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EASY 3-Ingredient Strawberry Dump Cake

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overhead image of 3 ingredient strawberry dump cake in a baking dish with ice cream on top.

I’m going to need you to trust me on this one. This strawberry dump cake is made with just 3 ingredients — fresh strawberries, a box of vanilla cake mix, and cold butter — and it is one of the most delicious, impressive, shockingly EASY desserts you’ll ever make! My husband tried it and declared it the best dessert I’ve ever made. And I make A LOT of desserts. So that’s really saying something.

The beauty of a dump cake is right there in the name – you literally dump the ingredients into a baking dish, one on top of the other, and let the oven do all the work!. The strawberries get jammy and bubbling, the cake mix bakes into a golden, slightly crispy, buttery crust on top, and the whole thing comes out looking and smelling like something that required serious skill. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you have an absolutely perfect summer dessert. Easily made gluten-free, endlessly customizable with any fruit you love, and on the table in under 45 minutes. If you love easy summer desserts, this one belongs right alongside my 4-Ingredient Peach Cobbler and Easy Baked Peaches in your warm-weather rotation!

Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Strawberry Dump Cake

  • Just 3 ingredients you probably already have at home! Fresh strawberries, a box of vanilla cake mix, and butter. That’s the entire recipe. No mixing bowls, no electric mixer, no measuring anything beyond the strawberries. This is as easy as dessert gets!
  • Completely customizable. Use whatever fruit you have on hand, swap the cake mix flavor, make it gluten-free – this recipe is endlessly adaptable and turns out beautifully every single time. See the variations section below for all the ways to make it your own!
  • So delicious nobody will believe how easy it was. The golden, buttery cake crust on top, the warm bubbling strawberries underneath, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top – this dessert is a total showstopper that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. You didn’t. Nobody needs to know.
close up image of 3 ingredient strawberry dump cake being scooped.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds strawberries, hulled and sliced – Fresh, ripe, in-season strawberries make this cake absolutely incredible. The juicier and sweeter your berries, the better the final result. You don’t need to add any sugar or cornstarch – the strawberries will release their own juices as they bake, creating the most beautiful bubbling strawberry filling.
  • 1 box vanilla cake mix – The dry cake mix goes on straight from the box – do not follow the box directions, don’t add eggs or oil or water. Just sprinkle the dry powder directly over the strawberries! I used the Miss Jones gluten-free vanilla cake mix and it was absolutely perfect.
  • 12 tablespoons butter, cold and sliced into pieces – Cold butter is key here! As it bakes, it melts slowly and evenly into the dry cake mix, creating that gorgeous golden, buttery, slightly crunchy crust on top. Use a good quality butter – you’ll taste it in every bite.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Place the hulled and sliced strawberries in a 9×13-inch baking dish in an even layer.
  3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top of the strawberries, spreading it out into a flat, even layer that covers the berries completely. Do not stir!
  4. Evenly place the sliced butter pieces across the top of the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible so the crust bakes evenly.
  5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is visibly bubbling around the edges.
  6. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and enjoy!

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Make it gluten-free: Simply swap the standard vanilla cake mix for a gluten-free vanilla cake mix, I love Miss Jones Gluten-Free Classic Yellow Cake Mix, which is what I used in this recipe. Everything else stays exactly the same. The result is just as golden, buttery, and delicious as the original!

Make it dairy-free: Replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance, sliced cold and placed on top just as directed. Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream for serving. The rest of the recipe is already dairy-free!

Make it with other fruit: This is where the dump cake truly shines – it works with virtually any fruit you love or have on hand! Try it with:

  • 🍑 Fresh or frozen peaches – classic and incredible
  • 🫐 Blueberries – beautiful and jammy
  • 🍒 Cherries – rich and deeply flavorful
  • 🍓 Mixed berries – strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries together is stunning
  • 🍍 Pineapple – for a tropical twist with a yellow cake mix

Swap the cake mix flavor: Yellow cake mix, white cake mix, lemon cake mix, or even chocolate cake mix all work beautifully depending on which fruit you’re using. Lemon cake mix with blueberries is especially incredible!

3 ingredient strawberry dump cake on a plate.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Serve it slightly warm for the best experience. Dump cake is at its absolute best served warm, straight from the oven (or reheated!) with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream melting on top. The contrast of the warm, bubbling strawberry filling, the golden cake crust, and the cold ice cream is genuinely unbeatable. Avoid serving it cold straight from the fridge, instead heat it in a 350° Fahrenheit oven for a few minutes before serving.
  • For a softer cake layer, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes. If you prefer a softer, more cake-like topping rather than a crispy crust, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. This traps steam and keeps the top from getting too crispy while still allowing it to cook through.
  • Don’t skip covering the berries completely with cake mix. Any gaps in the cake mix layer will result in dry pockets of uncooked cake mix powder rather than a cohesive crust. Take an extra moment to spread the cake mix evenly all the way to the edges of the pan before adding the butter.
  • Use cold butter – not melted. I know it might seem like melted butter would be easier, but cold butter sliced into pieces is the secret to that golden, even, cobbler-like crust. It melts slowly and distributes evenly as it bakes, giving you a much more beautiful, consistent result.

Made this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @samdoesherbest or TikTok @samdoesherbest – I repost my favorites! And if you loved it, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and written review below. It means the world and helps other readers find this recipe!

overhead image of 3 ingredient strawberry dump cake in a baking dish with ice cream on top.
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3-Ingredient Strawberry Dump Cake

This strawberry dump cake is made with just 3 ingredients and comes together in under 45 minutes with almost NO effort! The strawberries bake down into a jammy, bubbling filling while the cake mix and butter create the most golden, buttery crust on top. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it tastes like something that took hours to bake!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 9 servings

Equipment

  • 1 9×13-inch baking pan

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 1 box vanilla cake mix I used Miss Jones gluten-free cake mix
  • 12 tablespoons butter cold and sliced

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Place strawberries and 2 tablespoons of the cake mix in a 9×13-inch baking dish, then stir to coat the strawberries in the cake mix.
  • Sprinkle the remaining dry cake mix evenly over the strawberries. Do not stir!
  • Place sliced butter pieces evenly across the top of the cake mix.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown on top and the filling is bubbling.
  • Cool for 10 minutes, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Do not follow the cake mix box directions — use the dry powder straight from the box.
  • Use cold butter, not melted, for the best golden, even crust.
  • Spread the cake mix completely to the edges so there are no dry pockets of powder.
  • For a softer cake layer, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Easily made gluten-free with a GF cake mix (I love Miss Jones!).
  • Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g
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Desserts

Easy & Healthy Frozen Yogurt Bark

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close up image a piece of frozen yogurt bark with fresh strawberries on top.

Summer’s almost here, and so is the most fun, refreshing, healthy treat you’ll make all season! This frozen yogurt bark is creamy Greek yogurt swirled with your favorite fruit jam, loaded with fresh berries and a generous handful of crunchy chopped nuts, frozen solid, and broken into gorgeous pieces that look like they came from a fancy dessert shop. It tastes like ice cream, takes about 10 minutes of actual effort, and is healthy enough to eat for breakfast. Truly, what more could you ask for?!

I love making this with my toddler – he goes absolutely crazy for it, and I love that he thinks he’s eating a special treat while I know it’s just Greek yogurt and fruit! If you love easy no-bake summer recipes, this one belongs in your rotation alongside my Cottage Cheese Ice Cream and High-Protein Froyo Bites for the ultimate freezer snack lineup.

Why You’ll Love This Frozen Yogurt Bark

  • It tastes like ice cream! Cold, creamy, sweet, and loaded with fruit – frozen yogurt bark genuinely hits the same spot as a bowl of ice cream, but it’s made with wholesome ingredients you can feel great about.
  • 10 minutes of prep, NO baking. Spread, swirl, sprinkle, freeze. That’s the entire recipe. No oven, no heat, no complicated steps – just a sheet pan and your freezer.
  • Gluten-free and endlessly customizable. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, and the toppings are entirely up to you. Different jams, different fruits, different nuts – every batch can be a little different.
  • The perfect healthy summer treat. Great for kids, great for adults, great for parties and cookouts and afternoons by the pool!
  • Great for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and keep it in the freezer all week. It’s ready whenever you want a cool, sweet treat – no thawing, no prep, just grab a piece and enjoy.
frozen yogurt bark broken into pieces on a tray.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of yogurt to use for frozen yogurt bark?

Full-fat Greek yogurt is the best choice for frozen yogurt bark, hands down. The higher fat content gives you a creamier, less icy texture once frozen — low-fat or fat-free yogurts tend to freeze much icier and harder, which can make the bark difficult to bite into. Any flavor of Greek yogurt works great here! Vanilla, strawberry, blueberry, or plain are all delicious — if using plain, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup and a splash of vanilla extract to sweeten it before spreading.

How long does this stay good in the freezer?

Frozen yogurt bark keeps well in the freezer for up to 1 month stored in an airtight container or zip-lock freezer bag. For easy grabbing, layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper so they don’t stick together. Give it a minute or two at room temperature before eating — it softens quickly and the texture is best when it’s slightly thawed rather than rock solid.

What else can I add?

So many things! This recipe is endlessly customizable. Try drizzling melted chocolate or peanut butter over the top before freezing for an extra indulgent touch. Mini chocolate chips are always a hit. Granola adds a fantastic crunch and makes it feel a little more like a breakfast bark. Shredded coconut adds a lovely tropical chewiness. Other fresh or frozen fruits like mango, kiwi, raspberries, or blackberries all work beautifully. For a more dessert-forward version, swirl in Nutella instead of jam. And a pinch of flaky sea salt on top takes everything to another level.

Can I make dairy-free frozen yogurt bark?

Absolutely! Simply swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite thick, plain dairy-free yogurt. Coconut yogurt works especially well — it’s naturally thick, rich, and creamy, and freezes beautifully with minimal iciness. Oat milk yogurt and cashew yogurt are also great options. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened or lightly sweetened variety since the jam and toppings will add their own sweetness.

close up image a piece of frozen yogurt bark with fresh strawberries on top.
5 from 1 vote

Easy & Healthy Frozen Yogurt Bark

This frozen yogurt bark is a creamy, colorful summer treat made with vanilla Greek yogurt, swirled with fruit jam, and loaded with fresh berries, and crunchy nuts! It takes just 10 minutes to prep, NO baking, and tastes like ice cream. An easy, healthy frozen yogurt bark recipe that's as beautiful as it is delicious!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces

Equipment

  • 1 9×14-inch baking dish

Ingredients

  • 1 (32-ounce) container Greek yogurt I used vanilla Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fruit jam
  • 1/2 cup fresh berries
  • 1 cup nuts chopped

Instructions

  • Line a 9×14-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the Greek yogurt into an even layer on the baking sheet.
  • Scoop dollops of fruit jam all over the top of the yogurt, and swirl it into the yogurt with a butter knife.
  • Sprinkle the berries and chopped nuts on top of the yogurt in an even layer. Then, transfer the yogurt to the freezer for about 4 hours, or until it’s frozen solid.
  • Remove the bark from the freezer, break it into pieces and either enjoy right away or store it in an airtight container in the freezer for later!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g
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30 Minutes or Less

Cottage Cheese Smoothie (35g protein!)

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cottage cheese smoothie with a strawberry on the side.

It’s true! You really can add cottage cheese to almost everything. My personal favorite way to use cottage cheese is in a recipe where you won’t even taste it. Because if I’m being completely honest, I actually don’t like cottage cheese. Which is why in any recipe I use cottage cheese, like this cottage cheese cookie dough or this cottage cheese pizza crust, I can guarantee you won’t taste the cottage cheese at all! It simply adds hidden protein and nutrients, and in this smoothie specifically – makes it ultra thick, creamy, and ultimately SO delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Smoothie

  • Over 35 grams of protein in one smoothie!
  • Perfect for a healthy breakfast, post-workout meal, or filling snack.
  • Thick, creamy, and delicious – no grainy texture.
  • You can’t taste the cottage cheese at all!
  • Naturally sweetened with fruit.
  • Quick and easy to make in under 5 minutes.

This smoothie is ideal if you’re trying to increase protein intake without relying solely on Greek yogurt or protein shakes.

overhead image of cottage cheese smoothie with a straw and strawberry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you taste the cottage cheese?

Nope! Once blended, cottage cheese becomes ultra-smooth and creamy. It has a very mild flavor, so the banana, berries, and protein powder completely mask it. Even cottage-cheese skeptics will love this smoothie!

What kind of protein powder did you use?

I used a vanilla protein powder (this link gets you 20% off the protein powder I use and love!), but any vanilla or unsweetened protein powder works well. Even collagen powder would taste great and blend seamlessly into this smoothie.

How much protein does this smoothie have?

This smoothie contains over 35 grams of protein, depending on the brand of cottage cheese, milk, and protein powder you use. Even without protein powder, it’s still packed with protein thanks to the cottage cheese.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • No protein powder: Skip it – the smoothie is still high in protein!
  • Different fruit: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or mango.
  • Extra thickness: Add ice or more frozen fruit.
  • More nutrients: Blend in spinach or chia seeds for a nutrient boost!
cottage cheese smoothie with a strawberry on the side.
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Cottage Cheese Smoothie (35g protein!)

This cottage cheese smoothie is thick, creamy, and packed with over 35 grams of protein, making it a perfect healthy breakfast or high-protein snack! You can’t taste the cottage cheese at all – it blends smoothly with frozen fruit for a delicious, naturally sweet flavor. Made with simple ingredients, this protein smoothie is quick, filling, and ideal for busy mornings or post-workout fuel!
Print Pin Rate
Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • 1 blender

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 4-5 frozen strawberries or 1/2 cup frozen berries
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 scoop (or 1 serving) protein powder optional for extra protein!

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, then pour into a glass and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1smoothie | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 20g
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30 Minutes or Less

Chocolate Shell Yogurt Cups

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overhead image of chocolate shell yogurt cup with chopped peanuts on top.

I take my snacks very seriously… arguable a little too seriously. I typically rotate between my protein cookies, healthy snickers rice cakes, and 6-ingredient protein muffins – and now I’ll add these chocolate shell yogurt cups to the lineup! What it comes down to for me is needing just a little something delicious to look forward to when that daily afternoon slump hits. A fun and delicious treat is usually just what I need to boost my mood and energy, and to get me through the rest of the day. These chocolate shell yogurt cups pack in a ton of nutrients from chia seeds, flax seeds, and fresh strawberries! They’re also insanely delicious and pretty much taste like dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Shell Yogurt Cups

These chocolate shell yogurt cups are the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and healthy! Made with wholesome ingredients like yogurt, chia seeds, peanut butter, and a crisp dark chocolate shell, they’re great for breakfast, a midday snack, or a healthy dessert. With no baking required and only a few minutes of prep, this is an easy treat you’ll want to make on repeat!

overhead image of three chocolate shell yogurt cups.

What Makes This Recipe Healthy?

These yogurt cups are packed with nutritious ingredients! Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative) offers protein and gut-friendly probiotics, while chia seeds and flaxseed meal provide a boost of fiber and omega-3s. The chocolate shell is made with just two ingredients and gives the perfect sweet crunch without a ton of sugar.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Yogurt Options: Use any yogurt you love – plain, vanilla, Greek, or dairy-free options like almond or coconut yogurt all work well.
  • Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini to make this completely nut-free.
  • Berry Swap: No strawberries? Try blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana for a twist.
  • Add a Crunch: Sprinkle in crushed nuts or granola before pouring the chocolate shell on top for extra texture.
chocolate shell yogurt cups with peanuts and flaky salt on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of yogurt can I use?
You can use any yogurt you like! Greek yogurt adds extra protein, but dairy-free options like coconut or almond yogurt work great, too. I used Siggi’s plant-based protein yogurt cups and the texture is spot-on!

How long can I keep these yogurt cups in the fridge?
These are best enjoyed right after the chocolate sets, but you can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The texture may soften slightly over time.

Can I make these nut-free?
Yes! Just swap the peanut butter for a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter or tahini.

overhead image of chocolate shell yogurt cup with chopped peanuts on top.
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Chocolate Shell Yogurt Cups (with protein + fiber!)

These chocolate shell yogurt cups are a healthy and delicious no-bake treat made with just 7 simple ingredients! Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. With a creamy yogurt base and crisp chocolate shell, this easy recipe is dairy-free optional and ready in minutes!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

  • 1 5-ounce container yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon flaxseed meal
  • 1 strawberry chopped into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

  • Remove the lid from the yogurt cup and mix the chia seeds and flaxseed meal into the yogurt.
  • Top the yogurt with the chopped strawberry pieces and peanut butter.
  • Melt together the chocolate chips and coconut oil until completely smooth, then pour the melted chocolate over the yogurt. Transfer the yogurt to the freezer for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened, then remove and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition info was calculated using whole milk unsweetened Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 23.5g | Fat: 34g | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 17g
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30 Minutes or Less

Healthy Strawberry Peanut Butter Chocolate Bark

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overhead image of pieces of healthy strawberry peanut butter chocolate bark on parchment paper.

Strawberry season is my FAVE! Not only are these little red fruits totally sweet and utterly delicious, but they’re a sign of warmer weather to come. And that just makes me the happiest! I kicked off strawberry season strong this year with my 6-ingredient gluten-free strawberry shortcake, then kept the party going with healthy strawberry peanut butter cups. And you better believe that as soon as I’m no longer pregnant, I’ll be shaking myself up a skinny strawberry margarita – SO delicious and refreshing!

But the strawberry recipes don’t end there! This strawberry peanut butter chocolate bark is my take on a TikTok recipe that went viral last summer. It’s easy, healthier, perfectly sweet, and made with just 3 simple ingredients. This is also one of those recipes I recommend keeping a batch of in your freezer at all times.. ya know, in case of an emergency. And the amazing thing about this no-bake strawberry bark is you can make it during strawberry season and keep it frozen for months! Well, if it lasts that long. 😉

Why You’ll LOVE This Strawberry Peanut Butter Chocolate Bark

  • Made with just 3 simple ingredients.
  • A no-bake recipe that comes together in minutes!
  • Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
  • Low in sugar with wholesome ingredients.
  • Perfect for a make-ahead freezer treat or healthy snack!
three pieces of healthy strawberry peanut butter chocolate bark on top of each other.

What Makes This Recipe Healthy

  • No added refined sugar – this recipe uses the natural sweetness of strawberries instead of relying on a bunch of sugar to sweeten it!
  • Healthy fats from peanut butter, but feel free to use any nut or seed butter you prefer.
  • Whole food ingredients only – no additives, preservatives, or just plain weird ingredients.
  • Vegan and dairy-free when using plant-based chocolate chips!
healthy strawberry peanut butter chocolate bark on parchment paper.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped almonds or puffed quinoa on top before freezing.
  • Want it sweeter? Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the strawberries before the peanut butter!
  • Use a silicone spatula to spread the chocolate smoothly and avoid lifting the layers underneath.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. I can’t guarantee it’ll last that long though!
overhead image of pieces of healthy strawberry peanut butter chocolate bark on parchment paper.
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3-Ingredient Healthy Strawberry Peanut Butter Chocolate Bark

This healthy strawberry peanut butter chocolate bark is made with just 3 simple ingredients and takes only minutes to prep! It's a delicious no-bake treat that's vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in sugar. Perfect for a freezer-friendly snack or healthy dessert everyone will love!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 10 large strawberries thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup melted chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then arrange the strawberry slices on the parchment paper in rows to form a large rectangle.
  • Spread the peanut butter on top of the strawberries in an even layer, then pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter. Gently spread the chocolate to form an even layer on top of the peanut butter.
  • Transfer the strawberry bark to the freezer for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate had hardened, then cut the bark into individual pieces and either enjoy right away or store in the freezer for later!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Sugar: 7g
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