These chocolate covered strawberry turkeys are the perfect gluten-free Thanksgiving dessert. Made with fresh strawberries, mini marshmallows, gluten-free pretzels, and melted chocolate, they're a fun no-bake treat that kids and adults love. They come together in under 30 minutes and look adorable on any holiday dessert table.
I've been making these chocolate covered turkey strawberries every Thanksgiving for years, and they never fail to get smiles and compliments. As someone who's been gluten-free for over 10 years and studying to become a Registered Dietitian, I've perfected this recipe to be completely celiac-safe while still being fun and festive. The best part? They're so simple that even young kids can help assemble them, making this the perfect family activity before your big holiday meal.
The trick that makes these better than other versions? Thoroughly drying your strawberries after washing them. This one step ensures the chocolate actually sticks instead of sliding right off. It seems obvious, but most recipes don't emphasize it enough, and it makes all the difference between turkeys that hold together beautifully and ones that fall apart.
Why You'll Love These Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys
These no-bake turkey strawberries check every box for an ideal Thanksgiving dessert. They're naturally gluten-free when you use certified gluten-free pretzels, require zero baking, and come together faster than most cookie recipes. Kids genuinely enjoy making them, which means you get some quality time together while crossing something off your holiday to-do list.
They also look far more impressive than the effort they require. Your guests will think you spent hours crafting these chocolate covered strawberry turkeys, when in reality, you probably made them during a commercial break. They work beautifully on a dessert board alongside other treats like Gluten-Free Chicken Cornbread Casserole or as a standalone centerpiece that doubles as entertainment and dessert.
Since they're made with fresh fruit, you can feel good about serving them as a kid-friendly holiday dessert, especially if you're balancing out richer Thanksgiving dishes. The strawberries provide vitamin C, and you control exactly what goes into them. No mysterious ingredients, no gluten cross-contamination worries, just simple whole foods transformed into something festive.
Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Turkey Strawberries
Fresh Strawberries – Choose medium to large berries that are firm and ripe. Avoid overripe berries that are too soft, as they won't hold the pretzel feathers well. The strawberries form the body of your turkey, so size matters for the final presentation.
Mini Marshmallows – These create the turkey's head. Regular marshmallows are too large and throw off the proportions. Mini marshmallows from brands like Kraft work perfectly and are typically gluten-free, but always verify the label.
Gluten-Free Pretzels – The pretzel sticks become the turkey's colorful tail feathers. I prefer thin pretzel sticks that snap cleanly in half. Check that they're certified gluten-free if you're celiac or highly sensitive. Snyder's of Hanover Gluten-Free Pretzel Sticks are a reliable option.
Chocolate Chips – Use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate depending on your preference. The chocolate acts as both decoration and glue to hold everything together. I typically use high-quality chocolate chips for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
Coconut Oil (optional) – Adding about a teaspoon of coconut oil to your melted chocolate makes it glossier and easier to work with. This is especially helpful if you're dipping multiple strawberries.
White Chocolate Chips (optional) – For the turkey's feet. You can break tiny pieces of pretzel, dip them in white chocolate, and attach them to the base of the strawberry for extra detail.
Candy Eyes (optional) – These add personality to your chocolate turkeys. You can find them in the baking aisle or use mini chocolate chips as eyes instead.
Equipment
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat – You'll need a lined surface where your turkeys can set without sticking. These silicone baking mats are reusable and make cleanup effortless. Parchment paper works just as well if that's what you have on hand.
Microwave-Safe Bowl – For melting your chocolate evenly without burning it. A glass mixing bowl works perfectly and allows you to see the chocolate as it melts.
Baking Sheet or Large Tray – To hold your parchment paper and assembled turkeys while they set in the refrigerator. A half sheet pan gives you plenty of space to work with multiple turkeys at once.
Small Spoon or Toothpicks – For applying small dabs of chocolate to attach the marshmallow heads and pretzel feathers. Toothpicks give you more precision, but a small spoon works fine.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Turkey Strawberries
Step 1: Prep Your Strawberries
Wash your strawberries under cool water and then pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This is the most important step for success with this no-bake Thanksgiving treat. Any water left on the berries will prevent the chocolate from adhering properly, and your turkeys will fall apart. I usually wash mine at least 30 minutes before starting so they have time to air dry fully.
Cut off the leafy green tops so each strawberry can stand flat on its base. You want a stable foundation for your turkey. Set your prepped strawberries aside on a paper towel while you prepare everything else.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Place your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. If you're using coconut oil, add about one teaspoon per cup of chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each burst. This prevents the chocolate from seizing or burning. Usually, two to three intervals are enough to get smooth, melted chocolate.
Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop for more control. Either method works beautifully as long as you stir frequently and don't overheat the chocolate.
Step 3: Assemble the Turkey Bodies
Dip the bottom of a mini marshmallow into the melted chocolate and press it onto one side of a strawberry. Repeat with the other side. Hold it in place for a few seconds until the chocolate starts to set. If it's sliding around, your chocolate might be too warm. Let it cool for a minute before continuing.
The marshmallow should stick out slightly from the strawberry, giving your chocolate turkey a defined body. If you're making these with kids, this is the step where they can really help. Even toddlers can press marshmallows onto strawberries with a little supervision.
Step 4: Add Optional Details
If you're using candy eyes, attach them to the head with a tiny dab of chocolate. You can also use mini chocolate chips positioned to look like eyes. For turkey feet, break off tiny pieces of pretzel, dip them in white chocolate, and attach them to the base of the strawberry facing forward.
Some people like to add a small triangle of orange candy for a beak, but I usually keep mine simple. You can also drizzle white chocolate over the pretzels for a decorative touch that looks like feathers.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Transfer your completed chocolate covered strawberry turkeys to a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes. The cold helps the chocolate harden quickly so everything stays in place. Don't skip this step, especially if your kitchen is warm. Room temperature chocolate takes much longer to set and your turkeys might droop.
Once the chocolate is firm to the touch, your turkey strawberries are ready to serve. Arrange them on a platter, maybe alongside other easy Thanksgiving desserts like White Bean and Bacon Soup or Roasted Whole Chicken if you're building a full spread.
Tips and Variations for Turkey Strawberries
Use Different Chocolate – Swap in white chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your preference. White chocolate turkeys look especially striking and give you a blank canvas for colorful candy decorations. You could even make some with each type of chocolate for variety on your dessert table.
Make Them Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free chocolate chips and this recipe becomes completely vegan-friendly aside from the marshmallows. Check your marshmallow brand, as some are gelatin-free and suitable for plant-based diets. This makes a great dairy-free Thanksgiving dessert option.
Add Candy Corn Feathers – Press candy corn pieces into the chocolate on the back of the strawberry for colorful, traditional Thanksgiving feathers. This works especially well if you're making these for a kids' party where bright colors are appreciated.
Let Kids Help – This is genuinely one of the best kid-friendly Thanksgiving dessert recipes to make with children. They can wash strawberries, break pretzels, press marshmallows, and arrange feathers. The only step that requires adult supervision is melting the chocolate. It keeps them busy and gives them ownership over part of the Thanksgiving meal.
Make Them Ahead – You can assemble these the morning of your Thanksgiving gathering and store them in the refrigerator until serving time. They hold up well for several hours as a make-ahead holiday treat. Just don't make them more than 24 hours in advance, as the strawberries will start releasing moisture and the chocolate will become sticky.
Try Different Fruits – While strawberries are traditional, you could experiment with large blackberries or even small pears for a different take on the turkey shape. The technique stays the same regardless of the fruit you choose.
Storage and Serving
Store your chocolate covered turkey strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Don't stack them, as the chocolate and pretzels will stick together and break. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers.
These are best served the same day you make them. The longer they sit, the more moisture the strawberries release, which can make the chocolate sticky and the pretzels soft. Plan to assemble them the morning of your Thanksgiving dinner for optimal freshness and crunch.
Do not freeze these. The strawberries become mushy when thawed, and the chocolate will develop condensation that ruins the texture. Fresh is always best with this no-bake recipe.
Serve them on a platter at room temperature or slightly chilled. They make a beautiful centerpiece on a dessert table, especially when arranged with other Thanksgiving treats. I like pairing them with Easy Cashew Chicken Salad Recipe for a lighter Thanksgiving brunch, or alongside Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe at a casual holiday gathering.
Recipe FAQ
No, frozen strawberries release too much moisture and won't hold their shape. Always use fresh, firm strawberries for this recipe.
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free pretzels and verify that your chocolate chips and marshmallows are gluten-free. Most major brands are, but always check labels if you're celiac or highly sensitive.
Make them the morning of serving for best results. They'll hold for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, but the strawberries will start to soften after that.
Absolutely! Use whatever chocolate your family prefers. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate all work beautifully.
You can cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces, but mini marshmallows give the best proportions for these chocolate turkeys.
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Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Turkey Strawberries
Equipment
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Toothpicks or small spoon
Ingredients
- 12 large fresh strawberries washed and completely dried
- 24 mini marshmallows 2 per strawberry
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet, milk, or dark
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil optional, for smoother chocolate
- 48 gluten-free pretzel sticks 4 for legs, plus extras for tail feathers (Snyder's Gluten-Free Pretzels)
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips optional, for feet
- Candy eyes optional
Instructions
- Prep strawberries: Wash strawberries and pat completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for chocolate adhesion. Leave the green tops on.
- Melt chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
- Create turkey legs: For each strawberry, take 2 pretzel sticks and 1 mini marshmallow. Dip one end of each pretzel into chocolate, then press both pretzels into opposite sides of the marshmallow to create one leg. Repeat to make 2 legs per strawberry (4 pretzels and 2 marshmallows total per turkey).
- Attach legs to strawberries: Use melted chocolate to attach the two pretzel-marshmallow legs to either side of each strawberry near the bottom. The marshmallows should sit against the strawberry with pretzels extending downward like legs. Hold for a few seconds to set.
- Add pretzel tail feathers: Break additional pretzel sticks in half. Dip one end of each piece in chocolate and press into the back of the strawberry in a fan shape, creating 5-6 "tail feathers" per turkey.
- Add optional details: Attach candy eyes with a dab of chocolate. For decorative feet, dip the bottom of the pretzel legs in white chocolate.
- Chill to set: Place assembled turkeys on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until chocolate is completely firm.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Work quickly - Melted chocolate sets fast, so have all ingredients ready before you start
Assemble legs first - Let the pretzel-marshmallow legs set slightly before attaching to strawberries for easier handling
Make ahead - Assemble morning-of and refrigerate until serving for best results
Kid-friendly activity - Let children help with assembling the legs and pretzel feathers
Use certified gluten-free products - Always verify pretzels, chocolate chips, and marshmallows are labeled gluten-free if you're celiac
