Description
These Pumpkin Patch Strawberries are a delightful fall-themed treat featuring fresh strawberries dipped in vibrant orange candy melts, optionally coated with a crushed chocolate cookie and peanut butter cup ‘dirt’ base for a whimsical pumpkin patch effect. Perfect for Halloween parties or autumn gatherings, they are easy to make, visually appealing, and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh strawberries (large, firm, with bright green tops)
- 12 oz orange candy melts (or white chocolate + orange food coloring)
- 1 tsp coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
Optional “Dirt” Base
- 12 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- 6 chocolate peanut butter cups or chocolate disks, crushed
Tools
- Piping bag or zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Gently wash 1 lb fresh strawberries and pat them completely dry. Ensure green caps remain intact. This is crucial for proper coating and visual appeal.
- Prepare “Dirt” Base (Optional): If making the “dirt” base, crush 12 chocolate sandwich cookies (and 6 chocolate peanut butter cups or chocolate disks, if desired) finely in a food processor or by hand. Spread the crushed mixture evenly on a plate or shallow dish.
- Melt Orange Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 12 oz orange candy melts (or white chocolate with orange food coloring). If using, add 1 tsp coconut oil or shortening for a smoother consistency. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
- Reserve for Drizzle: Set aside approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the melted orange chocolate. Transfer this reserved chocolate into a small piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off for later drizzling decoration.
- Dip Strawberries: Holding each strawberry by its green cap, carefully dip it into the melted orange chocolate, coating it completely or partially as desired. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
- Coat with “Dirt” (Optional): If using the “dirt” base, while the chocolate on the strawberry is still wet, gently roll or press the bottom half of the dipped strawberry into the crushed cookie mixture to coat. This creates a charming “pumpkin patch” effect.
- Set & Chill: Place the dipped strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is fully set and firm.
- Decorate & Serve: Once the chocolate is set, use the reserved melted orange chocolate in the piping bag to drizzle decorative lines, swirls, or pumpkin-like patterns over your “Pumpkin Patch Strawberries.” Serve chilled for the best experience.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are completely dry before dipping to allow chocolate to adhere properly.
- The “dirt” base is optional but adds a fun texture and pumpkin patch look.
- You can substitute orange candy melts with white chocolate tinted with orange food coloring if desired.
- Adding coconut oil or shortening helps achieve a smooth, glossy melt and better coating.
- Store the finished strawberries in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- Be gentle when handling dipped strawberries to avoid breaking the chocolate coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
