Name: Devastatingly Easy 3-Step Strawberry Chocolate Bark
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ▢ 1 pound fresh strawberries; ▢ 1½ cups peanut butter; ▢ 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; ▢ 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening; ▢ Flakey sea salt (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Okay, so picture this: you need a dessert, like, *now*. But you’re not about to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Strawberry Chocolate Bark comes in – seriously, it’s a lifesaver! It’s ridiculously easy, looks gorgeous, and tastes like a fancy chocolatier creation. Who doesn’t love a quick dessert? It’s the kind of treat that makes you look like a culinary genius with basically zero effort.

I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I needed something impressive for a last-minute get-together. I was *so* stressed, but this Strawberry Chocolate Bark saved the day. And honestly? It’s been a go-to ever since. It’s a crowd pleaser. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate is just… *chef’s kiss*! Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Chocolate Bark

Quick and Easy Dessert

Seriously, this Strawberry Chocolate Bark is FAST. Like, “I need a dessert in 30 minutes” fast (minus the freezing time, of course!). No complicated steps, no fancy techniques… just melt, spread, and freeze! What could be easier?

Simple Ingredients

You probably already have most of this stuff in your pantry! Strawberries, chocolate chips, peanut butter… that’s it! No running to a specialty store for weird ingredients. I love recipes like that, don’t you?

No-Bake Treat

Yep, you read that right! No oven required! This is a perfect dessert for those hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven, or when you’re just feeling lazy (we all have those days!).

Customizable Flavors

Want to use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet? Go for it! Feeling adventurous? Add some chopped nuts or sprinkles on top! This Strawberry Chocolate Bark is your canvas – get creative!

Delicious Flavor Combination

Okay, the sweet strawberries, the salty peanut butter, and the rich chocolate… it’s a match made in dessert heaven! My favorite part is how all the flavors just POP in your mouth. You just have to try it!

Ingredients for Strawberry Chocolate Bark

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need just a few simple things to whip up this Strawberry Chocolate Bark. I always double-check I have everything before I start – saves me a trip to the store mid-recipe!

1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and sliced. Make sure they’re nice and ripe!
1½ cups peanut butter, smooth. Creamy is the way to go here!
1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. But hey, use your fave!
2 teaspoons vegetable shortening. This helps the chocolate melt nice and smooth.
Flakey sea salt, optional for topping. Trust me, it adds a little *something* special!

Equipment You’ll Need

Okay, before we dive in, let’s make sure we’ve got all our gear ready! Nothing’s worse than scrambling for a tool mid-recipe, right? Here’s what you’ll need for this Strawberry Chocolate Bark:

A good ol’ cutting board.
Parchment paper – this is a must!
Microwave-safe bowls. I usually use two!
A spreading utensil. Spatula, butter knife… whatever works!

How to Prepare Strawberry Chocolate Bark: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! This Strawberry Chocolate Bark is so easy, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through it!

Preparing the Strawberries

First things first, wash those gorgeous strawberries! Then, slice ’em up – I usually go for about ¼ inch thick. Oh! And this is *super* important: pat them dry with a paper towel. We don’t want any extra moisture messing with our chocolate. Water and melted chocolate? No bueno!

Spreading the Peanut Butter Layer

Okay, now for the peanut butter! Pop it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and melty. Be careful, it gets hot! Then, spread it evenly over the strawberries on your parchment-lined cutting board. Now, pop it in the freezer for about 5 minutes. This just helps the peanut butter set a bit before we add the chocolate.

Creating the Chocolate Topping for the Strawberry Chocolate Bark

Time for the chocolate! In another microwave-safe bowl, combine your chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s smooth and glossy. The shortening helps it melt evenly and keeps it from seizing up, so don’t skip it! You want it *perfectly* smooth.

Assembling and Freezing the Strawberry Chocolate Bark

Now, pour that luscious melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some flakey sea salt on top. It really elevates the flavor! Then, carefully transfer the cutting board to the freezer and freeze for at least two hours, or until the chocolate is completely solid. Patience, my friend, patience! After that? Break it into pieces and enjoy!

Strawberry Chocolate Bark - detail 1

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Chocolate Bark

Want to take your Strawberry Chocolate Bark to the next level? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, these make all the difference!

Choosing the Best Strawberries

Okay, this is key: you want those strawberries ripe, red, and juicy! Avoid any that look pale or mushy. Freshness is everything here! The better the strawberries, the better your Strawberry Chocolate Bark will taste. Simple as that!

Melting Chocolate Smoothly

Microwaves can be tricky! The secret to perfectly melted chocolate is low and slow. I always do 30-second intervals, stirring like crazy in between. It seems like it’s not doing anything at first, but trust the process! It’ll get there, and it’ll be smooth as silk. And remember that shortening!

Freezing for Optimal Texture

Don’t rush the freezing! Give that bark plenty of time to harden up completely. If you try to break it too soon, it’ll be a melty mess. Two hours is a good starting point, but honestly, overnight is even better! Patience is a virtue, especially when chocolate is involved!

Strawberry Chocolate Bark - detail 2

Strawberry Chocolate Bark Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Strawberry Chocolate Bark? Awesome! Now it’s time to get a little wild and try some fun variations! This recipe is seriously begging for you to experiment. Let’s get creative!

Different Chocolate Options for Strawberry Chocolate Bark

Don’t feel limited to just semi-sweet chocolate chips! Dark chocolate adds a richer, more intense flavor. White chocolate is super sweet and pretty. Milk chocolate is a classic for a reason! Or hey, why not swirl two kinds together? Ooh!

Adding Nuts and Other Toppings to Strawberry Chocolate Bark

Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a nice crunch! Sprinkles make it extra festive. Dried cranberries or cherries add a little tartness. Get creative! Just sprinkle them on top of the melted chocolate before it sets. Yum!

Storing Your Strawberry Chocolate Bark

So, you made this amazing Strawberry Chocolate Bark… and maybe, just maybe, you have some leftovers? Lucky you! The best way to keep it fresh is to store it in the freezer. Pop it in an airtight container, and it’ll be good to go for weeks! Seriously, freezer is the way!

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Chocolate Bark

Got questions about making the *best* Strawberry Chocolate Bark? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me. Let’s dive in!

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Chocolate Bark?

Okay, so while you *could* use frozen strawberries, I really don’t recommend it. They tend to be a bit too watery, and that extra moisture can make your chocolate seize up. Fresh strawberries are definitely the way to go for this recipe! You want that perfect texture, right?

How long does Strawberry Chocolate Bark last in the freezer?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Strawberry Chocolate Bark will last for a good 2-3 months in the freezer! But let’s be real, it’ll probably be gone way before then! Seriously, it’s so good!

Can I use a different type of nut butter for Strawberry Chocolate Bark?

Absolutely! If you’re not a peanut butter fan (gasp!), you can totally swap it out for almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just make sure it’s smooth and creamy! Each one brings a unique flavor!

Nutritional Information for Strawberry Chocolate Bark

Okay, quick disclaimer: the nutritional information for this Strawberry Chocolate Bark can vary *a lot* depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, unfortunately, I can’t give you exact numbers. But hey, it’s a treat! Enjoy it!

Enjoyed This Strawberry Chocolate Bark?

Yay! I hope you loved making (and eating!) this Strawberry Chocolate Bark as much as I do! If you did, please leave a comment below or give it a rating! Sharing is caring, so feel free to post a pic on social media, too!