National Chocolate Covered Anything Day is celebrated every year on December 16th, giving chocolate lovers full permission to dip, drizzle, or coat just about anything in rich, melted chocolate.
History of National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
Chocolate dipping and coating has a long tradition in confectionery, with chocolate-covered fruits, nuts, and candies becoming especially popular treats throughout the 19th and 20th centuries as chocolate production became more widespread and affordable. Chocolatiers and home bakers alike discovered that chocolate’s rich flavor and smooth texture pair beautifully with an enormous range of foods, from fresh fruit to pretzels to potato chips.
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day leans into this playful, experimental spirit, encouraging people to think beyond the classics like chocolate-covered strawberries or pretzels and get creative with unexpected pairings. The day celebrates chocolate’s incredible versatility as both a dessert ingredient and a coating that can transform almost any food into an indulgent treat.
How to Celebrate National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
- Dip your favorite fruit, like strawberries or bananas, in melted chocolate
- Try chocolate-covered pretzels, potato chips, or other salty snacks for a sweet-and-salty combination
- Get creative with an unexpected chocolate-covered pairing
- Make a batch of chocolate-covered treats to share with family or friends
- Share your chocolate-covered creation on social media using #ChocolateCoveredAnythingDay
Fun Facts About Chocolate Covered Treats
- Chocolate-covered strawberries are one of the most popular and classic chocolate-dipped treats, especially around Valentine’s Day and other celebrations.
- The combination of sweet chocolate and salty snacks, like pretzels or potato chips, is popular because it balances two contrasting flavors that complement each other well.
- Tempering chocolate, a process of carefully heating and cooling it, helps create a smooth, glossy coating that hardens properly rather than staying soft or streaky.
- Dark, milk, and white chocolate all behave slightly differently when melted, with white chocolate in particular being more prone to seizing if overheated.
- Chocolate fondue, where foods are dipped directly into a pot of melted chocolate, became especially popular as a shared dessert experience starting in the mid-20th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day?
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day is celebrated annually on December 16th.
What is tempering chocolate?
Tempering is a process of carefully heating and cooling chocolate to specific temperatures, which helps it set with a smooth, glossy finish and a satisfying snap, rather than turning dull or streaky.
What are good sweet-and-salty chocolate pairings?
Pretzels, potato chips, and popcorn are all popular choices for chocolate dipping, since the salty crunch pairs well with chocolate’s rich sweetness.