Decadent Chocolate Dipped Apricots: An Easy & Elegant Sweet Treat Recipe

Treat yourself to luscious chocolate dipped apricots on Valentine’s Day or any day – the delightful pairing of tangy dried apricots and rich dark chocolate creates an absolutely winning combination. It’s a simple pleasure that feels incredibly luxurious. (Skip to recipe.)

The Enduring Charm of Simple Sweet Gestures

Valentine’s Day, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness, doesn’t always need elaborate declarations or over-the-top displays of pink, red, lace, or hearts. At its core, it’s about acknowledging and celebrating the people you cherish, letting them know they are in your thoughts.

And what better way to convey that sentiment than with a small, thoughtful gesture? Something delightfully sweet, perhaps with the irresistible embrace of chocolate. These delicate chocolate-dipped apricots fit the bill perfectly. They are unassuming yet elegant, small in size but mighty in flavor, and embody a homemade charm that speaks volumes.

Just like their more famous counterparts, chocolate-dipped strawberries, these apricots communicate affection beautifully, offering a unique texture and flavor profile that stands out. The chewy, tartness of the apricot cuts through the rich sweetness of the chocolate, creating a balanced bite that’s truly addictive.

Nostalgia and Homemade Love

Many of us fondly recall the childhood joy of painstakingly cutting out and gluing together paper valentines and envelopes. These were often sourced from those delightful books of printed cards bought at the local drugstore. It was a cherished ritual, transforming an ordinary afternoon into a labor of love.

Producing those slightly glue-sticky, sometimes misshapen but undeniably handmade cards was a testament to youthful creativity and burgeoning emotions. The agony of choosing just the right card for each classmate, especially the boys, given the often mushy sentiments, was real. “Would he think I liked him? Did I even want him to?” Oh, the delicate yet delicious heartache of those innocent days! These chocolate-dipped apricots evoke a similar sense of thoughtful, homemade charm, minus the romantic dilemmas.

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Okay, I admit, sometimes it is a little bit all about pink and red, hearts and sweet frills. And these chocolate treats fit perfectly into that joyful, celebratory spirit.

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Crafting Perfect Chocolate Dipped Apricots: Tips and Tricks

Selecting Your Ingredients

Kitchen Frau Notes: The key to truly spectacular chocolate-dipped apricots lies in the quality of your ingredients. Always use a good quality dark chocolate for these delightful treats. The superior flavor and smooth melting properties of high-quality chocolate will elevate your apricots from good to absolutely amazing. Personally, I find Bernard Callebaut dark chocolate chunks, often available in bulk sections at grocery stores, to be an excellent choice.

For the apricots, look for whole, plump dried apricots that are soft and pliable. Avoid overly dry or hard apricots, as they won’t offer the desired chewy texture. The natural sweetness and tartness of good dried apricots are what make them such a fantastic pairing with rich chocolate.

Creative Solutions for Leftover Melted Chocolate

It’s not uncommon to have a bit of melted chocolate remaining after dipping your apricots. Don’t let it go to waste! Here are several delicious and easy ways to utilize every last drop:

1. Homemade Chocolate Chunks: Spread the leftover chocolate into a thin layer, about ¼ inch (½ cm) thick, onto parchment paper. Allow it to harden completely, then chop it into irregular chunks. These homemade chocolate pieces are fantastic for baking, adding a rich, unique flavor to cookies, muffins, or brownies, much like gourmet chocolate chips.
2. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: A classic and beloved treat! Dip pretzel sticks or twists into the remaining melted chocolate until all the chocolate is used up. Lay them on parchment paper to set. The salty crunch of the pretzels combined with sweet chocolate is incredibly satisfying.
3. Future Dipping: For another batch of chocolate-dipped fruit or snacks, carefully scrape the leftover melted chocolate into a small resealable baggie. Let it harden. When you’re ready to use it again, simply re-melt the chocolate in the baggie (in a microwave or warm water bath) and snip off a corner to pipe, or transfer back to a bowl for dipping.
4. DIY Chocolate Bark: Create a personalized chocolate bark. Spread the melted chocolate into a puddle on parchment paper. While it’s still wet, sprinkle it generously with your favorite toppings. Think chopped toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, pistachios), various seeds, finely cut dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries), or even crushed candy for a festive touch. Let it harden, then break it into irregular pieces for a charming and customizable sweet treat.

Chocolate Dipped Apricots Recipe

Yields: Varies depending on apricot count
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30-60 minutes

Ingredients:

• Whole dried apricots (ensure they are soft and plump)
• Good quality dark chocolate (chips, chunks, or a bar chopped into small pieces)

Instructions:

1. Melt the Chocolate:

There are several reliable methods for melting chocolate to a smooth, dippable consistency. Whichever method you choose, remember that chocolate is sensitive to high heat and water. Avoid both for best results.

• Double Boiler Method: Place your good quality dark chocolate in a heat-proof glass or metal bowl. Set this bowl over a pot on the stove containing a small amount of hot, barely simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. The steam will gently melt the chocolate. Stir occasionally until completely smooth and glossy.
• Microwave Method: If using a microwave, place chocolate in a microwave-safe glass measuring cup or bowl. Heat in short bursts (15-30 seconds), stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is mostly melted. Remove it from the microwave and continue stirring until it’s completely smooth from the residual heat. This prevents scorching.

If you are only working with a small amount of chocolate, it’s helpful to transfer it into a smaller, deeper bowl or measuring cup after melting. This ensures there’s enough depth for proper dipping. Before pouring, wipe the bottom of your double boiler or melting bowl completely dry. Even a single drop of water can cause the chocolate to seize up and become thick and unusable.

2. Prepare for Dipping:

Line a cookie sheet or a flat tray with parchment paper or wax paper. This non-stick surface will prevent the chocolate from sticking as it hardens, making removal easy.

3. Dip the Apricots:

Take each whole dried apricot and dip it approximately halfway to two-thirds of the way into the warm, melted chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl for a few seconds. Carefully place each dipped apricot onto your lined cookie sheet.

Pro Tip: As you lay them down, gently position each apricot so that the small peak of melted chocolate that naturally forms at the bottom is tucked underneath the apricot. This helps to create a neat, rounded top once the chocolate hardens, giving your treats a professional finish. Repeat with all apricots.

4. Harden and Enjoy:

Allow the chocolate-dipped apricots to harden completely at room temperature or, for faster setting, place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm to the touch, they are ready to be enjoyed!

These delightful treats are wonderful for sharing. Pack them up in pretty little containers or decorative bags to give as thoughtful, homemade gifts. Alternatively, serve them at home as an elegant finish to a meal when you desire a lighter, sweet nibble rather than a heavy dessert. They also make a fantastic pick-me-up snack any time of day.

Guten Appetit!

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