If you love the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and sweet strawberries, then this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark is your new favorite treat. It’s a simple yet decadent dessert that brings together smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate with the bright, fresh flavor of strawberries, creating a snack that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or satisfying your own chocolate cravings, this bark is the ultimate sweet treat with minimal effort.
What makes this bark so special is the easy-to-make nature of the recipe. The chocolate base is rich and velvety, while the freeze-dried strawberries add a delightful crunch and natural sweetness. The best part is how customizable it is—you can mix in your favorite toppings, sprinkle on a bit of sea salt for contrast, or even drizzle a little white chocolate for extra sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark is sure to please.
Let’s dive into how to make this deliciously easy dessert and why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe requires minimal ingredients and no baking. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, homemade treat in no time.
2. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart
The creamy chocolate combined with the tangy sweetness of the freeze-dried strawberries creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that everyone will love.
3. Customizable Toppings
You can make this bark your own by adding various toppings, such as crushed nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even other dried fruits.
4. Great for Gifting
Wrapped up in a cute package, this bark makes for a thoughtful and homemade gift for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion.
5. No Special Equipment Needed
You don’t need fancy equipment to make this dessert—just a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a microwave or double boiler to melt the chocolate.
Ingredients
- Dark or milk chocolate (your preference)
- Freeze-dried strawberries
- White chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
- Sea salt (optional)
- Crushed nuts (optional)
Variations
- Different Chocolate Options: You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for the base of your bark.
- Add Crushed Nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios can add a delightful crunch to your bark.
- Other Dried Fruits: Swap out the freeze-dried strawberries for other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mango for a different flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Try adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
- Drizzle of White Chocolate: For added sweetness and a beautiful visual effect, drizzle white chocolate on top of the dark chocolate bark.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the bark once it’s set.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Break the dark or milk chocolate into small pieces and melt it using your preferred method. You can melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second increments, stirring in between, or use a double boiler on the stovetop. Once melted, stir until smooth.
Step 3: Spread the Chocolate
Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly with a spatula to form a thin layer. The thickness is up to you, but about ¼-inch thick is ideal.
Step 4: Add the Strawberries
Immediately after spreading the chocolate, sprinkle the freeze-dried strawberries evenly over the chocolate. Press them lightly into the chocolate to ensure they stick.
Step 5: Optional Toppings
If desired, drizzle some white chocolate over the bark for a beautiful contrast or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a savory contrast. You can also add crushed nuts or any other toppings you like.
Step 6: Let it Set
Place the baking sheet in the fridge or freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened.
Step 7: Break into Pieces
Once the chocolate is set, break the bark into pieces of your desired size. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for a firmer texture.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Be sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- If using freeze-dried strawberries, be careful not to crush them too much as you want the pieces to be big enough to provide that satisfying strawberry crunch.
- For a beautiful appearance, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the bark after adding the freeze-dried strawberries.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use a silicone baking mat, but parchment paper ensures easy removal.
How to Serve
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark is great for snacking, but it also makes a beautiful addition to any dessert table. Serve it as a sweet treat after dinner, offer it at parties or gatherings, or gift it in cute packaging for friends and family. The bark is visually stunning with its bright pops of red from the strawberries, and it pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of wine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, you can keep it in the fridge for a firmer texture, but it will last about the same amount of time.
Freezing
If you’d like to store the bark for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped in plastic or placed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat the bark, but if it’s been stored in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before breaking it into pieces to avoid any cracking.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries have too much moisture and will not work well in this recipe. Freeze-dried strawberries are the best option for this bark.
2. Can I use white chocolate for the base?
Yes, you can use white chocolate instead of dark or milk chocolate for a sweeter version of this bark.
3. How do I keep the chocolate from getting soft at room temperature?
Store the bark in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing it to heat or direct sunlight. If it’s hot, refrigerating it will keep it firm.
4. Can I make this bark without toppings?
Absolutely! The bark is delicious on its own with just the chocolate and strawberries, but the toppings do add a nice touch.
5. Can I add other fruits?
Yes, you can try other dried fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even banana chips for a variety of flavors.
6. How do I melt chocolate without a double boiler?
You can melt chocolate in the microwave by microwaving in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring between each burst to avoid burning.
7. Can I use chocolate chips for this recipe?
Yes, chocolate chips will work just fine, but it’s best to use high-quality chocolate for the smoothest texture.
8. How long does the bark take to set?
The bark will usually set in about 30 minutes in the fridge or freezer, but you can leave it for longer if needed.
9. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier flavor.
10. How can I package this for gifts?
You can break the bark into pieces and wrap it in cellophane bags or place it in a cute box with tissue paper for a lovely gift presentation.
Conclusion
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark is a wonderfully simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a chocolate craving, impress your guests, or share a thoughtful gift, this bark offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With endless variations and the option to customize the toppings, it’s a versatile dessert that’s sure to become a favorite. Grab some chocolate and freeze-dried strawberries, and treat yourself to a deliciously easy treat today!
PrintChocolate Covered Strawberry Bark
- Total Time: 2 hours (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12–15 servings (depending on how large you break the pieces) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark is a delicious and visually stunning treat that combines creamy white and rich dark chocolate with freeze-dried strawberries for a sweet and tangy crunch. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or your choice)
- 8 oz (225g) white chocolate
- 1/2 cup (about 30g) freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into small pieces
- 1/4 cup (25g) mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional for garnish)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate:
Begin by melting the dark and white chocolates separately. To do this, chop the chocolate into small pieces for even melting. You can melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. - Assemble the bark:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer. Repeat with the white chocolate, pouring it on top of the dark chocolate, and gently swirl them together with a spoon or spatula to create a marbled effect. - Add the toppings:
Sprinkle the crushed freeze-dried strawberries evenly over the melted chocolate. If you like, you can also sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate on top for extra texture and flavor. - Chill and set:
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate has completely set and hardened. - Break into pieces:
Once the chocolate is firm, break it into chunks or pieces of your desired size. - Serve and enjoy:
Store the chocolate bark in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. Enjoy the crisp, chocolatey treat whenever you crave a sweet snack!
Notes
- You can use fresh strawberries, but freeze-dried strawberries give the bark a better crunch and longer shelf life.
- If you want to make this bark even more decadent, drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top before chilling.
- Add more toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (just melting the chocolate)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American