Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed Strawberries
Highlighted under: Cozy Desserts
I absolutely love making Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed Strawberries as a delightful treat! They're not only delicious, but the combination of fresh strawberries and rich chocolate hazelnut spread creates an explosion of flavor that's hard to resist. Whenever I'm hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, these strawberries always come to the rescue. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make and can be ready in just about 15 minutes. Plus, they’ve quickly become a hit not only with my family but friends too!
When I first tried making Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed Strawberries, I was amazed at how quickly they vanished! The mixture of creamy hazelnut spread and the fresh, juicy strawberries creates the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness that I couldn’t get enough of. It’s incredible how just a few simple ingredients can come together to form such a decadent treat.
One tip I’d share is to choose strawberries that are ripe but firm; this helps them hold the filling better. Additionally, a little drizzle of melted chocolate on top takes these treats to the next level, making them aesthetically pleasing and even flashier for serving at parties!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
- Creamy hazelnut filling that complements the sweetness
- Perfectly bite-sized, making them ideal for gatherings
Key Technique Tips
When hollowing out the strawberries, aim to create a cavity that's deep enough to hold a generous spoonful of hazelnut spread but be careful not to pierce through the bottom. Using a small paring knife allows for more precision, ensuring that you maintain the integrity of the strawberry. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also use a melon baller to create uniform indentations, though a knife is often easier for this task.
For the best flavor, choose ripe strawberries that are bright red and firm. They should have a slight sheen and yield slightly to pressure. If the strawberries are under-ripe, they may not have the sweet juiciness that perfectly complements the rich hazelnut filling. If you can’t find fresh strawberries, consider using other berries such as raspberries or blueberries, but make sure their sizes correspond well to the filling.
Ingredient Roles
The hazelnut spread is the star of this recipe, providing a creamy and rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the fresh strawberries. Look for high-quality spread with minimal added sugars and preservatives for the best flavor. If you prefer a healthier alternative, consider using a homemade nut butter combined with cocoa powder for a similar taste without the processed ingredients.
The optional crushed hazelnuts not only add a delightful crunch but also deepen the nutty flavor profile. If you want to add a little more flair, consider toasting the crushed hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they’ve turned golden and fragrant. This extra step will enhance their flavor and make your stuffed strawberries even more irresistible.
Ingredients:
For the Strawberry Filling
- 12 large strawberries
- 1/2 cup hazelnut spread
- 1/4 cup crushed hazelnuts (optional)
- 1 ounce dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
Feel free to get creative with toppings!
Steps:
Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries and gently pat them dry. Use a small paring knife to carefully hollow out the center of each strawberry, creating a space for the filling.
Fill with Hazelnut Spread
Spoon the hazelnut spread into the hollowed-out strawberries, filling them generously. If using, sprinkle crushed hazelnuts on top of the filling.
Drizzle Chocolate
Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the stuffed strawberries for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the stuffed strawberries on a serving plate and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate them for up to an hour before serving.
These are best enjoyed fresh!
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider mixing a pinch of sea salt into the hazelnut spread. This enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed Strawberries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare them a bit in advance. Fill the strawberries and refrigerate them for up to an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the strawberries crisp. However, avoid filling them too far in advance to prevent the strawberries from weeping and becoming soggy.
If you find yourself with leftover stuffed strawberries, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to enjoy, just give them a quick drizzle of fresh melted chocolate to restore their luscious appearance, as the chocolate drizzle may harden in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving these stuffed strawberries on a platter garnished with a light dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of sea salt for an added flavor dimension. Complement them with a side of whipped cream or a chocolate sauce for dipping to elevate the experience, making it feel more indulgent.
You could also turn this treat into an impressive dessert platter by pairing them with other fruits, such as banana slices or orange segments, drizzled with the same melted dark chocolate. This adds variety in both taste and presentation, making it perfect for entertaining or special occasions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use another type of nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or peanut butter can be great alternatives to hazelnut spread.
→ How long can I store these stuffed strawberries?
These are best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to an hour before serving.
→ What chocolate should I use for drizzling?
Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work well, depending on your preference!
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
While you can prepare the strawberries in advance, it's best to fill them just before serving to maintain freshness.
Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed Strawberries
I absolutely love making Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed Strawberries as a delightful treat! They're not only delicious, but the combination of fresh strawberries and rich chocolate hazelnut spread creates an explosion of flavor that's hard to resist. Whenever I'm hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, these strawberries always come to the rescue. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make and can be ready in just about 15 minutes. Plus, they’ve quickly become a hit not only with my family but friends too!
What You'll Need
For the Strawberry Filling
- 12 large strawberries
- 1/2 cup hazelnut spread
- 1/4 cup crushed hazelnuts (optional)
- 1 ounce dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
How-To Steps
Wash the strawberries and gently pat them dry. Use a small paring knife to carefully hollow out the center of each strawberry, creating a space for the filling.
Spoon the hazelnut spread into the hollowed-out strawberries, filling them generously. If using, sprinkle crushed hazelnuts on top of the filling.
Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the stuffed strawberries for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
Arrange the stuffed strawberries on a serving plate and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate them for up to an hour before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider mixing a pinch of sea salt into the hazelnut spread. This enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 4g