Strawberry Shortcake Bark Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Shortcake Bark is a delightful treat combining sweet pink candy melts, crunchy shortbread, and tangy freeze-dried strawberries. This no-bake dessert is perfect for a quick, colorful snack or a charming gift.
Ingredients
- 2 bags Sweet Tooth Fairy light pink candy melts
- 1/2 bag white chocolate Ghirardelli wafers
- 1 bag freeze-dried strawberries
- 1/2 package (5.3 oz) Walker’s pure butter shortbread
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the light pink candy melts according to the package directions until smooth.
- Step 2: Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the melted pink candy onto the parchment and spread it evenly into a medium-thick layer.
- Step 3: Crush about 1 cup of the freeze-dried strawberries and sprinkle them over the melted candy. Next, crush half the shortbread package and sprinkle it on top. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
- Step 4: Remove the baking sheet from the freezer. Melt the white chocolate wafers and drizzle them over the set pink candy. Add some whole freeze-dried strawberries on top so they stick to the white chocolate. Return to the freezer for another 10 minutes until fully hardened.
- Step 5: Once frozen, break the bark into irregular pieces and serve or store as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried raspberries along with the strawberries.
- Use high-quality white chocolate for a smoother texture in the drizzle.
- To keep pieces uniform, score the bark lightly before freezing and then break along the lines.
Storage
Store the strawberry shortcake bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keep it away from heat and humidity to prevent melting. If refrigerated, allow the bark to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
Freeze-dried strawberries are recommended because they add crunch without moisture, which helps keep the bark crisp. Fresh strawberries contain moisture and would make the bark soggy.
What can I substitute if I can’t find Walker’s shortbread?
You can use any buttery, crumbly cookie such as butter cookies or graham crackers crushed into small pieces for a similar texture and flavor.
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Strawberry Shortcake Bark Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Bark is a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy pink candy melts, crunchy freeze-dried strawberries, and buttery shortbread pieces, all topped with a drizzle of white chocolate. This sweet and crunchy bark is perfect for a light dessert or festive snack, featuring a beautiful pink and white color palette that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Pink Candy Layer
- 2 bags Sweet Tooth Fairy light pink candy melts (approximately 14 oz total)
White Chocolate Drizzle
- ½ bag (about 7 oz) Ghirardelli white chocolate wafers
Fruit and Shortbread Toppings
- 1 bag freeze-dried strawberries (approximately 1.5 oz)
- ½ package (5.3 oz) Walker’s pure butter shortbread cookies
Instructions
- Melt the Candy Melts: Following the package instructions, melt the light pink candy melts until smooth and pourable, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Prepare the Base Layer: Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the melted pink candy melts onto the parchment and spread evenly into a medium-thickness layer using a spatula.
- Add Strawberries and Shortbread: Crush about 1 cup of freeze-dried strawberries into coarse pieces and sprinkle them over the melted candy layer. Then, crush half of the shortbread package into bite-sized crumbs and sprinkle over the strawberries. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
- Drizzle White Chocolate and Garnish: Remove the bark from the freezer. Melt the white chocolate wafers until smooth, then drizzle over the hardened pink candy layer. Scatter whole freeze-dried strawberries on top of the white chocolate drizzle to allow them to stick without crushing. Return the bark to the freezer for another 10 minutes to fully harden.
- Break and Serve: Once completely set and firm, break the bark into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerator.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add crunch and a burst of fruity flavor without moisture, which helps keep the bark crisp.
- For best results, ensure candy melts and white chocolate are melted gently to avoid burning or seizing.
- Store bark in a cool environment to prevent melting, especially during warmer months.
- You can customize this bark by adding nuts or other freeze-dried fruits as preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry shortcake bark, no-bake dessert, candy melts recipe, freeze dried strawberries, white chocolate bark
