Thanksgiving is the perfect time to add a touch of fun and creativity to your holiday table, and these Easy Turkey Strawberries are a sweet way to do it. They are made with fresh strawberries, a little chocolate, and festive decorations.
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This recipe is not only adorable but also simple enough for kids and adults to enjoy making together. Whether you're looking for a no-bake Thanksgiving dessert, a fun party treat, or a festive activity to share with the family, these turkey strawberries will be a hit. They're cute, quick, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your holiday gathering!
Simple ingredients
To make these adorable turkey strawberries for Thanksgiving, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that are easy to find and fun to work with.
- Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Wafers: They are rich, smooth, and creamy chocolate that melts beautifully for dipping and coating your strawberries.
- Candy Eyes: These fun little edible eyes give your turkey strawberries a cute and playful personality.
- Candy Corn: We will use them to create the turkey's beak and feathers, adding colorful flair.
- Fresh Strawberries: The base of your turkey treat-juicy, sweet, and vibrant.
How to Make Turkey Strawberries Step by Step
Now that you've gathered your ingredients, let's walk through the step-by-step directions to make these fun and festive turkey strawberries for Thanksgiving.
Rinse strawberries: To start making your strawberry turkeys, gently rinse and dry your fresh strawberries. Make sure they're completely dry before dipping-water can cause the chocolate to seize up and not stick properly. Keep the leafy tops on the strawberries to make them easier to handle and hold.
Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on defrost mode for 2 minutes. Stir, then heat for another minute, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
Dip the strawberries: Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, making sure it's fully coated.
Add the decorations: While the chocolate is still soft, quickly press on the candy eyes and candy corn to form the turkey's beak and feathers. If the chocolate sets too fast, lightly dip the candy pieces in chocolate and press them on, holding for a few seconds. (Food tweezers work great here!)
Finish and serve: Let the decorated strawberries dry completely. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Turkeys
Before you start making your turkey strawberries, keep these simple tips in mind to help your treats turn out cute, tasty, and picture-perfect every time.
- Make sure your strawberries are completely dry before dipping them in chocolate. Even a little moisture can cause the chocolate to seize up or slide off.
- Work quickly when decorating, as the melted chocolate sets quickly. Have your candy eyes and candy corn ready to go before you start dipping.
- If your chocolate gets too thick, reheat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring in between.
- Use food tweezers or clean kitchen tongs to place the small decorations neatly-this helps avoid sticky fingers and keeps your turkeys looking sharp.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Turkey strawberries are best enjoyed the same day you make them, but you can store leftovers. You can place them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer, then cover loosely with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the freshest flavor and texture.
I recommend avoiding freezing, as strawberries release water when thawed, which can cause the chocolate coating to crack. No reheating is needed; these are served chilled or at room temperature.
Variation Ideas
If you want to get creative with your Thanksgiving turkey strawberries, there are plenty of fun variations to try. One easy twist is swapping the milk chocolate for creamy white chocolate. You can even add a few drops of food coloring to make the coating extra festive in shades of orange or yellow, perfect for the holiday table.
For a little crunch, roll your chocolate-dipped strawberries in finely chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds. This not only adds texture but also gives your turkey treats a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries.
You can also switch things up by using mini marshmallows instead of candy corn. Their soft, colorful look makes the "feathers" appear fluffy and playful, giving your turkeys a whole new personality.
Don't stop at Thanksgiving, this same idea works for Christmas too. Dip your strawberries in white chocolate and decorate them with red and green sprinkles for a festive holiday version that will stand out on any dessert table.
Perfect Pairings for Turkey Strawberries
Turkey strawberries make a festive addition to any Thanksgiving spread.
Serve them with pumpkin or pecan pie for a sweet contrast, add them to a dessert platter with cookies and fudge, or pair them with cozy drinks like hot cider or hot chocolate. You can even place one at each table setting for a fun and edible holiday decoration.
Final Thoughts
These turkey strawberries are the perfect blend of cute, festive, and delicious, making them a must-have treat for your Thanksgiving celebration. They're easy enough for kids to help with, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Whether you serve them as a light dessert, add them to a holiday platter, or use them as edible décor, these sweet little turkeys will quickly become a Thanksgiving favorite year after year.
FAQ
Yes, you can make turkey strawberries a day ahead of your Thanksgiving celebration. Just be sure to store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps the chocolate-covered strawberry coating stay firm and prevents the strawberries from weeping or softening too quickly. For best results, serve them within 24 hours.
For this strawberry turkey recipe, milk chocolate wafers, such as Ghirardelli's, work beautifully. They melt smoothly and harden with a nice glossy finish. You can also use dark or white chocolate if you prefer, but make sure it's high-quality melting chocolate for the best texture and flavor.
Definitely! Making strawberry turkeys is a fun and safe activity for kids, especially with adult supervision for the chocolate melting. It's a great holiday kitchen project that brings the whole family together and sparks creativity.
Not by default. Most milk chocolate and candy corn contain dairy. However, you can make them vegan by using dairy-free chocolate and vegan-friendly candy alternatives. Be sure to read labels carefully to ensure everything is fully plant-based.
For best results, use fresh strawberries. Frozen strawberries release too much moisture as they thaw, making it difficult for the chocolate to adhere and maintain its shape. Fresh strawberries will give you a firm base and a more polished look.
Easy Turkey Strawberries Recipe for Thanksgiving Fun
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse strawberries: To start making your strawberry turkeys, gently rinse and dry your fresh strawberries. Make sure they're completely dry before dipping-water can cause the chocolate to seize up and not stick properly. Keep the leafy tops on the strawberries to make them easier to handle and hold.
- Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on defrost mode for 2 minutes. Stir, then heat for another minute, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
- Dip the strawberries: Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, making sure it's fully coated.
- Add the decorations: While the chocolate is still soft, quickly press on the candy eyes and candy corn to form the turkey's beak and feathers. If the chocolate sets too fast, lightly dip the candy pieces in chocolate and press them on, holding for a few seconds. (Food tweezers work great here!)
- Finish and serve: Let the decorated strawberries dry completely. Serve and enjoy!
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