Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sundae: A Decadent Homemade Delight!
By Jason Griffith
Prepare to fall head over heels for the ultimate sweet indulgence: the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sundae! This isn’t just any ice cream sundae; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring luscious strawberry ice cream, intensely flavorful roasted strawberries, and a magical homemade chocolate shell that hardens on contact. Crowned with elegant chocolate-covered strawberries, it’s a truly decadent and visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or when you simply crave something extraordinary.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge believer that desserts should be both delicious and a little bit magical, and this sundae perfectly embodies that. What I absolutely adore is the way it elevates a simple ice cream sundae into a gourmet experience. The roasted strawberries are a game-changer – their concentrated sweetness and slight tartness are far superior to fresh berries in a sundae. The homemade chocolate shell is pure fun and delivers that satisfying crack. It feels incredibly indulgent and impressive, yet each component is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. It’s truly a dessert that brings smiles and happy sighs with every spoonful!
Ingredients:
- 1 quart strawberry ice cream (high quality recommended)
- Chocolate covered strawberries for garnish (store-bought or homemade)
For the Roasted Strawberries:
- 2 cups whole strawberries, hulled
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
For the Chocolate Shell:
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- ⅓ cup refined coconut oil (not virgin)
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
Swaps and Notes
- Strawberry Ice Cream: Use a high-quality strawberry ice cream for the best flavor. Vanilla ice cream can also be used if you prefer to let the roasted strawberries and chocolate shell be the primary flavors.
- Roasted Strawberries: Roasting concentrates the strawberry flavor and sweetness, making them incredibly delicious. You can use fresh or frozen whole strawberries for roasting (if frozen, no need to thaw first).
- Lemon Juice (Roasted Strawberries): Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the roasted strawberries.
- Bittersweet Chocolate: Bittersweet chocolate (around 60-70% cacao) provides a rich, balanced flavor for the shell. Semi-sweet chocolate can also be used for a sweeter shell.
- Refined Coconut Oil: Refined coconut oil is crucial for the chocolate shell to harden properly and without a strong coconut flavor. Virgin (unrefined) coconut oil has a distinct coconut taste. Do not substitute with other oils.
- Light Corn Syrup: This helps prevent the chocolate shell from becoming too brittle and gives it a nice sheen. Do not use high-fructose corn syrup if you are avoiding it; look for light corn syrup. You can potentially omit it for a more brittle shell, but it’s recommended for texture.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Garnish): These elevate the presentation. You can buy them or easily make your own by dipping fresh strawberries in melted chocolate and chilling until set.
- Topping Creativity: Feel free to add other toppings like whipped cream, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for extra flair.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Roasted Strawberries: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Add the 2 cups of whole, hulled strawberriesto a large bowl. Sprinkle with ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the strawberries are evenly coated. Transfer the sugared strawberries to a square baking dish (or a small sheet pan). Bake for 15 minutes. The strawberries will soften and release their juices, becoming intensely flavorful. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly to room temperature.
2. Make the Chocolate Shell: While the strawberries are roasting and cooling, prepare the magical chocolate shell. Add the 4 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate, ⅓ cup refined coconut oil, and 3 tablespoons light corn syrup to a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 20 seconds. Remove the bowl and stir the mixture well with a spoon or spatula. The chocolate may not be fully melted yet. Microwave for 15 more seconds. Remove and stir again until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy, with no lumps. If needed, microwave in 5-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth.
3. Assemble the Sundaes: Once all your delicious toppings are ready, it’s time for the best part – assembling the sundaes! Add about ¼ cup of the slightly cooled roasted strawberries to the bottom of each sundae bowl or glass. Next, add ½ cup to 1 cup of strawberry ice cream on top of the roasted strawberries. Generously pour about 2 tablespoons of the homemade chocolate shell over the ice cream. Watch the magic happen as the chocolate instantly hardens on contact with the cold ice cream, creating a delightful crispy shell! Garnish each sundae with a few beautiful chocolate-covered strawberries. Optionally, add more roasted strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Enjoy your decadent, chocolate-covered strawberry sundae!
Tips for Success
- Ripe Strawberries for Roasting: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for roasting; their flavor will intensify beautifully.
- Refined Coconut Oil for Shell: This is key for the chocolate shell to harden properly and without a coconut flavor.
- Microwave in Short Bursts: When melting the chocolate shell ingredients, microwave in short 15-20 second bursts and stir well between each to prevent burning the chocolate.
- Ice Cream is Cold: Ensure your ice cream is very cold and firm for the best “shell” effect.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: Sundaes are best enjoyed immediately before the ice cream melts.
- Warm Roasted Strawberries: The slightly warm roasted strawberries create a lovely contrast with the cold ice cream.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sundae is a complete, luxurious dessert that stands alone beautifully.
- Special Occasion Dessert: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or any celebration.
- Summer Indulgence: A fantastic way to cool down and satisfy a sweet craving during warmer months.
- Movie Night Treat: Elevate your casual movie night into a gourmet experience.
- For other delightful no-bake, chocolatey, or ice cream-based desserts, check out these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert
- This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot)
- This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack
Storage and Leftover Tips
While sundaes are best fresh, the components can be stored for future assembly.
- Roasted Strawberries: Store cooled roasted strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Chocolate Shell: The homemade chocolate shell can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks. If it hardens, gently re-melt it in the microwave in 10-15 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Assembled Sundaes: Once assembled, sundaes should be consumed immediately as they will melt. Do not store assembled sundaes.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sundae is a truly decadent and delightful dessert that brings the magic of a gourmet ice cream parlor right into your home. With its intensely flavored roasted strawberries, rich chocolate shell, and creamy ice cream, it’s a symphony of sweet indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to savor every luscious spoonful!
What are your favorite creative sundae toppings, or do you have a go-to special occasion dessert? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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