Strawberry bon bons are sweet, bite-sized treats that combine fresh strawberries with a smooth chocolate coating. These delightful candies are perfect as a dessert or a thoughtful gift for any occasion. Their popularity has grown due to their delicious, fruity flavor and beautiful presentation.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make the best strawberry bon bons at home, step by step. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced candy maker, you’ll learn how to create these delicious treats to enjoy or share with others.
Ingredients Needed to Make Strawberry Bon Bons
Fresh Strawberries
Fresh strawberries are essential to making delicious strawberry bon bons. Their natural sweetness and bright flavor bring the perfect balance to the rich chocolate coating.
Choosing the Right Strawberries
When picking strawberries, look for ones that are ripe, firm, and deep red in color. Avoid overripe or mushy ones, as they won’t provide the best texture for your bon bons. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Preparing the Strawberries
Wash and hull the strawberries, removing the green tops. Then, either slice or mash them into a smooth filling. If you prefer a finer texture, blend them into a puree, but be careful with the moisture level, as too much liquid can affect the bon bon consistency.
Strawberries and Flavor Balance
The fresh strawberries create a delightful contrast with the chocolate coating, adding a tangy sweetness to each bite. For an extra flavor boost, a touch of vanilla extract or sugar can be added, but don’t overwhelm the strawberries’ natural taste.
Chocolate Selection
The type of chocolate you use is key to making delicious strawberry bon bons. It balances the fresh strawberry filling and creates the perfect outer coating.
Types of Chocolate
- Milk Chocolate: Sweet and creamy, milk chocolate is a great choice if you prefer a sweeter treat. It complements the tartness of the strawberries and creates a smooth coating.
- Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate adds a rich, bittersweet flavor. It’s perfect if you enjoy a less sweet, more intense taste that contrasts with the strawberry’s sweetness.
- White Chocolate: White chocolate offers a mild, creamy flavor. While sweeter, it pairs beautifully with strawberries for a smooth finish.
Selecting High-Quality Chocolate
Opt for high-quality chocolate with a higher cocoa content for the best results. Premium chocolate melts evenly, giving you a smooth, glossy coating that enhances your bon bons.
Melting the Chocolate
Slowly melt your chosen chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This ensures a smooth coating for your strawberry bon bons.
Choosing the right chocolate ensures your bon bons are rich and flavorful, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Sweeteners and Flavorings
Sweeteners and flavorings are key to making your strawberry bon bons even more delicious. While strawberries are naturally sweet, adding the right ingredients can balance the flavors and elevate the taste.
Choosing the Right Sweeteners
- Powdered Sugar: This is often used for smooth, creamy fillings. It dissolves easily and doesn’t add any graininess.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds a traditional sweetness but may require thorough mixing to avoid a crunchy texture.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners bring a unique flavor, but be mindful of the moisture content.
Flavoring Your Strawberry Filling
- Vanilla Extract: A small amount of vanilla extract can deepen the flavor of the strawberries without overpowering them.
- Lemon Zest: Adding a bit of lemon zest enhances the strawberry’s tartness and adds a refreshing citrus touch.
- Almond Extract: A hint of almond extract brings a nutty depth to the filling, complementing the chocolate.
Balancing Sweetness
It’s important to balance the sweetness so the strawberry flavor shines through. Start with a small amount of sweetener, then taste and adjust as needed. Adding flavorings like vanilla or lemon zest can enhance the overall experience without overshadowing the fruit’s natural taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Perfect Strawberry Bon Bons
Prepare the Strawberry Filling: Creating the Perfect Center for Your Bon Bons
The strawberry filling is the heart of the bon bon, and making it just right is key. The filling should be smooth, flavorful, and firm enough to hold its shape once coated with chocolate.
Select and Prepare the Strawberries
Choose ripe, firm strawberries that are sweet and not mushy. Wash them well and remove the tops. You can either chop them into small pieces or blend them into a puree. If you blend, be careful not to add too much liquid.
Strain Excess Liquid
After preparing the strawberries, you may need to strain them to remove any extra juice. This ensures the filling won’t be too runny and will hold its shape when coated in chocolate.
Add Sweeteners and Flavorings
Sweeteners like powdered sugar or honey will balance the tartness of the strawberries. You can also add flavorings like vanilla extract or lemon zest to enhance the overall taste. Stir well to evenly distribute the sweetness and flavors.
Achieve the Right Consistency
If your mixture is too runny, add powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, you can loosen it with a little cream or a neutral liquid. Aim for a smooth, spreadable consistency that won’t spill out of the bon bon when coated.
Chill the Filling
Chill the mixture for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps firm up the filling, making it easier to shape and dip into chocolate.
Shape the Filling
Once chilled, use a spoon to scoop out portions and roll them into small, even-sized balls. This will give your bon bons a uniform look and ensure they hold together nicely when dipped in chocolate.
Coat with Chocolate: Creating the Perfect Chocolate Shell
Coating your strawberry bon bons with chocolate adds the finishing touch, turning them into a smooth, glossy treat. Here’s how to do it perfectly.
Melt the Chocolate
Start by gently melting your chosen chocolate. You can do this using a double boiler or the microwave. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and if needed, add a small amount of oil for a smooth texture.
Dip the Strawberry Filling
Once the chocolate is melted, pick up a strawberry ball with a fork or skewer. Dip it into the chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Tilt the bowl for easier dipping.
Remove Excess Chocolate
After dipping, tap the fork on the bowl’s side to remove any excess chocolate, ensuring a smooth and even layer on your bon bon.
Chill the Bon Bons
Place the coated bon bons on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the chocolate set and harden.
Optional Garnishes
For an extra touch, drizzle white or dark chocolate on top or add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or cocoa powder while the chocolate is still soft.
Chill and Set: Locking in Freshness and Flavor
After coating your strawberry bon bons with rich, silky chocolate, the next step is to let them chill and set properly. This process ensures that your bon bons have a firm, crisp shell and a fresh, delicious filling inside.
Place Bon Bons on a Lined Tray
Carefully transfer each freshly coated bon bon onto a tray lined with parchment or wax paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each one so they don’t stick together once the chocolate hardens. Using a lined tray also makes it easier to lift them off later without damaging their smooth chocolate surface.
Refrigerate Until Firm
Move the tray into the refrigerator. Allow the bon bons to chill for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. The cold temperature helps the chocolate shell harden quickly and evenly. A firm chocolate coating locks in the moisture of the strawberry filling, keeping the center soft and flavorful without leaking or becoming sticky.
- Tip: If you’re in a hurry, place the tray in the freezer for about 10–15 minutes. Just be careful not to leave them too long, as the chocolate may crack when brought back to room temperature too quickly.
Check for a Proper Set
Once chilled, gently touch one bon bon to check if the chocolate has fully set. It should feel firm and dry to the touch without any smudging. If the chocolate is still soft or sticky, give them a little more time in the refrigerator to fully harden.
Store Correctly After Setting
After the bon bons have set completely, move them into an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated if you plan to store them for a few days, especially if your kitchen is warm. For best flavor and texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Bon Bons
Use Quality Chocolate: The Key to Irresistible Strawberry Bon Bons
Choosing high-quality chocolate makes a major difference when crafting strawberry bon bons. The right chocolate will deliver a smoother texture, a richer flavor, and a more professional finish. Here’s how to choose wisely and why it matters.
Why Quality Matters
Quality chocolate melts more evenly and coats the strawberry filling better than cheaper varieties. It contains a higher percentage of real cocoa butter, which gives it that satisfying snap and glossy appearance once set. On the other hand, low-grade chocolate often contains more sugar and artificial ingredients, leading to a dull, grainy coating that doesn’t taste nearly as good.
When you use premium chocolate, you enhance every bite with deeper cocoa flavors that perfectly balance the natural sweetness of strawberries.
Types of Chocolate to Consider
- Dark Chocolate: Offers a bold, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet strawberry filling. Choose dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a rich, sophisticated flavor.
- Milk Chocolate: Brings a creamy, sweeter finish that pairs beautifully with fruity centers. Pick a high-quality milk chocolate with real cocoa butter and natural vanilla.
- White Chocolate: Although technically not true chocolate, it adds a lovely sweet, creamy coating. Select a white chocolate brand that uses cocoa butter instead of vegetable fats for the best results.
Each type can create a different experience, so select the one that best matches your taste or occasion.
Look for Real Ingredients
Always read the label when selecting chocolate. Choose products that list cocoa butter, cocoa mass, and sugar near the top of the ingredient list. Avoid chocolates that replace cocoa butter with vegetable oils, as they often result in a waxy texture and less appealing flavor.
Brands that specialize in couverture chocolate (chocolate designed for coating and dipping) are often the best choice because they melt and coat more smoothly, giving your bon bons a professional, bakery-quality look.
Avoid Overstuffing: Maintain the Perfect Balance
When making strawberry bon bons, how much filling you use is just as important as the quality of your ingredients. Overstuffing can lead to messy results, cracked chocolate shells, and misshapen candies. Here’s how to avoid that and create beautiful, bite-sized treats.
Keep Portions Small and Consistent
Aim to use small, uniform portions of the strawberry filling for each bon bon. Rolling the filling into compact balls about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter gives the best results. Consistency matters because evenly sized centers make dipping and coating easier, and they ensure that each bon bon looks neat and polished.
If you use too much filling, the chocolate shell may struggle to cover it completely, making it prone to leaking or breaking apart when set.
Make Sure the Filling Is Firm
Before dipping, check that the strawberry filling has firmed up properly in the refrigerator. Soft or overly wet fillings expand when coated in warm chocolate, which can cause cracks and bulges. By chilling the filling thoroughly, you create a stable base that holds its shape under the chocolate shell.
- Tip: If your filling feels too soft, pop it into the freezer for about 10 minutes before coating it with chocolate.
Leave Space for the Chocolate Coating
When shaping your strawberry centers, remember to leave enough room for the chocolate coating. A thin but complete chocolate layer seals in the filling and provides that satisfying crunch. If the filling is too large, the chocolate may stretch too thin and crack easily.
Think of the chocolate not just as a covering, but as an important structural element that protects the delicious strawberry filling inside.
Chill Time: Set Your Strawberry Bon Bons for Success
Chilling your strawberry bon bons is more than just a waiting game — it’s a critical step that ensures they turn out perfectly smooth, firm, and easy to enjoy. Rushing this process can lead to cracked shells, sticky textures, or uneven finishes. Here’s how to chill your bon bons properly and why it matters.
Why Chilling Is Essential
Chilling helps the chocolate coating harden quickly and evenly around the strawberry filling. When you allow the bon bons to chill undisturbed, the chocolate sets firmly, giving them a professional shine and a satisfying snap when you bite into them.
Skipping or shortening the chill time often causes the chocolate to set unevenly, resulting in dull or streaky finishes that can ruin the appearance and texture of your treats.
How Long to Chill Strawberry Bon Bons
After coating your bon bons in chocolate, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and transfer them to the refrigerator. Chill them for at least 30 to 45 minutes to ensure the chocolate fully sets. For thicker chocolate coatings, you might need a full hour.
Keep them spaced apart on the tray so air can circulate around each one, which helps them set evenly and prevents sticking.
- Tip: If you’re working in a humid kitchen, you might need to chill them a bit longer to avoid chocolate sweating or melting.
Proper Storage After Chilling
Once the bon bons have chilled and the chocolate has hardened, transfer them to an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper if you need to stack them. Store them in the refrigerator if you plan to keep them for several days, but let them sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the chocolate to soften slightly, making each bite even more luscious.
Variations of Strawberry Bon Bons to Try
Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Bon Bons: A Decadent Twist
Chocolate dipped strawberry bon bons take everything you love about strawberries and chocolate and make them even more irresistible. By combining a rich chocolate coating with a luscious strawberry center, you create a treat that’s elegant enough for special occasions and simple enough for everyday indulgence.
Choosing the Right Chocolate for Dipping
The chocolate you use for dipping plays a major role in the final taste and texture of your bon bons. Opt for high-quality chocolate that melts smoothly and tastes rich. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate often balances beautifully with the sweet, fruity filling, but you can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter bite.
Tempering the chocolate (melting it carefully to the right temperature) ensures a glossy finish and prevents the coating from becoming dull or streaky. If you’re short on time, high-quality melting wafers also work well for quick, consistent results.
Dipping the Bon Bons Properly
To dip your strawberry bon bons perfectly:
- Prepare your setup: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and have a fork or dipping tool ready.
- Melt your chocolate: Melt it in a microwave-safe bowl or use a double boiler until smooth.
- Dip carefully: Use a fork to lower each chilled bon bon into the chocolate, turning gently to coat it completely. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the bon bon back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
Work quickly but carefully to avoid overheating the chocolate or allowing the bon bons to sit too long before chilling.
Decorating and Setting the Bon Bons
While the chocolate is still wet, feel free to add a little flair:
- Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top.
- Drizzle a contrasting chocolate (like white chocolate) for a beautiful finish.
- Add a pinch of edible glitter for a festive touch.
Once dipped and decorated, immediately place the bon bons in the refrigerator to set. This locks in the smooth chocolate shell and keeps the strawberry center perfectly fresh.
Adding a Surprise Center: Make Your Bon Bons Extra Special
One way to elevate your strawberry bon bons from delicious to unforgettable is by adding a surprise center. A hidden filling creates an extra burst of flavor and excitement with every bite, making your homemade treats stand out.
Creative Ideas for Surprise Centers
You can customize the center to match different flavor profiles or special occasions. Here are some popular ideas:
- Cream Cheese Filling: Mix softened cream cheese with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla extract. This adds a rich, tangy layer that pairs beautifully with both strawberry and chocolate.
- Nut Butter Core: Spoon a tiny dollop of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter inside the strawberry mixture for a nutty, satisfying twist.
- Ganache Surprise: Pipe a small amount of chocolate ganache into the center for a double-chocolate experience that feels luxurious.
Each of these fillings brings its own texture and flavor, keeping every bite interesting and indulgent.
How to Add the Center Without Overfilling
To successfully hide a surprise center without overfilling the bon bon:
- Scoop a small amount of strawberry mixture into your hand and flatten it slightly.
- Place a small amount of your chosen filling in the middle.
- Gently fold the strawberry mixture over the filling, sealing it completely before shaping it into a ball.
Make sure the filling stays inside, and the outer layer remains smooth. A tight seal prevents leaks during the chocolate dipping stage.
Best Practices for a Balanced Bite
When adding a surprise center, balance is key. Keep the hidden filling small—about ½ teaspoon is usually enough. Too much filling can overwhelm the strawberry flavor and cause the bon bon to lose its shape.
Choose fillings that complement the strawberries without overpowering them. Lighter, creamy centers or soft nut butters work better than hard or overly sweet additions.
No-Bake Strawberry Bon Bons: Easy and Delicious
No-bake strawberry bon bons offer the perfect solution when you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven. These delightful bites come together quickly, making them ideal for busy days, last-minute desserts, or warm weather when you want to avoid heating up the kitchen.
Why Choose a No-Bake Method?
The no-bake approach makes strawberry bon bons more accessible for everyone. You don’t need any special baking skills or equipment—just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time.
- Faster Preparation: No need to preheat an oven or bake in batches.
- Kid-Friendly: Safe and easy enough for kids to help assemble.
- Perfect for Hot Days: Keep the kitchen cool while still making a decadent treat.
Choosing no-bake recipes also gives you more flexibility to play with flavors and textures without worrying about precise baking times.
Key Ingredients for No-Bake Bon Bons
You’ll still need a few essentials to create no-bake strawberry bon bons:
- Fresh Strawberries: They provide natural sweetness and a refreshing flavor base.
- Binding Agents: Crushed graham crackers, finely ground almonds, or shredded coconut can help hold the strawberry mixture together without baking.
- Chocolate Coating: Melted chocolate seals everything inside, providing structure and an extra layer of deliciousness.
By blending the strawberries with your binding agent, you can easily form the bon bon centers without any baking needed.
How to Assemble No-Bake Strawberry Bon Bons
Follow these easy steps to create no-bake strawberry bon bons:
- Mash the strawberries until smooth but slightly chunky.
- Mix in your binding agent until the mixture holds together well when pressed.
- Shape into small balls and place them on a lined tray.
- Chill briefly to firm up the centers.
- Dip each bon bon into melted chocolate and let them set in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions and Storing Your Strawberry Bon Bons
Presentation Ideas: Make Your Strawberry Bon Bons Stand Out
The way you present your strawberry bon bons can elevate them from simple homemade treats to stunning, gift-worthy creations. Thoughtful presentation not only impresses guests but also shows the care and love you put into making them.
Use Decorative Wrappers
One of the easiest ways to dress up your strawberry bon bons is by using colorful or themed wrappers. Mini cupcake liners or decorative candy cups provide an elegant, clean look while also making the treats easy to pick up.
- Choose Seasonal Colors: Red and pink for Valentine’s Day, pastels for spring, or metallics for holiday gifts.
- Mix and Match: Use several complementary colors to create a vibrant and eye-catching arrangement.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Try biodegradable or reusable wrappers if you want a sustainable presentation.
Pretty wrappers instantly add charm and make your bon bons look professionally made.
Arrange in a Gift Box or Jar
For a more formal or gift-ready presentation, carefully arrange the bon bons in a small box or mason jar.
- Gift Boxes: Line the box with parchment paper or colored tissue, then neatly arrange the bon bons in rows.
- Glass Jars: Fill a mason jar with bon bons and tie a festive ribbon around the lid for a rustic, charming look.
- Personal Touches: Add handwritten labels, tags, or stickers to make your gift extra special.
This kind of packaging makes strawberry bon bons the perfect present for birthdays, holidays, or “just because” moments.
Serve on a Beautiful Platter
When serving strawberry bon bons at a party, presentation on a lovely platter creates a stunning centerpiece.
- Tiered Cake Stands: Stack bon bons at different heights for a dramatic and elegant display.
- Themed Trays: Use trays that match your party’s theme—floral, rustic, modern, or whimsical.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Sprinkle edible flowers, fresh mint leaves, or a light dusting of powdered sugar around the bon bons for a beautiful finishing touch.
A thoughtfully arranged platter invites guests to reach for a treat and admire your creativity.
Storage Tips: Keep Your Strawberry Bon Bons Fresh
Learning how to store your strawberry bon bons properly will help them stay delicious and beautiful for days. Let’s go over a few simple but important steps.
Use an Airtight Container
Choose a sturdy, airtight container to store your bon bons. This protects them from moisture, air, and any strong odors inside the fridge. If you’re stacking the bon bons, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking or smudging.
Refrigerate Carefully
Keep your strawberry bon bons in the refrigerator if you plan to enjoy them within a few days. Place the container in the middle or back of the fridge where the temperature stays more stable. Always let the bon bons sit out for 5–10 minutes before serving so the chocolate softens slightly and tastes its best.
Freeze for Longer Storage
If you want to store the bon bons for longer, freezing is a great option. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them slowly in the refrigerator first to avoid moisture ruining the chocolate.
Serving Pairings: Enhance Your Strawberry Bon Bons Experience
Strawberry bon bons are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary flavors can elevate your treat. Here are some excellent pairings to enjoy alongside your bon bons.
Fresh Fruits to Balance Sweetness
Pair your strawberry bon bons with fresh fruits to add refreshing juiciness and contrast to the richness of the chocolate.
- Berries: Strawberries pair well with blueberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the bon bons.
- Citrus Fruits: Oranges or lemons add a zesty and refreshing burst, complementing the chocolate’s richness.
- Tropical Fruits: Pineapple or mango adds a sweet and tangy contrast, enhancing the overall flavor.
Creamy Beverages for a Smooth Finish
Enjoy your strawberry bon bons with creamy beverages that complement the smooth texture of the chocolate.
- Hot Chocolate: This classic pairing works perfectly, offering warmth and richness.
- Milkshakes: Try pairing with vanilla or berry milkshakes for a deliciously creamy treat.
- Coffee or Tea: A cup of coffee or Earl Grey tea can balance the sweetness of the bon bons and add sophistication.
Crunchy Nuts for Texture
Add some crunch with nuts to provide a satisfying texture contrast to your bon bons.
- Almonds or Hazelnuts: These nuts pair beautifully with chocolate and add a pleasant crunch.
- Pistachios: Their slightly salty flavor complements the sweetness of the bon bons.
- Macadamia Nuts: For a tropical twist, pair with macadamia nuts for a buttery, rich flavor.
Now that you have the step-by-step guide to making the best strawberry bon bons, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen! Don’t hesitate to try different variations, whether it’s adding new fillings, using different chocolate, or experimenting with flavorings. The possibilities are endless, and each batch can be uniquely yours.
We’d love to hear about your experience and how your strawberry bon bons turned out. Share your results, tips, or questions in the comments section below. Happy baking and enjoy these delightful treats with your loved ones!