Introduction

These Pumpkin Patch Strawberries are a fun and festive treat perfect for autumn celebrations. Coated in vibrant orange chocolate and decorated to mimic pumpkins, they bring a playful touch to any dessert table.

A silver tray filled with dark brown crumbly pieces resembling soil holds a group of strawberries shaped and decorated like small pumpkins. Each strawberry is fully coated in a smooth, shiny layer of orange chocolate with vertical ridges creating pumpkin-like segments. The top green leaves of the strawberries stick out naturally above the orange coating, adding a fresh contrast. The tray sits 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 + 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

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Pat them dry with paper towels and let them sit on a clean towel while you prepare the chocolate. Ensure no moisture remains to prevent the chocolate from seizing or slipping off.
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 thoroughly after each, until smooth. If the chocolate is too thick, stir in the coconut oil or shortening to thin it slightly.
Step 3: Hold each strawberry by its leafy top and dip it into the melted chocolate, swirling gently to coat evenly. Let excess chocolate drip off, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all strawberries.
Step 4: Allow the dipped strawberries to set for 5 to 10 minutes. Fill a piping bag or zip-top bag with the reserved melted chocolate. Pipe vertical lines from top to bottom on each strawberry to create pumpkin ridges.
Step 5: Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs to create a “dirt” layer. Spread the crumbs over a serving tray or platter. Arrange the decorated strawberries on top like they’re growing in a garden. Optionally, add chocolate peanut butter cups as stepping stones for extra texture and visual interest.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, firm strawberries with no moisture for best chocolate adhesion.
If you prefer, substitute the orange candy melts with white chocolate and add orange food coloring.
For a festive twist, sprinkle a little cinnamon or edible glitter on the chocolate before it sets.
Replace peanut butter cups with small chocolate truffles or clusters for variety.

Storage

Store the pumpkin strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow them to come to room temperature slightly before serving for the best texture. Avoid freezing to prevent damage to the chocolate coating.

How to Serve

The image shows two sets of chocolate strawberries decorated to look like small pumpkins. Each strawberry is coated in smooth, bright orange chocolate with vertical lines to mimic pumpkin ridges, and topped with fresh green strawberry leaves. The strawberries are arranged on a dark, crumbly chocolate base that looks like soil with small chocolate discs scattered across it to add texture. The base is placed on a silver tray and a piece of white parchment paper respectively, both resting on a white marbled surface. The overall look is a neat, colorful fall-themed dessert arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other berries instead of strawberries?

Yes, you can try this recipe with firm raspberries or large blueberries, but strawberries work best due to their size and shape that resemble mini pumpkins.

What can I do if my chocolate seizes while melting?

If your chocolate becomes grainy or stiff, try adding a small amount of coconut oil or shortening to smooth it out. Heating gently and stirring frequently helps prevent seizing.