Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark is a delightful treat that’s as pretty as it is delicious. It’s made by layering smooth, melted chocolate with sweet, juicy strawberry pieces that add a fresh and fruity twist. The combination of creamy chocolate and bits of strawberry gives every bite a nice balance of rich and refreshing flavors.
I love making this bark because it’s so simple to put together, and it feels special enough to share with friends or keep all to myself. One trick I’ve found is to use fresh strawberries that aren’t too watery, so the bark stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy. Plus, breaking it into chunks makes it perfect for snacking anytime.
This treat is great for a quick dessert or a thoughtful homemade gift. Whenever I bring chocolate covered strawberry bark to a gathering, it always disappears fast—everyone loves the way the juicy strawberry bits add a little surprise to the chocolate. It’s one of those sweet snacks that lifts your mood with every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Chocolate: This is the base that holds the bark together and gives a creamy sweetness. Use good-quality white chocolate for the smoothest texture. If you can’t find white chocolate, white candy melts can work, but they may be sweeter and less creamy.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a juicy burst and pretty red color. Choose firm, ripe berries without bruises. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, dried strawberries can be used but they will be chewier and less juicy.
Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: The dark chocolate drizzle adds a nice contrast in flavor and color. If you prefer a sweeter bark, use milk chocolate instead. For a dairy-free option, look for dairy-free chocolate chips.
Sea Salt Flakes (Optional): A little sprinkle enhances the flavors and adds a subtle crunch. If you don’t have sea salt, simply skip it—your bark will still be delicious!
How Can I Make Sure My Chocolate Bark Sets Smoothly and Doesn’t Break Messily?
Getting the chocolate to set just right is key to a sturdy bark that breaks into good pieces:
- Spread the melted white chocolate evenly but not too thin—a thickness of about ¼ inch works well.
- Work quickly after spreading to add the strawberries while the chocolate is still soft so they stick properly.
- Let the bark cool at room temperature, or chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to speed up setting. Avoid freezing as it can cause cracking.
- Before breaking, run a knife gently around the edges to help create cleaner chunks.
- Store your bark in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to keep it crisp and fresh.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat – I like using this because it keeps the bark from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Microwave-safe bowls – handy for melting the chocolates quickly and evenly.
- Spoon or small piping bag – great for drizzling the dark chocolate in a decorative pattern.
- Spatula or knife – useful for spreading the white chocolate smoothly across the baking sheet.
- Cooling area or fridge – needed to let the bark set fully so it breaks nicely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different fruits like raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a fresh flavor change.
- Add chopped nuts such as almonds or pistachios for crunch and extra flavor.
- Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate or white chocolate drizzle for a sweeter touch.
- Mix in a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of mint in the white chocolate before spreading for an additional flavor twist.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped or white chocolate chips
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 4 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
- Optional: sea salt flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to let the chocolate set. So, in around 40 minutes, you’ll have a beautiful and tasty chocolate covered strawberry bark ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Workspace:
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This makes it easy to remove your bark once it’s set and keeps cleanup simple.
2. Melt the White Chocolate and Spread:
Place the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each until it’s smooth. Pour the melted white chocolate onto your prepared baking sheet and use a spatula or back of a spoon to spread it evenly into a thin layer.
3. Add Fresh Strawberries:
While the white chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the chopped strawberries evenly over the top. This helps them stick nicely to the chocolate.
4. Melt and Drizzle Dark Chocolate:
Now, melt the semi-sweet or dark chocolate in a separate microwave-safe bowl, again heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth. Use a spoon or small piping bag to drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the top of the strawberries and white chocolate layer in a pretty, decorative pattern.
5. Optional Topping and Setting:
If you like, add a small pinch of sea salt flakes over the top to enhance the flavors. Then, leave the bark to cool and harden at room temperature or place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set completely.
6. Break Into Pieces and Enjoy:
Once the bark is fully set, gently break it into irregular pieces with your hands or a knife. Serve your chocolate covered strawberry bark right away, or store it in an airtight container for later snacking.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Bark?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries because frozen ones can release extra moisture and make the bark soggy. If you only have frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and pat dry very well before using.
How Should I Store Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark?
Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, keep it in the refrigerator to prevent melting but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Substitute Different Chocolates?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the white or dark chocolate with milk chocolate or even flavored chocolates like almond or mint. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as some chocolates melt differently.
Is It Okay to Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the bark a day or two ahead. Just store it properly to keep the strawberries fresh and the chocolate crisp. Avoid making it too far ahead, as the fresh strawberries may lose their texture over time.
