Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Skewers with Almond
Espetadas de Morangos com Chocolate are elegant Portuguese-inspired strawberry skewers coated in silky chocolate sauce and topped with sliced almonds. This simple yet sophisticated dessert combines fresh fruit with warm, velvety chocolate ganache, creating a contrast of textures and temperatures. The dish is perfect for anyone seeking an impressive yet effortless dessert that looks restaurant-quality but requires no advanced technique. Serve these skewers immediately after assembly at dinner parties, casual gatherings, or as a special treat for chocolate lovers. What sets this version apart is the generous ganache—made by pouring hot cream over chocolate to create a luxurious coating—combined with the delicate crunch of blanched almond slivers. The wooden skewers make them easy to handle and visually appealing, whether plated individually or arranged on a shared platter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Break chocolate into small pieces, place in a bowl and combine with powdered sugar.
- 2
Heat cream until it comes to a boil, remove from heat, pour over chocolate mixture and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- 3
Stir in butter and mix well until the sauce is silky.
- 4
Let cool until the sauce begins to thicken.
- 5
Rinse and hull the strawberries, then thread them onto wooden skewers and arrange on a plate.
- 6
Pour the chocolate sauce over the strawberries, sprinkle with sliced almonds and serve immediately.
Tips
Cool the ganache to the exact moment it begins thickening—if too warm, it runs off the berries; if too cool, it becomes thick and difficult to coat smoothly. Stir occasionally while cooling for even temperature.
Use a small offset spatula or spoon to coat skewers if pouring seems too loose. This gives you control over sauce thickness and prevents pooling on the plate.
Assemble and serve immediately after chocolate coating sets slightly—the warmth of the ganache against cold strawberries creates the best contrast of flavors and textures.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover coated skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The ganache will firm up further when chilled.
Prepare the ganache up to 2 hours before serving and store at room temperature. Assemble skewers and coat with sauce just before serving for best texture.
Arrange on a plate or platter at room temperature. Serve within 15 minutes of assembly while ganache is still slightly warm and coating is set but not hardened.
Common Mistakes
Overheat the cream or cook the ganache after mixing chocolate to avoid a grainy, broken sauce.
Skip the cooling step to avoid sauce running off the fruit and pooling on the plate.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
You can prepare the ganache up to 2 hours in advance, but assemble and coat the strawberries just before serving. This ensures the sauce adheres properly and has the ideal consistency. Assembled skewers are best eaten within 15 minutes.
What if the chocolate sauce is too thick or too thin?
If too thick, gently reheat over low heat and whisk in a small amount of warm cream. If too thin, let it cool longer, stirring occasionally. The texture should cling to the berries without running off immediately.
How long can chocolate-dipped strawberries be refrigerated?
Store coated skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The ganache will harden further when chilled. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving if you prefer a less firm coating.