This is probably somewhere on CC but I couldn't find it tonight. I will be doing a groom's cake for a nephew. It will have chocolate dipped strawberries on it. My question is what is the best chocolate to use for this? Strawberries will be staked and cascading down side. How would you attach them..with chocolate only? I have some time on this but always like to try new things first for practice. Thanks for any help.

I just did some chocolate dipped strawberries this week and I used Wilton candy melts. They worked fine for me, but someone else might have a better idea.

I'd like to know the answer to this as well... how to make them so pretty! I make them for my husband and I but I just melt regular Nestle Semi Sweet Morsels with Unsalted Butter and dip like that. Probably not the best method and definitely not pretty. Thanks for asking this!

I have wanted to know this and how long do they last? Or I guess you could say, how far ahead can you do them?

I dipped mine the night before then stored them in the fridge overnight in a large ziplock bag. I didn't assemble them on the cake until right before it was picked up the next day. I was afraid to stretch it out any farther because seem so go bad so quickly.

I just made some recently, I washed them and let them set out and air dry. Also let them come to room temperature. I dipped them and let them try a room temperature again. I dipped them same day I that I was putting them on the cake. I used Wiltons and they turned out just fine. Before this technique, I have had problems with condensation and the juices running, not so pretty. Hope this helps!!!

Some people don't like Wilton candy melts, but I like them just fine. That's what I always use for strawberries. I'm not sure about attaching them to the sides though. Maybe someone else can offer advice on that. I wouldn't think a toothpick would be the way though. It looks like that would make the juice run out. I definately agree with waiting as long as you can to do the strawberries.

I agree with ladixiechic1. I also washed my strawberries and let them air dry, then dipped them and let that air dry. Then I refrigerated them. I had to do it this way because I'm a school counselor in my real job and he wanted to pick it up at 3:30 the next day - right after school, so I had to do the work the night before. But I think her idea is great to do it same day as pick up and leave at room temp when possible.

i dont have any advice for attaching them to the cake, but as for dipping them, if you can please save that for the same day as the assembly.

i dont know anything about candy melts, but coating chocolate is your best bet i.e. merckens (but i find merckens to be a little thick for my liking. the only stuff i use is by Chocoa).
unless you know how to temper, don't use couverture.
i've never tried to coat with melted regular chips, so i have no comment for those.
and fountain chocolates are usually the coating kind.. but that's 'usually'. Chocoa also makes this.

i would advise against doing them days ahead of time and especially against refridgerating them because the fruit shrinks and if your choc has hardened, then the fruit might get a little loose and when it thaws it would get juicy. another reason why you need to dip them at room temp & have them DRY

good luck!

hth

Thank to everyone for your ideas. Looks like my hubby will get to try some practice strawberries. Also since the cake will be iced in chocolate buttercream I was thinking of attaching the strawberries with frosting to cascade.
Thank you k8memphis... I did mean stacked instead of staked..my goof.
What do any of you think of arranging them in a small bowl or plate that can be set on the cake when we arrive. Since it is a family wedding I will be delivering the cake about 1 hour away and setting up. I thought I might just arrange the strawberries there if I dip them early that morning for a 1:00 p.m. wedding. Do you think that will work? I am going to buy strawberries and Wilton chocolate melts this weekend and try. I am too curious to wait. Thanks for all advice. I will let you know what I end up doing.

Oh oh oh gotcha --stacked, good.

When I deliver, I make sure my berries are kept cold on the ride--especially for an hour drive. I set the sheet pan full of berries on top of a cake pan that has a frozen gel pack in it and cover it all up. Something to keep the chill on 'em. That's how I do it.