Strawberry Candy is one of my favorite simple desserts to make. I love all things strawberry, and this recipe is a quick and easy way to make a strawberry-flavored treat combined with creamy vanilla almond bark! With the pink and red sprinkles, it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day! Wrap some candies up in a cute bag with a bow, and share them with the people you love as a thoughtful, homemade gift.
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The Cool Whip combines with the strawberry candy melts to create a nougat-like texture that is soft and chewy. When coated in the creamy white almond bark, it creates a delightful treat reminiscent of a candy bar, but with a fruity twist.
If you like easy homemade candy recipes, you will love my crunchy Almond Joy Bites, Take 5 Candy Bites and this ultra-fancy and decadent Dubai Chocolate Bar.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Candy Recipe
- It’s only 3 ingredients: This sweet treat requires just 3 ingredients. Who knew you could make candy at home that easily?
- It’s great to make ahead: I love to prepare these in advance, especially since they need some time to set. It makes party planning a breeze.
- It’s customizable: It’s so easy to make this recipe your own! Mix-ins, flavor changes, and even decorations can turn these into something new.
Ingredients
Here are all of the components I used to make this strawberry cream candy. The recipe consists of simple baking ingredients and frozen Cool Whip. So easy!
- Whipped topping: You must grab whipped topping, not real whipped cream. This ensures that you get the right texture of the candy. Whipped cream isn’t stabilized and melts easily.
- Strawberry melts: You will find strawberry-flavored melts in the baking aisle at your local grocery store. They are usually pink! They melt and set perfectly to keep the center of your candies fluffy and chewy.
- Almond bark: I like to use vanilla (white) almond bark as a contrast with the pink color of the middle of the candy. Feel free to try regular chocolate almond bark.
- Sprinkles: I use red and pink sprinkles for a fun Valentine’s Day theme, but you can use any color you’d like or omit them!
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Strawberry crunch: Fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries into the Cool Whip mixture for a crunchy texture. You can even add more to the coating for color.
- Strawberry chocolate chip: Try folding in mini chocolate chips for little bursts of chocolate throughout the candies.
- Strawberry lime: Add a little lime juice to the melted bark and garnish the candy with lime zest for a citrusy twist.
How to Make Strawberry Cool Whip Candy
These are the steps needed to make this delish strawberry-flavored candy recipe. Ensure you line an 8x8” dish with parchment before you make the candy mixture, and line a baking sheet with parchment for the dipped pieces!
Step 1: Melt the strawberry melts and add Cool Whip. Pour the strawberry melts into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each one. Once the candy is super smooth (and slightly cooled), add the whipped topping.
Step 2: Mix well. Stir the whipped topping into the melted candy until it’s fully incorporated and has a light and fluffy texture. I use a spoon but a rubber spatula works, too!
Step 3: Transfer to the dish and freeze. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Then, you may put it into the freezer for at least an hour to firm up. Overnight is even better if possible.
Step 4: Melt the almond bark. Place the bark in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals and stir in between each one. Repeat the process until it is fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Dip and decorate. Slice the strawberry candy with a sharp knife into 20 equal squares. Use a fork to dip one into the melted almond bark, and then give it a gentle tap to help the excess drip off. Place it onto the parchment-lined pan and repeat the process until every candy piece is enrobed in melted almond bark. Add sprinkles if desired, and pop the coated candies into the refrigerator for 10 minutes before you serve!
Recipe Tips
- Thaw the Cool Whip: The Cool Whip must be thawed, but still cold. I like to place it in the refrigerator overnight before I use it.
- Layer with wax paper: To keep the candies from sticking together, layer wax or parchment paper in between them.
- Use a mold: Make fun shapes! Pipe the mixture into silicone molds with a piping bag or use a cookie cutter and make hearts, stars, or anything you’d like.
If you love recipes like this simple Cool Whip candy, you may also enjoy this Chocolate Cool Whip Candy.
Storage Directions
- Storing: I like to store the candies in the freezer to ensure they don’t become too soft. Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You can also place them in the refrigerator if you prefer for up to 1 week.
- Make Ahead: If you are making this recipe for a special occasion, feel free to make the Cool Whip mixture a few hours ahead and let it sit in the refrigerator until you’re ready to finish it. You can also make the candies and refrigerate them until serving. These time-saving techniques are great for a party or gathering.
Serving Suggestions
- This strawberry and cream candy makes a great ice cream topping. Try some on my crunchy strawberry ice cream or this citrusy creamy orange ice cream.
- These candies are so cute, they would make a great garnish to decorate a no-bake pie like lemon cream cheese pie or even this chocolate Nutella pie.
- Take a sweet tart shot and enjoy a strawberry-flavored candy for a sweet and fruity dessert experience.
Recipe FAQs
To speed up the process, you can set the finished strawberry candies in the freezer. It will take just a few minutes for the coating to become firm.
This happens if the Cool Whip is too warm or if the strawberry melts aren’t given enough time to cool. Allow the melted candy a couple of minutes to cool slightly, and ensure the whipped topping is used straight from the refrigerator.
Sure! Add a little strawberry extract for a quick and easy way to increase the flavor without changing the texture of the candy.
More Delicious Strawberry Dessert Recipes
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Strawberry Candy (Made With Cool Whip)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
- 24 ounces strawberry flavored pink candy melts
- 1 pound vanilla almond bark
- Red and pink sprinkles
Instructions
- Add the whipped topping to a large bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt the strawberry candy in 30-second intervals until smooth and melted.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
- Line an 8x8" dish with parchment paper.
- Stir the melted strawberry chocolate into the whipped topping and stir until combined.
- Pour the candy into the prepared pan and smooth out until even.
- Place in the freezer for 1 hour up to overnight.
- Melt the almond bark in a microwave-safe dish for 30-second intervals.
- Remove the candy from the freezer and cut into 20 equal pieces.
- Using 2 forks, dip into the melted almond bark and place onto a parchment-lined tray.
- Immediately sprinkle with sprinkles.
- Repeat with all the squares.
- Let sit for 10 minutes in fridge.
- Serve!
Notes
- Store your strawberry Cool Whip candy in the freezer for the best results. It will last for up to 3 months.
- Add layers of parchment paper in between the layers of candies to ensure they don’t stick together.
- Thaw your Cool Whip overnight in the refrigerator before you make this candy recipe.
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