It’s so fun to celebrate 4th of July because it’s the middle of summer, the weather is usually nice (or hot), you can have friends over because no one is working, and you have access to summer fruits! Strawberries are my favorite fruit. They’re so sweet and juicy. And, let’s be honest, they taste good with just about everything! So, I thought I’d make a strawberry concoction for my 4th of July desserts. I’ll walk you through the good, the bad and the ugly, so that you can make them right the first time! (Unlike me. Lol) Here we go….
What you’ll need: Strawberries (I had an easier time with smaller ones), white chocolate candy melts, blue cake frosting (yep), wax paper, a plate, a couple bowls, and optional: blue sanding sugar or blue pop rocks
Step 1: Wash and Dry your Strawberries
I just used water and gave the strawberries a good rinse/soak. Then I patted them dry with a paper towel. You can place them on a plate to hang out while you prep everything else. I put the wax paper down on the plate before the strawberries, because we are going to dip them and place them back on the paper/plate.
Step 2: Prep Your White Chocolate Dip
So we are going to start with the white chocolate. There are a few reasons for this. The first is that it will harden up and allow us to dip again. The second is that it is a bit thicker and will act as a good base. The third is that I tried it the other way and it didn’t work as well. Lol.
Fill a small bowl with white chocolate melts. It will depend on how many you’re making, but you want a decent amount. It will melt down to a bit smaller than what it looks like when you dump them in the bowl. I use Milton’s white chocolate melts. You can get them at Walmart or Michael’s Craft Store. Follow the instructions on the bag the melt the candies until fully liquefied. They are perfect for 4th of July desserts.
Step 3: I Dip, You Dip, We Dip!
Ok, sorry for the terrible 90’s song reference there. But, it is time to dip. Hold the stem and dip the strawberries into the chocolate. Let it drip off the end for a few seconds. If need be, you can use a spoon to cut across any chocolate drip at the end. Then place your strawberry on the wax paper lined plate.
Step 4: Freeze and Prep the Next Dipper
Pop your white chocolate dipped strawberries in the freezer. Don’t worry, they’ll only be in there a few minutes. This will help them harden up, and allow us to dip them again in something hot, without melting the first layer off.
If you’re going to be dipping your strawberries in Pop Rocks (which was unbelievably delicious, btw) or sprinkles, then prep that now. Dump a good amount into a bowl and set aside for dipping later.
Next, prep the second round of dipping by scooping a good portion of blue frosting into a bowl. If you can’t find blue frosting, don’t worry. Use white frosting and a few drops of blue food coloring. Stir well! Once your frosting is scooped into your bowl, pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Then stir it and if it’s not the consistency you like, microwave a little longer, but keep an eye on it. It should be pretty liquefied.
Step 5: I Dip, You Dip, We Dip!
After about ten minutes, pull your strawberries from the freezer. They should be able to be pulled off the wax paper fairly easily. One at a time, dip your strawberries into the blue melted frosting, then the sprinkles/Pop Rocks. Set them back on the wax paper to dry.
TIP: Make sure you dip in the blue frosting a little shallower than the white. That way you still have the white frosting peeking out!
Step 6: Be Patient, Let them Harden, Then Eat!
Do whatever other prep you need for your party or get together while these puppies harden up a bit and cool down. After they feel ready, you can pop them onto another plate. They will be a little harder to pull off the wax paper this time because the frosting is a different consistency. If you’re in a rush, you could always pop them in the freezer for a few minutes. Sprinkle some star confetti on your table around the plate and you are all set!
Wrap Up
These are really addicting and delicious, just so you know. I ate waaaaay too many the day we made them. I also took a few home, stuck them in the fridge and they were good for the next couple days. I can’t really give you the full time frame that they stay good, because they didn’t make it that long in my house. LOL. Hopefully, your guests enjoy your 4th of July desserts!
If you’re looking for other party dessert ideas, check out EventOTB’s Pinterest board for Cake & Desserts here.