Can you keep chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge overnight

Q: Can you refrigerate chocolate covered strawberries overnight?

If youre planning on saving your chocolate covered strawberries for more than one day, yep, theyll need to be refrigerated. Unfortunately, this means that they will sweat a little bit. To minimize sweating, place a couple sheets of paper towels into the bottom of an airtight container.

Table of Contents Show

Storing Wisely
Preventing Condensation
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How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries at Room Temperature
How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries in the Refrigerator
Can you refrigerate chocolate covered strawberries overnight?
Why can't you put chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge?
How long do chocolate covered strawberries need to sit in the fridge?
Can I make chocolate covered strawberries the night before?

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Chocolate-covered strawberries are a simple yet sophisticated treat, but you can't always enjoy them all at once. Use firm berries at peak ripeness and let the chocolate harden completely before you package the berries. Overripe berries can quickly become too soft after dipping, and storage won't improve their quality.

Storing Wisely

Store chocolate-covered strawberries only after the chocolate has completely hardened at room temperature. The strawberries last up to 24 hours if stored in an air-tight storage container in the refrigerator. Place a sheet of wax paper between each layer of strawberries in the container so they don't stick together.

Preventing Condensation

Condensation can occur after you remove the berries from the refrigerator. The difference in the berry temperature and the air temperature causes the strawberries to sweat. Although it doesn't ruin the strawberries, it can look unattractive. Prevent condensation by bringing the container to room temperature before opening and serving the strawberries.

References

Writer Bio

Freelance writing since 2009, Tom Ross has over 30 years of corporate management and hands-on experience in the supermarket industry. Ross was featured on the cover of "Instore Buyer" magazine and his articles have appeared on various websites.

Do you have leftover chocolate covered strawberries? Maybe you haven’t finished the strawberries in our Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Box. Or, you haven’t quite made it through our Delicious Celebration® Dipped Strawberries & Pineapple. It’s totally ok to not finish up chocolate covered strawberries in one sitting (though who could blame you if you did?). Chocolate covered strawberries can last a lot longer than you might think if you take the time to store them correctly. Here’s more info on how to store those strawberries for later and how long they’ll last using each method.

How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries at Room Temperature

Chocolate covered strawberries do not have to go into the refrigerator the moment you’ve had enough. In fact, the best way to store chocolate covered strawberries is by keeping them at room temperature, as they retain the most flavor at room temperature. Plus, keeping them loosely covered on your countertop prevents condensation from building up. Condensation gives your strawberries the appearance of “sweating,” which doesn’t look or taste that great. It also speeds up the rate at which your fruit spoils.

Instead, keep chocolate covered strawberries loosely covered on your countertop. Chocolate covered strawberries can last up to 24 hours at room temperature. Simply cover the berries loosely with foil to ensure they stay the freshest. You never want to use an airtight container. Chocolate covered strawberries release carbon dioxide, which will get trapped in a tightly-covered container and cause condensation and sweating. The moisture build-up will cause your fruit to spoil at a more rapid pace and could eventually even lead to mold growth. Instead, allow for proper airflow and let your chocolate covered strawberries “breathe.”

How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries in the Refrigerator

If you know you’re not going to finish up the chocolate covered strawberries in the next 24 hours, you can refrigerate them. Chocolate covered strawberries will last up to 48 hours in the refrigerator. To avoid sweating and mold growth that could spoil your fruit, first lay down a few paper towels in the bottom of a container. Some experts even recommend sprinkling a little baking soda on it to absorb extra moisture. Place another paper towel on top of the baking soda so your strawberries don’t touch the baking soda. Then, place your strawberries in a single layer in the container and cover them loosely with foil or plastic wrap.

Once again, avoid using an airtight container, which can trap excess condensation and lead to spoiling. Instead, cover the berries loosely with foil or plastic wrap. Keep them in a single layer to avoid crowding the berries, which can lead to excess sweating. Use additional containers if necessary to keep them spread out and allow for proper airflow.

Many people are surprised to find out that you can actually freeze chocolate covered strawberries. If you know you aren’t going to finish the berries within the next 24 or 48 hours, your best bet is to freeze them. Chocolate covered strawberries can last up to three months in the freezer. However, you must freeze — and defrost — them correctly for the best results.

Before piling them into the freezer, it’s best to “flash freeze” your berries to prevent them from sticking together in a giant clump when frozen. To do this, place the chocolate covered strawberries on a parchment-lined cookie sheet in a single layer, leaving plenty of space between the strawberries. Freeze for about three hours or until they are solid. Once they’re sufficiently frozen, you can place them in a freezer container or bag. Frozen berries are the one instance you want to ensure an airtight seal to prevent freezer burn, so be sure to use a bag or container that has been designed for freezer use.

When you’re ready to enjoy the chocolate covered strawberries, you can defrost them in the fridge for an hour. You don’t want to defrost the strawberries completely or they can become mushy and watery. Instead, let them partially defrost in the refrigerator. Then enjoy them while they’re still a little cold. They’ll retain their crunch, while still providing you with plenty of juicy flavor.

Understanding how long chocolate covered strawberries last and how to best store them can help you plan ahead with your chocolate covered strawberry treats. Maybe you’ve just received a delicious arrangement like our A Berry Sweet Bundle or our Chocolate Dipped Indulgence Platter. Storing the chocolate covered strawberries properly will ensure they stay fresh longer so you can enjoy every last bite.

Can you refrigerate chocolate covered strawberries overnight?

If you're planning on saving your chocolate covered strawberries for more than one day, yep, they'll need to be refrigerated. Unfortunately, this means that they will sweat a little bit. To minimize sweating, place a couple sheets of paper towels into the bottom of an airtight container.

Why can't you put chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge?

Chocolate Covered Strawberries are best served fresh, the same day they are made and stored in a cool place – not in the refrigerator. If stored longer than a day, the berries gradually release moisture so they will gradually get mushy.

How long do chocolate covered strawberries need to sit in the fridge?

How to Store Chocolate Dipped Strawberries in the Refrigerator. If you want to keep your chocolate covered strawberries for up to 48 hours, you can refrigerate them. You might even be able to get several days out of your berries, but they're usually best within two days.

Can I make chocolate covered strawberries the night before?

Ideally, chocolate covered strawberries taste the best the day you make them. But if you're on a time crunch, you can make these a day in advance. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours.