Monday, October 14, 2024

Fall Flavor Frenzy: 5 Must-Try Pumpkin Spice Treats

 

Thanks to Starbucks and their iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (also known as PSL), the arrival of fall is now synonymous with the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin spice. This delightful blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves has transcended the beverage world and found its way into an array of treats and confections.

Let’s dive into some delicious ways to satisfy those PSL cravings now through November with creative pumpkin spice-inspired confections!

Pumpkin Spice Caramel Apples

Why not elevate the classic caramel apple with a pumpkin spice twist? For a limited time only, Amy’s Gourmet Apples dips a granny smith apple in caramel, before coating it in white chocolate. Lastly, the bottom is coated with graham cracker crumbs and topped off with a drizzle of orange chocolate for a seasonal spin.


Photo credit: Lore’s Chocolate

Pumpkin Seed Bark with Sea Salt

Get inspired by the flavors of fall with a pumpkin seed chocolate bark. Lore’s Chocolates sprinkles crispy, candied spiced pumpkin seeds and sea salt on top of dark chocolate. Put your own twist on this idea by adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even candy corn. Your customers will love this festive treat!

Pumpkin Spice Truffles

Craft rich, creamy pumpkin spice truffles by blending chocolate ganache with pumpkin puree and spices. RCI member Speckled Hen Chocolate Company makes a pumpkin truffle with real pumpkin, cream, butter, chocolate, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg all piped into an adorable mini chocolate pumpkin shell. 

Don’t have bite-sized pumpkin moulds? Consider rolling your pumpkin truffles in graham cracker crumbs or crushed pecans for an extra crunch.


Photo credit: Trolley Treats

Pumpkin Spice Popcorn

Add a twist to popcorn by drizzling it with white chocolate and sprinkling pumpkin spice seasoning on top. Trolley Treats adds pumpkin candies to their festive fall popcorn mix. This sweet-and-salty treat is perfect for movie nights or cozy fall gatherings. Package it in festive bags for a fun, shareable snack!

Pumpkin Pie Peanut Butter Cups

If you love pumpkin and you love peanut butter, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate fall! Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company blends natural peanut butter with pumpkin and pumpkin pie spices to make the ultimate fall confection. This concept could also be applied to a peanut butter meltaway recipe. Consider adding a sprinkle of crunchy graham cracker crumbs as a finishing touch.

These confectioners are embracing the pumpkin spice trend in creative ways, offering a variety of delicious options to satisfy consumers’ fall cravings. So go ahead, indulge in the flavors of autumn and make the most of this pumpkin spice frenzy!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

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Monday, October 7, 2024

5 Spooky Chocolate-Covered Treats for Halloween

Halloween season is back, bringing with it all the fun and spookiness we love! If you already make chocolate-covered treats, we’ve got some exciting ideas that require little effort and just a few extra touches. Here are five quick and easy ways to dress up your favorite chocolate-covered treats for a spooktacular Halloween!

Ghost Truffles

RCI member Graham’s Chocolates crafts the spookiest cute treat each Halloween: ghost truffles! A hauntingly delicious dark chocolate ganache wrapped in a sweet white chocolate shell. Perfect for a delightful fright!

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Witches Brooms

Embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween with delightful chocolate-covered strawberry witches’ brooms! These fun treats feature a fresh strawberry dipped in milk chocolate and topped with a chocolate Cheerio® and drizzled with more chocolate and finished with a mini pretzel stick, perfectly resembling broomsticks. Click here to watch a step-by-step video.

Monster Toes

Get ready for a fun and creepy Halloween treat with these giant monster toes! RCI member Water's Edge Chocolates transforms chocolate-covered Twinkies® into delightfully grotesque monster toes, complete with an edible chocolate toenail and chocolate jimmies to look like crazy hair. Perfect for Halloween parties or just for some spooky fun, these giant toes are sure to bring laughs and tasty bites!


Photo credit: The BearfootBaker

Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies

Turn classic chocolate-covered sandwich cookies into festive pumpkins! Simply dip cookies in orange chocolate and decorate as you like. We love the fun, whimsical touches used to decorate these pumpkins, from the misshapen googly eyes to the pecan stems. The possibilities are endless if you look at what you have on hand. Stick them on lollipop sticks for easy handling!

Frankenstein Crisp Rice Treats

Give your Rice Krispie® treats a spooky makeover! Dip treats in green chocolate and once set, add milk chocolate for hair, a jagged mouth and googly eyes. Add mini pretzel sticks to sides for his bolts.

These fun and easy ideas will add a delightful twist to your Halloween offerings. Make sure to share photos of your Halloween treats on social media and on your e-commerce site for greater exposure and sales potential. So grab your supplies, get creative and enjoy a sweet Halloween!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

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Tuesday, October 1, 2024

5 Ingredients + Accessories to Make the Holidays Sweeter

 

The holiday season seems to sneak up on us faster each year, especially for candy makers. If you’re looking to elevate your confections this year, RCI member LorAnn Oils shares five ingredients and accessories that can make your holiday candy-making even sweeter.

1. Desiccant Packs

Shipping delays can be a headache during the busy holiday rush, but desiccant packs are a simple solution. These food-grade packs absorb moisture, ensuring your confections remain fresh during storage and transit. By protecting your sweet creations from humidity, you can avoid spoilage and maintain that delicious flavor.

2. Invertase

For those rich, creamy treats we all love—think mint patties, truffles, and chocolate-covered cherries—invertase can be a game changer. This natural enzyme, derived from yeast, transforms table sugar (sucrose) into a liquid form by splitting it into glucose and fructose. This “invert sugar” not only enhances flavor but also keeps your candies fresh longer.

3. Dipping Tool Set

Creating eye-catching, sweet treats this holiday season is a breeze when you have a dipping tool set on hand. With dipping tools, like a fork or a spiral tool, you can easily dip and decorate fruits, candies, nuts and more with melted chocolate and other coatings.

4. Cream of Tartar

Rather than using liquid corn syrup, opt for cream of tartar when making hard candy. This age-old ingredient prevents sugar crystallization, ensuring your candies have that smooth, glassy finish everyone craves. Nobody wants large, crunchy sugar crystals ruining their holiday treats, and cream of tartar is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect smoother, glassy candies.

5. Soy Lecithin

Not all flavors respond the same when added into cooked sugars, particularly heavier, oil-soluble ones that can be more difficult to fully incorporate. The flavor may pool in moulds or float to the tops of candy, yielding uneven flavor throughout. To ensure an even distribution of flavors in your candies, add a small amount of soy lecithin to your boiled candy syrup. This emulsifying agent helps keep oils evenly mixed and emulsified throughout the batch. A quarter teaspoon of lecithin per cup of sugar will do the trick.

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, these “not-so-secret” ingredients and tools can take your confections to the next level of perfection. By incorporating these tips, you’ll create candies that are consistently longer lasting, fresher tasting, but also deliciously smooth and creamy. This holiday season, make your sweet creations the highlight of the festivities! Happy candy-making!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Trend Alert: Make Your Own Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar

 

If you’ve spent any time at all on social media lately, you’re probably familiar with the Dubai chocolate bar with its mesmerizing green filling. This viral treat has captured the attention of chocolate lovers and foodies, making them eager to try it. Adding to their allure, Dubai chocolate bars aren’t widely available across North America, prompting some eager fans to drive for hours just to try them.

What are Dubai Chocolate Bars?

Dubai chocolate bars are inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East, combining high-quality chocolate with exotic ingredients such as saffron, rose water and pistachio. These bars are often beautifully designed and colorful, making them visually appealing as well as delicious. They capture the luxury associated with Dubai, appealing to consumers looking for unique, gourmet sweets that offer a taste of culture.

The viral nature of these products has caught the attention of retailers everywhere. Many stores report selling out regularly, showcasing just how popular these bars have become. The buzz around Dubai chocolate bars is amplified by social media, where stunning visuals and unique flavor combinations inspire consumers to seek them out. This trend is a golden opportunity for candy makers looking to capture market share and engage new customers.

Instagram.com /@peterbrookewp

RCI member Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park, Florida is embracing this trend, and for good reason: creating your own Dubai chocolate bar can elevate your brand and satisfy the growing consumer appetite for unique, gourmet experiences. Click here to see how Peterbrooke Chocolatier makes it.

Photo credit: Kemnitz Fine Candies

RCI member Kemnitz Fine Candies, based in Plymouth, Michigan, sells their version of the Dubai Bar with toasted phyllo dough, pistachio cream and tahini inside a crisp milk chocolate shell.

Making your own Dubai chocolate bars lets you stay on trend and show that your brand is all about creativity and luxury. These attractive bars are great for marketing, as customers love to share their finds online. Embrace the trend and let your chocolate bars take consumers on a delicious journey to Dubai!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

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Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Fact or Fiction: Testing Tricks for Longer Lasting Caramel Apples

 

In the quest to keep caramel apples fresh for as long as possible, Joe Sofia from Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate investigates the effectiveness of a popular preservation method: the lemon juice trick. This method, which suggests dipping the wooden sticks in lemon juice before use, is believed to extend the shelf life of these sweet treats. But does it really work?

The shelf life of a caramel apple is typically only one to two weeks. The primary issue arises at the point where the stick is inserted into the apple. Over time, this area turns brown and becomes unappetizing due to enzymatic browning—a biochemical reaction triggered when apple flesh is exposed to oxygen. This phenomenon is what often limits the apple's appeal and shelf life.

Variables Affecting the Rate of Browning:

Temperature: Temperature plays a significant role; refrigerating caramel apples can slow down this process.

Apple variety: the variety of apple used can affect how quickly it browns, as different types have varying compositions

Without the stick, the shelf life of caramel apples could be considerably longer, since the caramel, nuts, and chocolate used in their preparation generally have a much longer shelf life.

The apples on the left illustrate the effects of unsoaked sticks, while the apples on the right show the results of sticks soaked in lemon juice.

Does the lemon juice trick really work?

The lemon juice trick involves soaking the wooden sticks in lemon juice before inserting them into the apples. It has been suggested that this trick helps to preserve the apples by reducing browning at the stick insertion point. However, Joe Sofia's testing did not reveal a significant difference between apples with lemon-soaked sticks and those with unsoaked sticks. After a week, both types of sticks—whether soaked in lemon juice or not—showed similar browning around the insertion point.

Given the limited impact of the lemon juice trick, another approach to extending the shelf life of caramel apples is to forgo the stick altogether. By using large dipping forks, beaker tongs, or scissor-style tongs to dip the apples in caramel, candy makers can avoid the browning issue associated with the stick. While this method may slow down the dipping process, it might be a worthwhile trade-off for those focused on maximizing freshness. For customer convenience, sticks could still be provided separately for those who prefer them.

In conclusion, while the lemon juice trick does not significantly extend the shelf life of caramel apples, exploring alternative methods like going stickless could offer a practical solution for preserving these delightful treats.

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

How to Create Your Own Holiday Gift Guide

 

Holiday gift guides are a visual and trendy way to promote your popular holiday items both online and in your retail store. According to a survey by Tinuiti, “77% of shoppers plan to carry out at least half of their holiday shopping online.” While eMarketer predicts "holiday retail ecommerce sales will account for 19.8% of total holiday retail sales [in 2024]. This represents holiday ecommerce’s largest jump in share since 2020."

Don’t wait to promote your holiday items either. Vericast found that "consumers aren’t shopping early unless enticed to do so. Nearly half (44%) of consumers plan to start shopping for the holidays in October or earlier, down from 47% in 2023, while 31% of parents, more likely than other consumer groups, do most of their shopping in October or earlier. Most consumers (74%) plan to do most of their holiday shopping in November (41%) and December (33%)." If you want shoppers to place their orders before November and December, you may want to start promoting your holiday offerings in October. With more than a quarter of shoppers expected to wait until December to shop, compile a “last-minute gifts” guide of popular, ready-to-gift items that can be purchased in a pinch.

Make it easy for shoppers to find the perfect gift for everyone on their list with well-thought out gift guides. Photo credit: Macy's

Pick a specific category.

A visually appealing gift guide will not only help put your gift items in front of consumers, it will also help them check recipients off their shopping list with suggested gift ideas. Need ideas for your hard-to-buy-for dad? Check. What about stocking stuffers or the perfect gift for the person on your list who has everything? Check and check.

When it comes to creating your gift guide, imagine who your customers will be buying for, targeting specific customer segments beyond “women,” “men” and “kids.” Consider categorizing lists by interests, like a sweet and nutty trail mix for outdoor enthusiasts or a chocolate and wine pairing for the wine aficionado.

Another easy idea would be to categorize items by ingredient, flavor or texture. Compile your peanut butter meltaway, peanut brittle, chocolate-covered peanuts and peanut butter fudge onto a guide labeled “Gifts for Peanut Butter Lovers.” Or do you have a collection of mint-chocolate flavored products? What about a guide for those who are “All About the Crunch,” complete with caramel corn, toffee, brittle and chocolate-covered pretzels?


Find the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast, thanks to this gift guide by BusbeeStyle. We especially like the simple grid design. The numbers and labels make it easy for customers to identify and purchase products with links for each item included in the description.


Theo Chocolate has curated a flavor-inspired collection of gift ideas that looks both beautiful and delicious. Categories include the perfect gift ideas for lovers all things spicy, minty, salty, fruity and then some. Click here to view the full guide. 


This gift guide from Always Order Dessert is for those well-meaning shoppers looking to snag a last-minute gift that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. This bright and bold header makes it super clear to the reader that the items on this gift guide are the perfect solution for the last-minute shopper.

Consider categorizing some items by price, since most people have a budget in mind when shopping for gifts. “While many shoppers may gravitate toward lower-priced categories, don’t shy away from a luxury list for those looking to splurge,” suggests Cathie Ericson with Square.

Try to keep your gift guides concise, highlighting three to seven items. Too many items can get lost and turn shoppers away before they’re able to make a decision, let alone a purchase. If you have more items that you’d like to highlight, make several smaller gift guides instead of one big list.

Get Visual

Visuals are a must when it comes to a good gift guide. Period. If you don’t have a photo for every item on your gift guide, breakout your smart phone (or ask a friend or a member of your team who has a smart phone with a good camera to help) and start snapping. For best results, we recommend photographing your products against colors that contrast to make your product pop.


Photo credit: J.CrewThe Montana Standard

Decide if you’d like to layout your products as part of a more “lifestyle” look or if you plan to remove the background of your product photos and lay them out using design software (keep reading for tips on how to do this—for free—with zero design experience). If you plan to remove the background, photograph product on a solid, white sheet of paper or cardstock for milk or dark chocolate. Try a darker, solid color for the background when photographing white chocolate.

Sweet tip: Canva.com is a free graphic design platform that is easy to use even if you have zero design experience. With free and paid subscriptions, Canva’s a super-easy “background remover” tool removes the background of an image in one click. By removing the background, you can easily achieve a professional look by dragging and dropping your gift items and their descriptions within the guide layout. Click here to watch Canva’s two-minute tutorial.

Partner with Local Businesses


High Note Gifts of Nashville features some of their favorite local gifts in this easy-to-follow gift guide.

Invite some of your favorite local businesses to be featured in your gift guide. Coffee shops, wineries and boutiques are examples of local businesses to partner with this holiday season. Offer to include one of their signature items on your guide and ask them to share your gift guide on their own social media pages. Tagging their business in your social media posts will offer your partners greater brand exposure and encourage them to return the favor.

Seal the Deal

Before tying your gift guide(s) with a bow, make sure it is clear how to purchase the items listed. This may include a web address and phone number or a direct link to your website or Facebook Shop.

For shoppers seeking unique, local gifts to share this holiday season, a fun holiday gift guide is sure to pique their interest. We think you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to create a professional-looking guide highlighting your products. Cheers to a sweet holiday season ahead!

Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Extend the Shelf Life of Your Caramel Apples

 

Caramel apples are the most popular product at Apple Tree Chocolate in Norman, Oklahoma. With experience producing nearly 50,000 caramel apples each year, Owner, and RCI member, Scotty Jackson, shares tips for making caramel apples last.

If your recipe is solid, and you aren’t experiencing any cold flow or separation, then your caramel should last for months on end. Unfortunately, the apple, itself, will not.

To extend the shelf life of the apples, there are two critical steps: removing the wax from the apple and ensuring the caramel adheres properly. The wax must be removed to allow the caramel to stick. Some use a mixture of 4 parts water to 1 part apple cider vinegar, but Apple Tree Chocolate prefers an antimicrobial wash from Sysco Foods. After washing, the apples are wiped down and allowed to air dry overnight. Regardless, it’s a step you cannot afford to skip. Caramel may stick at first, but without removing the wax it will start slipping away after 24-48 hours.

The shelf life of the apples is also subject to the time of year, due to the humidity levels and average temperature in-store—which is naturally cooler in the winter months. The shelf life of caramel apples also varies with the seasons. During the summer in Oklahoma, Apple Tree Chocolates’ caramel apples typically last 7 to 8 days after washed, while in winter, they can last up to 10 days

Managing inventory effectively is crucial; using the "first-in-first-out" method helps ensure freshness. If an apple isn’t up to your standard or nearing the end of its shelf life, consider cutting it up and offering it up as a sample to customers, providing a sweet treat for shoppers and potentially increasing sales.

3 Tips for Extending Shelf Life

  • Remove the Wax
    Wash apples the night before dipping in caramel and allow to air dry. Washing more than 24 hours in advance is not recommended.

  • Stick the Apples
    This step should be done towards the end of preparation. If you do this a day early then your clock starts a day early.

  • Check the Humidity 
    Apples are best kept in environments with 25% to 40% humidity. During warmer months, caramel may need to be cooked a bit longer. During fall and winter, the ideal cooking temperature at Apple Tree is around 237°F, but during an especially rainy spring, or a typical summer month, they will cook caramel to approximately 241°F. Testing for a soft ball consistency can help ensure the caramel is properly cooked.

If you’re interested in learning more about all things caramel, attend RCI’s Fall Regional Conference September 16-18, 2024. Experience an EduTour at Bomboy's Home Made Candy, plus more education and demonstrations to help you refine your caramel recipes and develop new and unique varieties. Additionally, tour two Baltimore-based candy companies and take part in a hands-on caramel apple demonstration. Register by August 23, 2024 for discounted rates.

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Caramel Twists & Pairings: 3 Variations of Caramel to Try

 

Consumers generally fall into two flavor camps: one that loves classic, comforting tastes and another that seeks out new, adventurous experiences. These preferences aren't fixed; people often switch between the two based on their mood or circumstances.

Experimental: Caramel with a Twist

Consumers love trying new flavor combinations, and adding a twist to classic caramel can make it more exciting and appealing. These twists can make familiar flavors feel fresh and interesting, encouraging people to explore new options they might otherwise overlook.

Twists and pairings

Caramel works well with a variety of inclusions to create multi-sensory experience. Healthier add-ins like seeds, nuts, and dried fruits are particularly popular. You can also experiment with more adventurous pairings, such as cocktail-inspired flavors, rosemary and sea salt, or cocoa nibs, to elevate your caramel creations and give them a premium perception. Caramel also has incredible potential to satisfy various eating occasions and consumer needs. For example, caramel and caramel products are the perfect solution for the rising trend of on-the-go consumer snacking.

In the spirit of exploring new and creative twists on caramel, we’re sharing 3 variations of caramel flavors to try this fall.

Photo credit: Shotwell Candy Co.

Old Fashioned Cocktail Caramels

If a caramel walked into a bar—a swanky, retro bar—it might walk out tasting like Shotwell Candy Co.’s “Old Fashioned” Cocktail Caramels. Described as “buttery soft caramel, infused with aromatic bitters, barrel-aged bourbon, and orange extract.”

Salted Rosemary Caramel Sauce

For herbaceous twist on your class caramel recipe, add a hint of fresh rosemary. This recipe for salted rosemary caramel sauce calls for boiled apple cider to add a more refined flavor and also recommends straining the caramel to remove any remaining pieces of rosemary.

Sweet tip: Speaking of caramel sauce, if you have a great caramel recipe and aren’t currently making caramel sauce, this could be a natural variation which would give your customers another way to enjoy your caramel.

Photo credit: Love & Olive Oil

Dark Chocolate Cocoa Nib Caramels

Especially if you already have chocolate caramels in your wheelhouse, adding cocoa nibs is sure to elevate your recipe with welcome texture and crunch elements. Check out this recipe from Love & Olive Oil.

Adding a twist to your caramel creations can elevate them from ordinary to interesting and even trendy, especially for younger consumers. 

 If you’re interested in learning more about all things caramel, attend RCI’s Fall Regional Conference September 16-18, 2024. Experience an EduTour at Bomboy's Home Made Candy, plus more education and demonstrations to help you refine your caramel recipes and develop new and unique varieties. Additionally, tour two Baltimore-based candy companies and take part in a hands-on caramel apple demonstration. Register now.

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Try this Viral Strawberry Treat with a Twist

For many candy makers, selling chocolate-covered strawberries in the summer heat might sound like a recipe for disaster. However, thanks to a viral idea from a produce market in London, this seemingly crazy idea is worth a second look--especially for late summer and fall events, including outdoor gatherings.

The viral concept simply involves a cup of fresh strawberries covered with melted chocolate. Click here to see how RCI member Zak & Mac’s Chocolate Haus does it. The appeal of these chocolate-covered strawberries lies in their simplicity. If you’re a chocolatier, you already have melted chocolate and likely a good source for fresh strawberries, if you make chocolate-covered strawberries for holidays.

For a creative spin, consider a strawberry shortcake-inspired version. Drench strawberries in white and milk chocolate and sprinkle with crushed shortcake cookies for a nostalgic twist. Alternatively, a cookies and cream variation, where the strawberries are covered in a mix of white chocolate and crushed Oreo cookies, will satisfy any cookie lover’s craving. For a campfire classic, try a s’mores version by mixing strawberries with milk chocolate, mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.

Don’t limit yourself to strawberries. Adding a mix of fresh pineapple, blueberries, and grapes will work beautifully with this technique. Pineapple can be drizzled with white chocolate and toasted coconut, and grapes can be covered in a dark chocolate with a hint of sea salt.

Incorporating these variations not only keeps your offerings fresh and exciting but also helps your business stand out in a competitive market. Embrace this viral trend and let your creativity shine with these deliciously cool treats.This simple yet delicious idea has become a favorite because it’s so versatile and easy to prepare. Sometimes, the best ideas are the simplest ones, and these chocolate-covered strawberries are a perfect example of that.

Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.