Ghost Strawberries

Ghost strawberries are fresh strawberries dipped in melted white chocolate, with two mini chocolate chips pressed on for eyes. There is no baking. The only cooking is a few 30-second rounds in the microwave, and the card makes 8 servings of one strawberry each.

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The white chocolate is the whole costume. It sets white and glossy in the refrigerator, and the dark chips show up against it, so even rough dipping reads as a ghost. Kids can do the decorating while an adult handles the melting, which makes this an easy project for a Halloween afternoon.

What You Need

Four ingredients, with the amounts in the recipe card at the bottom:

• Fresh strawberries (1 pound): pick ripe, firm berries so they hold their shape under the chocolate and taste good against the sweet coating. They are the canvas for the whole recipe.
• White chocolate chips (8 ounces): these give the ghosts their white color. White chocolate bars chopped into small pieces also work, and a good-quality chip melts more smoothly and sets with a cleaner finish.
• Coconut oil (1 teaspoon): it helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a sheen. Vegetable oil can replace it.
• Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): these are the eyes. Dark chocolate chips give a more dramatic look.

Getting the Chocolate to Stick

Almost every problem with this recipe comes down to moisture and temperature.

• Dry the berries completely. Rinse them under cool running water, rubbing gently to remove dirt, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Any water on the skin makes the chocolate seize and keeps it from clinging.
• Melt in short bursts. Microwave the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, until the mixture is completely melted and silky. Use a bowl large enough to dip the berries into comfortably.
• Chill the strawberries first if they are warm. Warm berries stop the chocolate from setting properly, so about 15 minutes in the refrigerator before dipping helps.
• Dip by the stem. Hold the green top, coat the berry fully and let the extra chocolate drip off before setting it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The parchment keeps the berries from sticking.
• Place the eyes while the coating is wet. A toothpick makes it easy to position the mini chips, and a small piping bag gives more precise placement. Then refrigerate for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is set.

A drop of vanilla extract in the melted chocolate adds flavor. If you do not have a microwave, a double boiler on the stovetop works for melting. Keep the finished ghosts in the refrigerator until serving so the chocolate does not soften. Let children help with the decorating, since placing the eyes is the easy and fun part. Serve the ghosts chilled on a festive platter.

If you want different chocolate, the colored candy melts below are the simplest swap, and sprinkles go on at the same moment as the eyes.

Ways to Change the Ghosts

• Colored candy melts: use them in place of white chocolate, with a different color for each berry, for a platter of pink, blue and green ghosts.
• Sprinkles or edible glitter: scatter them on before the chocolate sets. Halloween-themed sprinkles, such as tiny bats or pumpkins, work well, and glitter gives a shimmer.
• Dark chocolate drizzle: once the white coating has set, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for contrast.
• Flavored chocolate: a few drops of peppermint or orange extract in the melted white chocolate changes the taste.

What to Put on the Table With Them

These are sweet, so a few lighter or savory items balance the plate. Cheese slices cut into ghost shapes with whole-grain crackers are an easy snack, and a tray of carrots, celery and bell peppers arranged like a skeleton with a dip suits a kids’ party. Fruit cups topped with mini marshmallow and chocolate chip eyes follow the same theme.

For drinks, a green punch made from lime sherbet and lemon-lime soda with gummy worms fits the setting, and a smoothie of spinach, banana and yogurt in clear cups is a second option. Chocolate-dipped pretzel rods with Halloween sprinkles add something salty and sweet.

How Much Sugar Is in One

Each strawberry has about 120 calories, 7 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 8 grams of sugar and 1 gram of protein, according to the card. The sugar comes from the white chocolate and the chocolate chips, so these count as a dessert. They are lighter than many Halloween sweets because most of each piece is fruit.

FAQ

Can I use other chocolate for ghost strawberries?

Yes. Dark or milk chocolate both work, though the ghosts will no longer be white, so you may want to change the color of the eyes to match.

How long do they keep?

They are best fresh. In an airtight container in the refrigerator they last up to 2 days.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes. Dip and decorate them a day in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until serving. That makes them convenient for a busy party.

Are ghost strawberries a healthy treat?

They are a dessert. The white chocolate and chocolate chips add sugar, though the strawberries make up most of each piece.

Which candy can stand in for the mini chocolate chips?

Small candies such as M&Ms, or edible candy eyes from a craft store.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us