If you’re looking for a fun and easy Halloween treat that will impress both kids and adults, White Chocolate Strawberry Ghosts are the perfect choice. This spooky yet adorable recipe is a fantastic way to bring creativity into the kitchen without the need for advanced skills. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can turn fresh strawberries into ghostly figures, complete with expressive faces, using melted white and milk chocolate.
Not only are these ghostly strawberries delicious, but they also make a great addition to Halloween parties, dessert tables, or festive snack platters. They offer a balance of sweet and fresh, making them a healthier alternative to many sugary Halloween treats. Plus, the hands-on nature of the recipe makes it a great activity to enjoy with kids or friends, bringing both fun and flavor to the holiday.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose firm, ripe strawberries for the best texture. Thoroughly wash and dry them, as moisture will prevent the chocolate from sticking.
- White Chocolate Melts: Select high-quality chocolate melts for a smooth and glossy coating.
- Milk Chocolate Melts: Use for decorating ghost faces; offers rich flavor and contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Chocolates
- Using a Double Boiler:
To melt the chocolate smoothly and evenly, the double boiler method is ideal. Start by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the white chocolate melts to the bowl and stir continuously until fully melted. Repeat the process with the milk chocolate melts in a separate bowl. This gentle heat prevents the chocolate from burning. - Microwave Method:
If using a microwave, place the white chocolate melts in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between each session. Continue until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Repeat for the milk chocolate. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can burn easily. - Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Avoid introducing water or steam into the chocolate, as this will cause it to seize and become grainy. Overheating can also ruin the texture, making it difficult to dip.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Thoroughly washing and drying your strawberries is crucial for the chocolate to adhere properly. Any excess moisture on the strawberries will cause the chocolate to slide off rather than stick. After washing, pat them dry with a paper towel and leave them to air-dry for a few minutes. Make sure the strawberries are fully dry before dipping them into the melted chocolate, as even a small amount of water can affect the chocolate’s smooth coating.
Strawberries that are too ripe or soft may leak juice, which can also cause issues with the chocolate sticking, so choose firm, fresh strawberries.
Step 3: Dip the Strawberries in White Chocolate
- Dipping Technique:
Hold each strawberry by the stem or leaves and carefully dip it into the melted white chocolate, swirling to cover it evenly. For the best coverage, gently shake off any excess chocolate back into the bowl. - Creating the Ghostly Shape:
To make your strawberries look like ghosts, after dipping, drag a small amount of chocolate downwards from the bottom of the strawberry to create a “tail.” This flowing shape mimics the appearance of a ghost floating in the air. Repeat this process with all the strawberries, placing them on a parchment-lined tray to set. - Parchment Paper Tips:
Using parchment paper is essential for preventing the dipped strawberries from sticking as they dry. Make sure to place each strawberry with enough space in between to avoid them touching and smearing the chocolate. - Handling Imperfections:
If the chocolate is uneven or clumpy, simply dip the strawberry again. For broken or misshapen strawberries, you can still dip them, but they might require more creativity when decorating!
Step 4: Create the Ghost Faces
- Preparing the Piping Bag:
To add the ghost faces, transfer the melted milk chocolate to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag by snipping off a small corner. Carefully pour the melted milk chocolate into the bag, ensuring the tip or cut hole is small enough for precise control. - Creating the Faces:
Gently squeeze the bag to pipe two small dots for the eyes and an oval or circle for the mouth on each white chocolate-coated strawberry. The classic ghost expression is simple and spooky – wide eyes and an “O”-shaped mouth to resemble a ghostly scream. Work quickly while the white chocolate is still soft enough to hold the decorations in place. - Perfecting Expressions:
Experiment with different face designs to give your ghosts some personality. You can make scared, surprised, or silly expressions by adjusting the size and shape of the eyes and mouth. The faces don’t need to be perfect, as a bit of imperfection adds to the ghostly charm! - Alternative Decorating Ideas:
For extra creativity, you can use candy eyes instead of piping the eyes, or add small chocolate chips for the eyes and mouth. You could also try using colored sprinkles or edible glitter to enhance the spooky look.
Step 5: Let Them Set and Harden
Once all your strawberries are decorated, leave them on the parchment-lined tray to set and harden. This process usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature, but if you want to speed it up, you can place them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Make sure the chocolate has fully hardened before serving or handling to avoid smudging the faces.
If the room is particularly warm, refrigerating the strawberries is a good option to keep the chocolate firm, but avoid leaving them in the fridge too long, as the moisture can cause the chocolate to sweat.
Step 6: Serving Suggestions
- Halloween-Themed Presentation:
For a festive Halloween look, arrange your White Chocolate Strawberry Ghosts on a themed platter. You can add decorative elements like fake cobwebs, tiny pumpkins, or spooky napkins to enhance the presentation. - Accompanying Treats:
Serve the ghost strawberries alongside other Halloween-themed desserts, such as chocolate-covered pretzel “bones,” pumpkin cupcakes, or candy corn. These strawberries can be a light and fresh option on a dessert table full of heavier treats. - Storage Tips:
If you’re making these in advance, store the strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind that strawberries are best served fresh, and storing them too long can cause them to soften or leak juice, which may affect the chocolate coating. Try to serve them the same day for optimal freshness.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
How to Avoid Chocolate Seizing
Chocolate seizing occurs when even a small amount of moisture comes into contact with melted chocolate, causing it to become thick and grainy. This can happen if water, steam, or condensation accidentally mixes with the chocolate. To prevent seizing, always ensure your utensils, bowls, and spatulas are completely dry before you start melting the chocolate. When using the double boiler method, be careful that no steam escapes from the sides of the bowl.
If your chocolate does seize, you can try adding a small amount of vegetable oil or cocoa butter to smooth it out, but prevention is key.
Temperature Tips for Dipping Chocolate
The ideal temperature for dipping strawberries in melted chocolate is between 88°F to 91°F (31°C to 33°C) for white chocolate. If the chocolate cools too much, it may become thick and difficult to dip. To maintain a smooth consistency, keep the chocolate warm during the dipping process by occasionally reheating it in short intervals (in a microwave or over a double boiler).
If you’re making a large batch, it’s helpful to keep the chocolate over a warm water bath (but off direct heat) to ensure it remains melted and easy to work with throughout.
Getting Creative with the Ghost Faces
While the classic ghost faces feature simple wide eyes and an “O”-shaped mouth, you can get creative by giving your strawberries different expressions. For example, vary the sizes of the eyes to make some ghosts look surprised, others mischievous, or even scared. You can tilt the mouths to create spooky smiles or frowns.
For extra decoration, consider using edible glitter to give the ghosts a shimmer or using colored icing for vibrant eyes and mouths. Candy eyes, tiny marshmallows, or chocolate chips can also add dimension and fun. Feel free to experiment with different face designs to give your ghost strawberries unique and playful personalities, making them even more enjoyable for your Halloween celebration!
Variations & Customizations
Different Types of Chocolate
If you want to experiment with flavors, you can use dark chocolate or flavored chocolates instead of white chocolate. Dark chocolate offers a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries, making it a delicious alternative. You can also try flavored chocolates, such as mint or orange-infused varieties, for a unique twist.
For a dairy-free or vegan-friendly version, opt for dairy-free white chocolate or dark chocolate made from non-dairy ingredients. Many brands now offer high-quality vegan chocolate that melts and coats just as well as regular chocolate, ensuring everyone can enjoy these treats.
Adding Flavor to the Chocolate
To add an extra burst of flavor to your chocolate-dipped strawberries, you can infuse the melted chocolate with flavor oils. Peppermint, orange, or almond flavor oils work particularly well. Be sure to use oils that are specifically designed for use in chocolate, as water-based extracts can cause the chocolate to seize.
Add just a few drops of the oil to your melted chocolate, stirring well to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed. This small addition can make your ghost strawberries taste even more special and festive, adding an unexpected twist to the classic recipe.
Alternative Ghost Designs
For variety, experiment with different shapes and sizes of strawberries to create a range of ghost “personalities.” Large strawberries can be used for bigger, more dramatic ghosts, while smaller ones can make cute, mini ghosts with playful expressions.
If you’re looking for an alternative to strawberries, try using marshmallows instead. Marshmallows dip well in chocolate and make for equally adorable ghosts. You can use the same technique to decorate them with ghostly faces, offering a soft, chewy alternative to the fruity strawberries for your Halloween treat lineup.
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
Chocolate Not Sticking to the Strawberries
One common issue when making chocolate-dipped strawberries is that the chocolate may not stick properly. This typically happens if the strawberries are not completely dry before dipping. Any moisture on the surface will prevent the chocolate from adhering and can cause it to slide off.
To fix this, ensure that after washing the strawberries, you dry them thoroughly with paper towels and allow them to air dry for a few more minutes. Patience is key here—if the strawberries are even slightly damp, the chocolate won’t stick well. Avoid washing the strawberries right before dipping; prepare them ahead of time.
Strawberries Bleeding Juice
Another common problem is strawberries leaking juice, which can make them mushy and cause the chocolate coating to crack or become sticky. To avoid this, select firm, ripe strawberries rather than overly soft ones. The fresher the strawberries, the less likely they are to release juice.
Serve the strawberries shortly after preparing them for the best results. Ideally, serve them within 24 hours to maintain their texture and appearance. Storing them in a cool, dry place (or briefly in the fridge) can help, but don’t leave them in the refrigerator too long as the moisture can cause condensation.
Milk Chocolate Too Thick for Piping
If the milk chocolate becomes too thick for piping ghost faces, it may be difficult to create fine details. To thin it out, add a small amount of vegetable oil or cocoa butter and stir until the chocolate reaches the desired consistency. This will make it smoother and easier to pipe.
If you don’t have a piping bag, use a ziplock bag with a tiny corner cut off. You can also use a toothpick or a skewer for more precise detailing, especially for creating small eyes and mouths. These simple alternatives work just as effectively for decorating.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate bars instead of chocolate melts?
Yes, you can use regular chocolate bars, but you may need to temper the chocolate to achieve a smooth, glossy coating that hardens properly. Tempering involves melting the chocolate slowly and carefully to reach specific temperatures. If you skip tempering, the chocolate may not set as well and could develop a dull finish or soft texture.
How far in advance can I make these ghosts?
White Chocolate Strawberry Ghosts are best made fresh. Ideally, prepare them the same day or up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh, but avoid making them too far ahead, as the strawberries can soften and leak juice over time.
Can I freeze chocolate-dipped strawberries?
While it’s possible to freeze them, freezing can cause the strawberries to release moisture when thawed, which may affect the chocolate’s texture. If you choose to freeze them, freeze them on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer to a sealed container. Thaw in the refrigerator to minimize condensation.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No piping bag? No problem. Use a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off, or use a toothpick or skewer to carefully apply the chocolate for the ghost faces.
What can I do if my chocolate becomes too thick while dipping?
If the chocolate thickens, add a small amount of vegetable oil or cocoa butter to thin it out, stirring until it reaches a smooth, dipping consistency.
Conclusion
Making White Chocolate Strawberry Ghosts is a fun and easy way to create a spooky yet delicious Halloween treat. The process involves melting chocolate, dipping fresh strawberries, and adding creative ghostly faces with milk chocolate. It’s a recipe that invites creativity, allowing you to personalize each ghost’s expression or even use alternative decorations like candy eyes or edible glitter. Whether you’re preparing for a Halloween party or simply looking for a festive activity, these ghost strawberries are a memorable and tasty way to celebrate the season, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and fun for all ages.

White Chocolate Strawberry Ghosts
- Author: Christine
Description
These adorable White Chocolate Strawberry Ghosts are perfect for Halloween treats! Fresh strawberries are dipped in white chocolate to form the ghostly bodies, and milk chocolate is used to pipe spooky faces. They are as delicious as they are fun to make and will definitely impress at any party!
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries (whole, washed, and dried)
- 1 bag of white chocolate melts
- 1 cup of milk chocolate melts
Instructions
1️⃣ Melt the chocolates:
- In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate according to the package instructions.
- In a separate bowl, melt the milk chocolate.
2️⃣ Prepare the strawberries:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Make sure they’re fully dry to help the chocolate stick properly.
3️⃣ Dip the strawberries:
- Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted white chocolate, covering it completely.
- Before placing it on parchment paper, gently drag a small “tail” of white chocolate at the bottom of the strawberry to create a ghostly flowing shape.
- Place dipped strawberries on parchment paper to set and repeat for all strawberries. Let them dry and harden.
4️⃣ Create the ghost faces:
- Transfer the melted milk chocolate to a piping bag with a small round tip (or use a ziplock bag and cut a small hole in one corner).
- Pipe two small circles for the eyes and an oval shape for the mouth on each white chocolate-covered strawberry.
5️⃣ Let them set:
- Allow the strawberries to dry completely so the faces harden.
6️⃣ Serve and enjoy:
- Once the chocolate has fully set, your White Chocolate Strawberry Ghosts are ready to serve!
Notes
- Substitutions: If you don’t have milk chocolate melts, you can use dark chocolate chips or even black decorating gel for the eyes and mouth.
- Storage: These treats are best served the day they are made but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.