Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark is a sweet treat that combines smooth, rich chocolate with the fresh, juicy flavor of strawberries. This bark is dotted with bits of vibrant red strawberries that add a lovely pop of color and a burst of fruity goodness in every bite. The contrast of creamy chocolate and tangy strawberries makes it an irresistible snack or dessert.
I love making this bark because it’s so simple and fun to customize. You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate depending on your mood, and you can add a sprinkle of nuts or a pinch of sea salt if you want a little extra texture. I often find myself sneaking a piece here and there throughout the day — it’s hard to resist!
This treat is perfect for sharing during the holidays or as a thoughtful gift to friends and family. I like to break it into uneven pieces and wrap them in little bags for a homemade present. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy strawberries even when they’re out of season, thanks to the dried ones sprinkled on top. Whether you’re making it for yourself or for someone else, this chocolate and strawberry bark always brings smiles.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: This is the base of the bark and provides a creamy, sweet flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, dark chocolate is a great alternative. For a dairy-free option, use vegan or dairy-free chocolate chips.
Fresh Strawberries: They add a juicy, tangy burst to the bark. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, dried strawberries work well too and make the bark last longer.
White Chocolate Chips: Used for drizzling and adding a nice contrast in flavor and color. You can skip this or substitute with melted white candy melts for easier drizzling.
Chopped Pistachios or Nuts (Optional): These add a lovely crunch. Feel free to swap with almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds if you have allergies.
How Do You Get Smooth, Shiny Chocolate for Bark?
Melting chocolate properly is key to smooth bark. Use a microwave in short bursts to avoid burning. Stir well after each interval—this helps the chocolate melt evenly.
- Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat for 30 seconds, stir well.
- Repeat 15-20 second bursts if needed, always stirring between.
- Stop heating when most chunks are melted, then stir to melt the rest with residual heat.
- This prevents overheating and keeps the chocolate smooth and shiny.
Using a silicone mat or parchment paper helps with easy removal once set. Be gentle pressing strawberries into the chocolate to avoid breaking the bark later.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat – I use this to create an even base for the bark and make cleanup easy.
- Microwave-safe bowls – for melting the chocolates smoothly and easily in quick bursts.
- Offset spatula or the back of a spoon – helps spread the melted chocolate evenly on the baking sheet.
- Small spoon or piping bag – perfect for drizzling the melted white chocolate artfully over the bark.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try dark chocolate instead of milk for a richer, less sweet flavor that pairs well with the strawberries.
- Add chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, for extra crunch and flavor—great for texture lovers.
- Use dried strawberries or blueberries if fresh aren’t available, so you still get that fruity touch.
- Mix in a pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for a slight salty or minty contrast.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bark:
- 12 ounces milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips (for drizzling)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios or crushed nuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and spread the chocolate, plus about 20 to 60 minutes for the bark to fully set, depending on whether you let it chill in the fridge or set at room temperature.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help the chocolate bark lift off easily once it’s set.
2. Melt the Milk Chocolate:
Place the milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each one until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
3. Spread the Chocolate:
Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly into about a 1/4 inch thick layer.
4. Add Strawberries and Nuts:
Quickly sprinkle the sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the chocolate, pressing them lightly so they stick. If you’re using chopped pistachios or other nuts, sprinkle those on top as well.
5. Melt and Drizzle White Chocolate:
In a small bowl, melt the white chocolate chips the same way — 20-second intervals in the microwave with stirring until smooth. Drizzle this white chocolate over the bark using a spoon or piping bag for pretty thin lines.
6. Let the Bark Set:
Allow the bark to firm up at room temperature for about 1 hour, or put it in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes if you want to speed things up.
7. Break and Serve:
Once the bark is firm, break it into uneven pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container either at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Bark?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry first to prevent excess moisture from seizing the chocolate or making the bark soggy.
How Should I Store Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Keep it away from heat and humidity to prevent melting.
Can I Substitute the Milk Chocolate with Dark Chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate works beautifully and offers a richer flavor that pairs well with the strawberries.
Can I Make This Bark Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bark a day or two in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.