Zupas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Recipe

Among the myriad interpretations of this beloved dessert, one stands uniquely memorable: the Zupas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries. Having experienced this delightful dessert firsthand at Cafe Zupas, I was inspired to recreate this at home. It’s a testament to the simple elegance of pairing ripe strawberries with decadent chocolate, a reminder of how two disparate flavors can come together to create something truly extraordinary.

How to make Zupas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Zupas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries are a popular treat offered by Café Zupas, a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its soups, salads, and sandwiches. These strawberries are fresh, juicy, and hand-dipped in smooth, rich chocolate. They are often given as a complimentary treat with your meal or available for purchase separately.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh strawberries: Look for large, ripe strawberries with vibrant color and green, fresh-looking caps.
• 8 ounces premium dark chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate for a rich, deep flavor and smooth melting. A cocoa content of around 60-70% strikes a nice balance between sweetness and bitterness.
• 4 ounces premium white chocolate (optional): For drizzling, to add a decorative touch and a contrasting flavor.
• Wax paper or silicone baking mat: This is used to lay out the dipped strawberries.

Instructions

1. Preparation: Begin by washing the strawberries gently under cold water. Dry them thoroughly with paper towels; any moisture remaining can cause the chocolate to seize. Leave the stems intact, as they serve as a handle for dipping.
2. Melting the Dark Chocolate: Break or chop the dark chocolate into small pieces for even melting. Use a double boiler or microwave method to melt the chocolate until smooth. For the double boiler method, place chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom doesn’t touch the water. Stir frequently. For the microwave method, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
3. Dipping Strawberries: Hold a strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, turning to coat it evenly. Lift and let the excess chocolate drip off back into the bowl. Place the dipped strawberry on wax paper or a silicone baking mat. Repeat with the remaining strawberries.
4. Melting the White Chocolate (if using): Follow the same process as for the dark chocolate. Once melted, transfer it to a small piping bag or a ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off.
5. Decorating: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the dipped strawberries in a zigzag or pattern of your choice. This step is optional but adds a beautiful, professional touch.
6. Setting: Let the chocolate set at room temperature, or to speed up the process, refrigerate for about 15 minutes.
7. Serving: For the best texture and flavor, enjoy your Zupas-inspired chocolate-covered strawberries the same day. If you must store them, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but note that condensation might form on the chocolate.

Tips for Perfection

• Chocolate Quality: The better the chocolate, the more exquisite your strawberries will taste. Investing in premium chocolate makes all the difference.
• Double Boiling Tip: If using the double boiler method, ensure no steam or water gets into the chocolate. Even a small drop can make the chocolate grainy and hard to work with.
• Temperature Matters: If the chocolate is too hot when dipping, it can soften or wilt the strawberries. Let it cool slightly to a warm, but not hot, temperature.
• Decorative Flair: For added texture and flavor, experiment with toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt, adding them after the chocolate but before it fully sets.

What to serve with

When serving Zupas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, pairing them with complementary items can elevate the overall experience, turning a simple dessert into a sophisticated and multifaceted indulgence.

1. Sparkling Beverages

• Champagne or Prosecco: The fizziness and slight sweetness of these sparkling wines pair beautifully with the richness of chocolate and the tartness of strawberries. For a non-alcoholic option, consider sparkling grape juice or sparkling water with a splash of elderflower syrup.
• Coffee: Serve a freshly brewed espresso or a cup of strong coffee. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the chocolate and strawberries, creating a balanced palate experience.

2. Additional Desserts

• Mini Cheesecakes: Offer mini cheesecakes as a creamy and tangy counterpart to the chocolate-covered strawberries. The smoothness of the cheesecake complements the texture and flavor of your Zupas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries.
• Macarons: These small, round, sweet meringue-based confections add elegance and variety in flavor and color. Choose complementary flavors like raspberry, vanilla, or chocolate.
• Chocolate Mousse: Serve a light, airy chocolate mousse alongside your Zupas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries for an extra dose of chocolate that’s different in texture but harmonious in flavor.

3. Assorted Cheese Board

• Brie: The creaminess and mild flavor of Brie cheese balance the sweetness of the chocolate and strawberries.
• Aged Gouda: A bit of aged Gouda offers a nice salty and nutty contrast to the sweet and fruity strawberries.
• Goat Cheese: For a tangy option, include some soft goat cheese, which pairs very well with both strawberries and dark chocolate.

4. Fruit and Nut Platter

• Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, or walnuts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the chocolate and the juiciness of strawberries.
• Other Fruits: Include slices of fresh figs, apples, and pears. This variety adds colors and offers a range of flavors that complement the primary dessert.

5. Light Pastries

• Mini Éclairs: Filled with cream and topped with chocolate icing, mini éclairs offer a delightful texture and flavor variation.
• Shortbread Cookies: The buttery richness and crumbly texture of shortbread cookies provide a subtle contrast that doesn’t overwhelm the palate alongside Zupas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries.

6. Dipping Sauces

If you’re serving your chocolate-covered strawberries as part of a dessert bar, consider adding small bowls of dipping sauces for extra flavor:

• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds a buttery sweetness.
• White Chocolate Ganache: A creamy and rich addition that complements the dark chocolate.
• Berry Coulis: A sauce made from pureed and strained raspberries or mixed berries adds a tart contrast and enhances the fruit flavors.

7. Beverage Finishers

• Port Wine: A small glass of Port or another dessert wine complements the berries and chocolate with its rich, sweet profile.
• Herbal Tea: Serve a light herbal or green tea as a refreshing palate cleanser after the meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating Chocolate-Covered Strawberries à la Zupas style can be a delightful endeavor, but sometimes you might find yourself missing an ingredient or needing to adjust a recipe based on dietary restrictions or personal preferences.

1. Chocolate

Standard Ingredient: High-quality dark or milk chocolate is typically used for the rich, luxurious coating.

Substitutes:

For Vegans: Use dairy-free chocolate or chocolate chips found in health food sections.

For a Healthier Option, Substitute dark chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa (70% or more). It has less sugar and contains antioxidants.

For a Different Flavor: Try white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste, or a ruby chocolate for a fruity, berry-like flavor.

2. Strawberries

Standard Ingredient: Fresh, ripe strawberries, preferably large and with stems intact for easy dipping.

Substitutes:

For Allergies or Preferences: Although strawberries are central to this dish, you can dip other fruits for variety or due to allergies. Consider large cherries, orange segments, or pitted dates as alternatives, keeping in mind the flavor profile will change.

3. Toppings

The toppings on chocolate-covered strawberries can vary widely depending on your taste. If you’re looking to replicate Zupas’ indulgence or add your twist, here are some ideas:

Nuts (e.g., Chopped Almonds):

Substitutes: For nut allergies, try seeds like roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunch without the allergens.

Coconut Flakes:

Substitutes: Use crushed cereal or graham cracker crumbs for a different texture and flavor that is allergy-friendly.

Drizzled Chocolate:

Substitutes: Instead of a different type of chocolate, opt for caramel sauce, a berry coulis, or even a thinned-out peanut butter (for those without nut allergies) to drizzle.

4. Special Diets

• For Sugar-Free Diets: Use sugar-free chocolate, which is often sweetened with stevia or other sugar alternatives. Keep in mind the melting properties may vary.
• For Gluten-Free Needs: Ensure that any toppings (like cookies or pretzel bits) are gluten-free. Many chocolates are naturally gluten-free but always check for cross-contamination warnings if this is a concern.

Final Thoughts

By meticulously selecting what to serve with your Zupas Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, you can create a harmonious and visually appealing dessert spread that caters to diverse tastes and elevates your overall dining experience.

More Chocolate Covered Recipes:

• Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Recipe
• Kroger Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Recipe
• Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Recipe
• Copycat Nuts.com Chocolate Covered Oreos Recipe
• M&M’s Toasty Holiday Peanut Chocolate Recipe