soggy!
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chocolate-covered strawberries a day ahead. Just make sure they are fully set and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve to keep them fresh.
What If I Can’t Find Mini Chocolate Chips?
No problem! You can use regular chocolate chips, M&M’s, candy corn, or even small pieces of fruit if you prefer. Get creative with your turkey eyes!
