Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark is a sweet treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! It’s made with creamy chocolate and juicy, bright strawberry pieces scattered all over, giving it a beautiful mix of rich and fruity flavors. The texture is a perfect balance of smooth chocolate and little strawberry bites that make every piece exciting.
I love making this bark when I want something simple but special. It’s super easy—just melt the chocolate, sprinkle on fresh or freeze-dried strawberries, and let it set. I always sneak a piece or two while it’s setting because the smell is just too good to resist! It’s a great way to enjoy the taste of strawberries in a chocolatey way, especially when strawberries aren’t quite in season.
This chocolate bark is perfect for sharing with friends or as a little homemade gift. I like to break it up into uneven pieces and put it in cute bags. It’s also fun to add other bits like nuts or a pinch of sea salt on top if I’m feeling adventurous. No matter how I make it, it’s always a big hit and brings a smile every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk Chocolate: This is the star ingredient, giving the bark its creamy, sweet flavor. If you want a stronger chocolate taste, swap with dark chocolate. For a dairy-free option, try vegan chocolate chips.
White Chocolate: This adds a lovely contrast and a pretty marbled look. If you don’t have white chocolate, you can leave it out or use a vanilla glaze for drizzling.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries bring juicy bursts and freshness. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen (thawed and patted dry) or freeze-dried strawberries are good alternatives that won’t add extra moisture.
Chopped Pistachios (Optional): Pistachios add crunch and color, but feel free to use any nuts or seeds you like, or skip them altogether.
How Can I Melt Chocolate Smoothly Without It Seizing?
Melting chocolate can be tricky because it burns or seizes if it gets wet or too hot. Here’s a simple way to get smooth melted chocolate:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat chocolate in short 20-30 second bursts.
- Stir well after each interval to evenly distribute heat.
- Stop heating when chunks remain but look softened; the residual heat will melt the rest while stirring.
- Avoid water contact—dry your bowl and utensils thoroughly.
- If you don’t have a microwave, melt chocolate slowly over a double boiler (a heatproof bowl over simmering water), stirring often.
Taking it slow keeps chocolate glossy and smooth, perfect for spreading and drizzling your strawberry bark.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat – I recommend this because it keeps the chocolate from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Microwave-safe bowls – for melting the chocolate; I like these because they heat evenly and are easy to handle.
- Spatula or offset spatula – helps you spread the melted chocolate evenly across the baking sheet.
- Spoon or piping bag – perfect for drizzling the white chocolate decoratively over the bark.
- Knife or break-apart tool – to cut or break the hardened bark into pieces after it sets.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for dried cranberries or cherries for a tart, chewy bite that pairs well with the chocolate.
- Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans instead of pistachios for extra crunch and flavor.
- Stir a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon into the melted chocolate for a warm, fragrant twist.
- Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate instead of milk for a richer, less sweet taste that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips or milk chocolate melting wafers
- 6 oz white chocolate chips or white chocolate melting wafers
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- Optional: chopped pistachios or other nuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 to 15 minutes to prepare and spread the chocolate and strawberries. Then, you’ll need to let it set for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature, or for about 30 to 45 minutes in the fridge to harden faster.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Work Surface:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help the chocolate bark come off easily once it hardens.
2. Melt and Spread the Milk Chocolate:
Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Pour this melted milk chocolate onto your prepared sheet, then use a spatula to spread it evenly to about ¼ inch thick.
3. Add Strawberries and Nuts:
While the milk chocolate is still soft, quickly place the fresh strawberry quarters evenly over the surface. Gently press them into the chocolate so they stick. If you like, sprinkle chopped pistachios or other nuts on top for extra crunch and flavor.
4. Drizzle White Chocolate:
In a separate bowl, melt the white chocolate chips using the same 30-second heating and stirring method. Then drizzle the melted white chocolate over the strawberry-topped milk chocolate using a spoon or piping bag to create pretty swirls and a marbled effect.
5. Let It Set and Serve:
Leave the chocolate bark to harden at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. To speed things up, place the baking sheet in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, break the bark into uneven pieces.
Your tasty chocolate covered strawberry bark is now ready to enjoy or package as a lovely treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw and pat them very dry before adding to the chocolate. Extra moisture can cause the chocolate to seize or become sticky.
How Should I Store Leftover Bark?
Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For warmer climates, keep it refrigerated to prevent melting, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Substitute Dark Chocolate for Milk Chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a richer, less sweet flavor. Just melt and use it the same way as milk chocolate in the recipe.
What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
Use short 20-30 second microwave intervals, stirring between each. Alternatively, melt it gently over a double boiler on low heat, stirring often to keep it smooth and prevent burning.