Put those fresh summer strawberries to good use for your 4th of July celebration with these red white and blue strawberries! Delicious ripe juicy berries are coated in white chocolate and blue sanding sugar to create a patriotic treat that’s quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy. Just 3 ingredients and a microwave is all you need to throw these berries together!
- Quick. The chocolate melts in minutes, and then you just dip, let set, and enjoy. It’s a perfect treat to make in the morning and enjoy by afternoon!
- Fan Favorite. About 94% of all households enjoy strawberries, so it’s a treat you can count on to be well-received if you’re entertaining
- Customizable. It’s easy to change the colors of the sanding sugar or chocolate to suit other occasions, such as bridal or baby showers, and birthday parties as well!
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Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed, dried, and room temperature
- 11 ounce bag white chocolate chips (or white candy melts)
- ¼ cup blue sanding sugar
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Since this recipe is dependent on the red color specifically, make sure to choose ripe strawberries that are red at the top. The exact number of berries you get will vary based on their size – this recipe works fine with small or large strawberries!
- You can also use almond bark instead of the chips, or bar chocolate that’s been chopped up. I also recommend adding 1 Tbsp coconut oil with the chips to make dipping easier, but this is optional
- Instead of the sanding sugar, you can also use patriotic sprinkles, jimmies, or non pareils – your choice! You likely won’t need the whole amount, but you need it deep enough to get a nice band of color when dipping
Step By Step Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet (or similar) with wax paper, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat
- Add the white chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl (a small deep bowl is better for ease of dipping). Cook on high for 1 minute, stir, then cook in additional 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Add 1 Tbsp coconut oil along with the chips to make the dipping a little easier (but this is optional). If you use candy melts, follow the package instructions, as they often require cooking at half power instead
- Grab a strawberry by the leaves (or you can skewer it with a toothpick or bamboo skewer if preferred). Dip the berry into the melted white chocolate so that it is about ⅔ coated (the red should still show at the top). Tap off excess so it doesn’t pool at the bottom
- While still wet, dip the bottom third of the strawberry into a small bowl filled with the blue sugar (you should now have 3 relatively even stripes of red, white, and blue). I’ve also tested rolling it in a stripe on a plate, and just sprinkling it from the container, and actually find sprinkling it to give me the most even coating, but you can do what works for you!
- Place the strawberry on the prepared baking sheet, and repeat until all strawberries are dipped
- Transfer the sheet to the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to harden (they should be stored in the fridge until ready to serve, so feel free to leave them in longer as desired). Enjoy!
Serving & Display Ideas
- Skewer Style: Thread dipped berries onto wooden skewers alternating with mini marshmallows and fresh blueberries for easy-to-grab red, white, and blue fruit kabobs!
- Mini Cupcake Liners: Place each strawberry in a festive red, white, or blue cupcake liner for mess-free serving and a pop of color on your table
- Tiered Dessert Stand: Use a tiered serving tray or cake stand to create height and dimension. Add small flags, ribbon, or firework-style toothpicks for extra flair
- Ice Bed: If you’re outdoors, place the strawberries on a chilled platter over a tray of ice to help them stay fresh and prevent melting in the summer heat
Pairing Suggestions
Drink Pairings
- Sparkling Wine or Champagne – The bubbly complements the chocolate and fresh berries
- Berry Lemonade or Citrus Punch – Great for a non-alcoholic option with a refreshing zing
- White Sangria with Berries – Light, fruity, and visually on-theme. Try my Red White and Blue Sangria for the ultimate pairing!
- Frozen Rosé (“Frosé”) – A chilled pink drink that plays well with the berry flavor!
Dessert Pairings
- Mini Cheesecakes or Cheesecake Bites – Rich and creamy, they pair beautifully with strawberries
- Flag Cake or Berry Shortcake – Keeps the red, white, and blue theme going! Try my Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake (feel free to add some blueberries too) for an easy recipe!
- Macarons in Red, White & Blue – Add elegance with bite-sized pops of flavor and color
- Vanilla Cupcakes with Berry Frosting – Simple and crowd-pleasing!
Savory Food Pairings
- Brie and Fruit Charcuterie Board – Include nuts, crackers, and more berries for a delicious compliment
- Mini Sliders or Chicken Skewers – Savory options to balance the sweetness
- Patriotic Pasta Salad – A fun, colorful side dish with veggies and herbs!
Recipe FAQs
What Type of Candy Melts Should You Use?
For white chocolate strawberries, use high-quality candy melts that are specifically formulated for dipping—like Wilton or Ghirardelli. These melts have a smooth, easy-to-use texture that doesn’t require tempering.
You can also use almond bark or white chocolate chips, with relatively equal success.
What Type of Sprinkles Should You Use?
Use small to medium-sized sprinkles that complement the red, white, and blue theme—think stars, nonpareils, jimmies, blue sprinkles, or sanding sugar. Avoid oversized or heavy sprinkles, which may slide off the chocolate before it sets.
Why Is My Chocolate Not Sticking to Strawberries?
If your chocolate isn’t sticking, the strawberries are likely too wet. Make sure they’re completely dry before dipping—wash them ahead of time and pat them dry thoroughly. Any moisture on the surface can prevent the chocolate from adhering properly.
Should Strawberries Be Cold Before Dipping in Chocolate?
No, room-temperature strawberries are best. Cold strawberries can cause the chocolate to seize or crack as it sets, and condensation can interfere with the chocolate coating. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before dipping for best results.
Tips For the Best Patriotic Strawberries
- For the best results, use room temperature, washed, fully dry strawberries. Choose ones free of bruises, as you can’t cut them out here (the chocolate won’t stick)
- Cooking times for the chocolate will vary between different microwave wattages. Mine is 1000W and it takes me about 1 ½ minutes to melt my chocolate, using white chocolate chips
Storing Leftovers
How Long Do Red, White, and Blue Strawberries Last?
Chocolate dipped strawberries (including red, white, and blue ones) are best enjoyed within 24–48 hours. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator. After two days, the berries may begin to sweat or soften, which can affect their texture and appearance.
Can You Freeze Candy-Coated Strawberries?
Freezing is not recommended for chocolate- or candy-coated strawberries, as both the chocolate and the fruit can become mushy and lose their texture once thawed. If you must freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Eat them frozen like a treat rather than thawing for best results.
Final Thoughts
These red white and blue strawberries are a festive dessert for your summer parties! The American flag colors of the coating make them great for Fourth of July BBQs, as well as Memorial Day or Labor Day.
With fresh juicy berries, they’re a great sweet treat, totally a crowd pleaser, and sure to bring the summer fun. I also love how easy and quick they are to make, and they keep well in the fridge so you can prep in the morning for an afternoon cookout.
Katie’s tip
Chocolate dipped strawberries are a great option for so many different seasons! Make sure to check out my Chocolate Strawberry Skulls or Strawberry Ghosts for Halloween, or classic Chocolate Covered Strawberries which are perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Patriotic Red White and Blue Strawberries
Equipment
- Baking sheet (or similar)
- Parchment paper (or silicone baking mat)
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (washed, dried, and room temperature)
- 11 ounce bag white chocolate chips (or candy melts)
- ¼ cup royal blue sanding sugar (or similar)
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet (or similar) with wax paper, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat
- Add the white chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl (a small deep bowl is better for ease of dipping). Cook on high for 1 minute, stir, then cook in additional 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until chocolate is melted and smooth. If you use candy melts, follow the package directions, as they often require cooking at half power instead11 ounce bag white chocolate chips
- Grab a strawberry by the leaves (or you can skewer it with a toothpick or bamboo skewer if preferred). Dip the berry into the melted white chocolate so that it is about ⅔ coated (the red should still show at the top). Tap off excess so it doesn’t pool at the bottom1 pound fresh strawberries
- While still wet, dip the bottom third of the strawberry into a small bowl filled with the blue sugar (you should now have 3 relatively even stripes of red, white, and blue). I’ve also tested rolling it in a stripe on a plate, and just sprinkling it from the container, and actually find sprinkling it to give me the most even coating, but you can do what works for you!¼ cup royal blue sanding sugar
- Place the strawberry on the prepared baking sheet, and repeat until all strawberries are dipped
- Transfer the sheet to the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to harden (they should be stored in the fridge until ready to serve, so feel free to leave them in longer as desired). Enjoy!
Notes
- Since this recipe is dependent on the red color specifically, make sure to choose ripe strawberries that are red at the top. The exact number of berries you get will vary based on their size – this recipe works fine with small or large strawberries!
- You can also use almond bark instead of the chips, or bar chocolate that’s been chopped up. I also recommend adding 1 Tbsp coconut oil with the chips to make dipping easier, but this is optional
- Instead of the sanding sugar, you can also use patriotic sprinkles, jimmies, or non pareils – your choice! You likely won’t need the whole amount, but you need it deep enough to get a nice band of color when dipping
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, and assumes the use of all chocolate and sprinkles (which you will not use in entirely), size of berries, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
