Save Celebrate love with a truly interactive dessert experience. This breakable chocolate heart is a stunning and romantic treat that hides a sweet surprise within its glossy shell. Perfect for gifting or sharing, the excitement of breaking open the chocolate to reveal fresh, juicy strawberries makes it more than just a dish—it's a memorable Valentine's Day event.
Save Crafting this hollow chocolate heart allows you to personalize your romantic gesture. Whether you use deep dark chocolate or creamy milk chocolate, the result is a beautiful centerpiece that captures the essence of the holiday. Simply grab a small mallet and get ready to crack into a heart full of sweetness.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Shell: 300 g high-quality dark or milk chocolate (couverture recommended)
- Filling: 200 g fresh strawberries, hulled and dried
- Decoration (optional): 30 g white chocolate, melted; Edible gold leaf or sprinkles
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the chocolate
- Chop the chocolate into small, even pieces. Melt two-thirds of the chocolate gently over a double boiler or in a microwave (30-second intervals), stirring until smooth. Add the remaining third and stir until fully melted and tempered.
- 2. Form the heart
- Pour the tempered chocolate into a clean, dry heart-shaped silicone or polycarbonate mold. Tilt to coat all surfaces evenly. Invert and let excess chocolate drip out, leaving a 2–3 mm shell. Scrape the edges clean. Chill the mold in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- 3. Apply a second coat
- Repeat the chocolate coating for sturdiness. Chill for another 10 minutes.
- 4. Unmold
- Carefully remove the chocolate heart shell from the mold. Place it on a parchment-lined tray.
- 5. Fill
- Place the prepared strawberries inside one half of the chocolate heart. If using a single-piece mold, gently fill through an opening.
- 6. Seal
- Gently warm the edge of the empty half (or a chocolate disk if using a single mold) and press it onto the filled half to seal. Smooth the seam with a warm spatula if desired.
- 7. Decorate
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate, add sprinkles, or apply edible gold leaf. Chill until ready to serve.
- 8. To serve
- Present with a small wooden mallet or spoon for breaking open the heart and revealing the strawberries inside.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best result, make sure your strawberries are completely dry before placing them inside the heart; moisture can cause the chocolate to seize. For an even more indulgent treat, you can dip the strawberries in melted chocolate before tucking them inside the shell.
Varianten und Anpassungen
While strawberries are the classic choice, you can easily customize the surprise inside. Try using raspberries, marshmallows, or even luxury truffles. You can also vary the exterior by using different types of chocolate or adding personalized decorations.
Serviervorschläge
Store your chocolate heart in the fridge until you are ready to present it. For the best texture and the most satisfying snap when broken, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before the big reveal. Serve it on a clean wooden board or a decorative plate alongside a small mallet or a heavy spoon.
Save This breakable chocolate heart is the ultimate way to show your affection through a handmade, interactive dessert. With its blend of crisp chocolate and sweet fruit, it's a gift that looks as beautiful as it tastes, making your romantic occasion truly special.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I temper the chocolate for the heart shell?
Melt two-thirds of the chocolate gently over a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Then add the remaining third and stir until fully melted and tempered for a glossy, firm shell.
- → What mold is best for shaping the chocolate heart?
Use a clean, dry heart-shaped silicone or polycarbonate mold to achieve a smooth, even chocolate shell that's easy to unmold.
- → How can I ensure the chocolate shell is sturdy enough to break?
Apply two coats of tempered chocolate, chilling between each layer. This builds a firm shell that's delicate enough to break but strong enough to hold its shape.
- → Can I substitute strawberries with other fillings?
Yes, fresh raspberries, marshmallows, or truffles work well as tasty alternatives for the filling inside the chocolate heart.
- → How should the finished heart be stored before serving?
Store the filled chocolate heart in the fridge until ready. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to enhance texture and flavor.
- → Is it necessary to use couverture chocolate?
Couverture chocolate is recommended for its superior melting and tempering properties, resulting in a smooth, glossy finish and crisp bite.