This irresistible Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe is a celebration of bold flavor and vibrant color, layering rich dark chocolate with crunchy pistachios, toasted coconut, and bursts of sweet-tart freeze-dried strawberries. It’s my favorite way to indulge in a treat that’s decadent, but so incredibly easy to make at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Show-Stopping Good Looks: The dazzling mix of dark chocolate, crimson strawberries, emerald pistachios, and golden coconut turns this bark into edible eye candy for any occasion.
- Unbelievably Simple: You only need about 15 minutes of hands-on time—no candy thermometer, special molds, or fancy tricks!
- Flavor & Texture Explosion: Each bite brings together creamy chocolate, tart-sweet fruit, nutty crunch, and a kiss of flaky sea salt.
- Versatile & Giftable: It’s a perfect last-minute treat, lunchbox surprise, or homemade gift for holidays or just because.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of gorgeous ingredients for this Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe, but each one plays a starring role—contributing flavor, color, and that crave-worthy crunch. Here’s what brings this fabulous chocolate bark together:
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Toasted until gently golden, this adds a irresistible nuttiness and lovely chew to each bite.
- Good Quality Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa or higher): A rich foundation that makes this bark worthy of true chocolate lovers—choose a chocolate you’d enjoy eating on its own!
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These lusciously tart little jewels create bursts of berry flavor and a pop of bright color that takes the bark from simple to stunning.
- Chopped Pistachios: For a layer of buttery, crunchy texture and a striking green accent that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and strawberries.
- Flaky Sea Salt: The final flourish that wakes up all the flavors and gives each piece that addictive salty-sweet finish.
Variations
This Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe is endlessly adaptable—don’t be afraid to swap, add, or subtract ingredients to suit your pantry or cravings. A little creativity can take it in all sorts of delicious directions!
- Nut-Free Bark: Replace pistachios with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to make it allergy-friendly, without losing the crunch.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan Version: Be sure to use dairy-free dark chocolate and double-check that your toppings are vegan-friendly for a plant-based treat.
- Try Different Fruits: Swap freeze-dried strawberries for raspberries, mango, or blueberries for a colorful twist.
- White Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle or marble in a little white chocolate before chilling for a stunning, two-tone effect and extra richness.
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Sheet & Toast the Coconut
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper—this is your nonstick magic for easy bark removal later. Next, toss the unsweetened coconut into a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir gently and keep an eagle eye out; within 30 seconds to a minute, it will go from pale to deeply golden and fragrant. The moment it’s perfectly toasted, scoop it out onto a plate to cool (it burns fast, so don’t linger!).
Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate
Add your chopped high-quality dark chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, or gently melt over simmering water. Once you have a glossy, pourable pool of chocolate, you’re ready for the mix-ins.
Step 3: Mix in the Good Stuff
Reserve half of your toasted coconut, pistachios, and freeze-dried strawberries for the topping. Fold the other half directly into the melted chocolate, stirring gently to disperse those pops of crunch and color all throughout the base.
Step 4: Spread & Decorate
Pour the chocolate mixture onto your prepared parchment and spread into an even layer—about ¼-inch thick—using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining toppings generously over the surface, pressing down lightly just so they’ll adhere. A pretty, patchwork masterpiece! Finally, finish with a sprinkling of flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty finish.
Step 5: Chill, Set, and Break
Slide the baking sheet into your refrigerator and chill for 20–30 minutes, or let it set at room temperature (if your kitchen is cool). When the chocolate is completely firm, use a sharp knife or your hands (for rustic pieces) to break the bark into bite-size shards. Get ready for the happiest taste test!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe
- Best Chocolate Makes the Best Bark: Invest in a high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more)—your final bark will taste only as good as the chocolate you use!
- Coconut Toasting Alert: Stir constantly and don’t walk away; the coconut can go from golden to burnt in seconds, so act fast and transfer it from the pan as soon as it’s colored.
- Top Before It Sets: Have your toppings ready—sprinkle them on while chocolate is melted so they embed and don’t fall off later.
- Chill for Clean Breaks: Cooling the bark until it’s firm ensures clean slicing or snapping, giving you beautiful pieces to share (or stash for yourself!).
How to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe is that it’s naturally gorgeous! For even more visual drama, add a final scattering of extra chopped freeze-dried strawberries or a thin drizzle of additional melted chocolate before it sets. A dusting of edible gold leaf or sparkly sprinkles can make each shard party-worthy and extra festive.
Side Dishes
While this bark shines solo, it also makes a sensational pairing alongside a cheese board, a platter of fresh berries, or even as an edible “crouton” with vanilla ice cream or a creamy mousse. Set out with coffee or a glass of bubbly—it’s a dreamy finish to any meal or gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Break the bark into big rustic shards for gifting in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, or stack elegant slices in a pretty tin for holiday treats. For a sweet touch at a party, place individual pieces in mini cupcake liners or pile onto a cake stand for nibble-and-mingle fun. This Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe also makes a delightful homemade thank-you gift!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once set, store your bark in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot for up to one week. In warmer climates, I highly recommend keeping it in the refrigerator—not just for freshness, but for that satisfying chocolate snap!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze any extra Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe for up to 2 months. Just layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying for best taste and texture.
Reheating
This recipe doesn’t need reheating—the bark is perfect straight from the fridge or freezer! If you enjoy a slightly softer texture, let it rest at room temp for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use regular dried strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Freeze-dried strawberries give the bark a light, crispy texture and intense berry flavor without adding moisture. While you can use regular dried strawberries, they’ll be chewier and can make the chocolate a bit sticky over time. For best results, stick with freeze-dried varieties.
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What’s the best way to melt chocolate for this Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe?
A double boiler ensures gentle, even melting without risk of scorching, but the microwave works in short bursts and with plenty of stirring. Just avoid overheating or letting water touch the chocolate, as even a drop can make it seize.
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How thick should I spread the chocolate?
A ¼-inch thickness is perfect—not so thin it shatters easily, but not so thick you lose those beautiful topping layers. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly for the best bark texture.
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Can I double this Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe for a bigger crowd?
Absolutely! Just use a half-sheet pan or make two batches, spreading the mixture evenly so it sets up with the right thickness. This recipe scales up beautifully and is ideal for gifting, parties, or holiday gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one treat you try this season, let it be the Strawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe—it’s effortlessly beautiful, bursting with flavor, and always brings big smiles (and repeat requests!) wherever it goes. Give it a spin and discover just how easy homemade joy can taste. Happy snacking!
PrintStrawberry Chocolate Bark Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Melting, Chilling
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with this Strawberry Chocolate Bark recipe. Rich dark chocolate studded with crunchy pistachios, tangy freeze-dried strawberries, and toasted coconut, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Ingredients
For the Bark:
- 1/2 cup (47 grams) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 16 ounces (454 grams) good quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup (26 grams) freeze-dried strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup (62 grams) chopped pistachios
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toast Coconut: Toast shredded coconut in a pan until lightly golden. Set aside.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold in half of strawberries, pistachios, and coconut. Spread mixture on baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle remaining strawberries, pistachios, coconut, and sea salt over chocolate.
- Set Chocolate: Chill until firm. Cut or break into pieces.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
- Toast Coconut: Toast coconut for enhanced flavor.
- Storage: Store in airtight container in a cool, dry place or fridge for longer shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg