Chocolate treats are essential for any kind of treat day, and these Chocolate Berry Cups are not only delicious but also very quick & easy to make.
How Valentine's Day Came About.
Valentine's Day is a designated day to celebrate love and romance. Many people believe that Valentine's day is a made-up, "Hallmark holiday". However, this celebration goes back to ancient Rome, and there were several real St Valentines and many different (and fascinating) theories about how each of them may have been "the" St Valentine. You can read all about them here: History of Valentine's Day
Why Do We Associate Chocolate with Valentine's Day?
There are a few reasons why chocolate and Valentine's day go hand in hand. First, chocolate has long been considered an aphrodisiac. Secondly, because chocolate is rich and decadent, it feels like an indulgence and, the gift of chocolate makes the receiver feel indulged and treated. Third, chocolate is almost universally loved by everyone, so it's hard to go wrong when gifting chocolate. Finally, eating chocolate activates places in the brain that give a natural high and feeling of happiness. What's not to love about expressing love with chocolate?
Why Homemade Chocolate Berry Cups?
You can certainly buy some very fine chocolate, much of which is specifically marketed for Valentine's Day. But a homemade chocolate treat elevates your gift because homemade means that you put some effort and heart into it. Homemade gifts, especially edible ones are always appreciated. However, when I say that you put some effort into these treats, I may be stretching it a little. Because these chocolates are incredibly easy to make.
What Kind Of Chocolate To Use for Chocolate Berry Cups
You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate to make these treats. I used a combination of milk and dark chocolate in this recipe, just because it's what I had on hand. Dark chocolate alone would make this a healthier choice, and, along with the berries, an antioxidant-rich one. It's a personal preference, but if you are making them for kids, they usually prefer milk chocolate.
What You Need To Make These Chocolate Berry Cups
To make these chocolates you will need a mini muffin pan, some mini muffin or cupcake liners, and either a microwave or a double boiler for melting the chocolate. In addition, you will need about 5 minutes of time, and some fridge space. Pretty simple.
What Berries Work Best For Chocolate Berry Cups
I am using raspberries and blackberries to top these, and the combo with chocolate is delicious, and I guarantee they will be a hit. However, feel free to use any combo of berries. Strawberries and blueberries would be just as delicious. You can even choose to top them with something other than berries. I like them with clementine sections at Christmas. I do like to include a red berry, like raspberries for Valentine's Day, and I love the combo of chocolate and raspberries.
How To Store Your Homemade Chocolates
If chocolate is stored at a temperature of 66-68 degrees, it will keep for a long time. But in this case, the berries will only keep for 2-3 days, so you will need to use them before then. (Believe me, it won't be a problem). Be sure the chocolates are in an airtight container to protect them from the humidity of the fridge. These berry cups are perfect for sharing, so that can eliminate the need for storage. Bring them to work, school or a gathering and watch them disappear.
More Homemade Chocolate Treats
If you love giving homemade chocolate treats, you may also want to try these Homemade Peanut Butter Cups or this Chocolate Toffee Fudge
Chocolate Berry Cups
Ingredients
- 12 oz chocolate chips
- ¼ cup pecans finely chopped
- ½ cup raspberries
- ½ cup blackberries
Instructions
- Put chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt it by heating it in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until chocolate is smooth and melted.
- Stir pecans into the melted chocolate
- Line a 12 cup mini muffin pan with aluminum liners
- Fill each cup with the melted chocolate
- Top each chocolate-filled cup with berries, pressing them into the chocolate so they are partly submerged
- With a spoon, drizzle any remaining chocolate over the berries
- Refrigerate 15 minutes or until chocolate is firm
- Store the chocolates in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days
Notes
Nutrition
Trish
I love these. And there is no way we would have to worry about storage. So prefect! They wouldn’t last a day in my house
Colleen
Thanks Trish, I hear you. These disappeared like magic here. Now I need to make another batch. 😋
Sabrina
I love an easy recipe and this is so perfect for Valentines! Fruit, chocolate and nuts are such a winning combination, thanks for this delicious recipe!
Colleen
You're very welcome, Sabrina. Enjoy, and Happy Valentine's Day!
Terri
I love homemade chocolates and these are perfect for staying on track!!
Colleen
Homemade is always best. I hope you enjoy these, Terri!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
What a delicious, adorable treat! Totally perfect for Valentine's Day with those berries. I'm such a fan of chocolate mixed with berries!!! The little cups are too cute. I also love that you added nuts!!
Colleen
Thanks Katherine! You can never go wrong with chocolate, berries & nuts. These are easy and yummy little treats.
Elaine Nessman
Adorable and so easy! We all need a chocolate fix at any time of the year and these are perfect!
Colleen
Thanks Elaine! I love a good chocolate fix any time at all and these really are perfect.
Matt - Total Feasts
Yes, I would make these with the intention of giving them to my other half on Valentines day and then eat them all myself!
Colleen
Matt, I totally get it! Enjoy.
Nicoletta
I absolutely love the combination of chocolate ad berries, especially raspberries. These cups look so pretty and delectable. A beautiful valentine's gift!
Colleen
Hi Nicoletta, I'm with you on the chocolate/berry combo. It's the best, and these little cups are so easy.
Lisa
Love how easy these are and yet they look so decadent! It's a great idea for a Valentine's sweet treat!
Colleen
Thanks, Lisa. Yes these are perfect for Valentine's treats!
Katie
This is such an adorable idea! And so delicious too.
Colleen
Hi Katie, I agree. So glad you found them delicious. Happy Valentine's Day!
Sharon
These chocolate berry cups are the perfect treat for Valentine's Day! They are so pretty and delicious.
Colleen
Hi Sharon, yes, these are not just pretty, and delicious, but super easy, too. Happy Valentine's Day!
Emily Liao
These berry cups are seriously the perfect bite sized treats! I will definitely be making this for Valentine's Day 🙂
Colleen
Emily, I know you're going to love these. Happy Valentine's Day!
Krissy Allori
These are so cute and so easy to make. They also taste so delicious!
Colleen
Hi Krissy, I'm so glad you found them delicious and easy to make. Thanks for letting me know!
Anjali
These are so easy to make but look super fancy and are perfect for valentine's day! 🙂
Colleen
Very true, Anjali. Happy Valentine's Day!