Name: Pumpkin Patch Strawberries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh strawberries (large, firm, with bright green tops); 12 oz orange candy melts (or white chocolate with orange food coloring); 1 tsp coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting); 12 chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos), crushed; 6 chocolate peanut butter cups or chocolate disks (optional, for added texture); 2–3 tbsp melted orange chocolate (reserved from dipping); Piping bag or zip-top bag (with a small corner snipped off)

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Introduction

Bring a festive touch to your dessert table with these charming Pumpkin Patch Strawberries. Coated in vibrant orange chocolate and styled to look like tiny pumpkins, they’re perfect for fall celebrations or Halloween treats.

A white tray filled with small strawberries that are dipped in smooth orange coating, each strawberry decorated with vertical ridges to look like mini pumpkins, topped with fresh green leafy caps. The strawberries rest on a bed of dark brown, crumbly chocolate pieces that look like soil, adding texture and contrast to the bright orange fruit. The tray is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb fresh strawberries (choose large, firm ones with bright green tops)
12 oz orange candy melts (or white chocolate with orange food coloring)
1 tsp coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
12 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed (optional for “dirt” base)
6 chocolate peanut butter cups or chocolate disks (optional for added texture)
2–3 tbsp of the melted orange chocolate (set aside for drizzling)
Piping bag or zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off (for decoration)

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Pat them with paper towels and let them sit on a clean towel to remove all moisture, which helps the chocolate stick properly.
Step 2: Place the orange candy melts or white chocolate with orange food coloring into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth. If the chocolate is too thick, stir in coconut oil or shortening to thin it slightly.
Step 3: Holding each strawberry by its leafy top, dip it into the melted chocolate, swirling gently to coat evenly. Let excess drip off, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat for all strawberries.
Step 4: Allow the strawberries to set for 5 to 10 minutes. Fill a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the reserved melted chocolate. Pipe vertical lines from top to bottom on each strawberry to imitate pumpkin ridges.
Step 5: Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs to create a “dirt” base. Spread the crumbs on a serving tray and arrange the decorated strawberries on top, spacing them like a pumpkin patch. Add chocolate peanut butter cups as stepping stones for a fun touch.

Tips & Variations

Use white chocolate with orange food coloring if candy melts are unavailable.
Make sure strawberries are completely dry to prevent chocolate from sliding off.
For a richer “dirt” base, mix crushed cookies with a few finely chopped chocolate peanut butter cups.
Try adding a little vanilla or almond extract to the melted chocolate for extra flavor.

Storage

Store the decorated strawberries in a single layer in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate slightly. Avoid freezing as it can affect texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A rectangular silver tray filled with dark brown, chunky crumbs resembling soil holds fifteen strawberries, each dipped in smooth, shiny orange coating with vertical stripes giving a pumpkin-like look. The strawberries' green leafy tops are fresh and vibrant, protruding from the top of the orange layer. The tray rests on a white marbled texture surface that adds a soft, elegant contrast to the dark crumbs and bright orange fruits. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Yes, firm fruits with stems like cherries or small apples can work, but adjust dipping and drying time accordingly to ensure the coating sticks well.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?

Make sure there is no water or moisture in the bowl or on the strawberries. Use dry utensils and thoroughly dry the fruit before dipping to keep the chocolate smooth.