Introduction

If you’re looking for a fun, eye-catching dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and gourmet, Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples are the perfect choice. These bright, candy-coated apples are not only delicious but also make a stunning display for parties, birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy weekend at home. With their glossy coating of white chocolate and a crunchy strawberry shortcake crumble, they balance tartness and sweetness in every bite.

My recipe story

My love for candy apples started at local fairs and carnivals, where the classic red candy apple was always a childhood favorite. Over time, I realized that candy apples could be transformed into gourmet treats with just a few clever twists. I wanted to recreate the flavor of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars I loved as a kid and thought, why not bring that magic into candy apples? The result was a crunchy, creamy, fruity apple that quickly became a family favorite. Every time I make these, I get requests to share the recipe, and they always spark joy at gatherings.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They combine the tart crunch of apples with creamy, sweet chocolate and strawberries.

No baking is required, making it quick and beginner-friendly.
Perfect for parties, holidays, or homemade edible gifts.
Visually stunning and guaranteed to impress guests.

Customizable with different coatings, sprinkles, or flavor variations.

Ingredient breakdown

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. You only need three core ingredients to create these beautiful candy apples: apples, white chocolate, and freeze-dried strawberries. Each plays an important role in balancing texture and flavor.

The apples form the crisp, juicy base of the recipe. Choosing fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp is key because they provide the right tartness to cut through the sweetness of the chocolate and strawberry coating. The white chocolate chips serve as the creamy, indulgent layer that holds everything together, creating a smooth and glossy finish. Finally, the crushed freeze-dried strawberries add not only a gorgeous pop of color but also a tangy fruitiness that mimics the nostalgic strawberry shortcake ice cream coating.

You can also add optional ingredients like crushed golden sandwich cookies, graham cracker crumbs, or even vanilla wafers to the strawberry crumble mixture for an extra shortcake-like crunch. While the recipe is delicious as-is, these additions take it up a notch, adding more layers of flavor and texture.

Equipment you’ll need

6 wooden sticks or candy apple sticks
Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler

Baking sheet
Parchment or wax paper
Rolling pin or food processor (for crushing strawberries)

Small bowls for dipping and rolling

Step-by-step directions

Prepare the apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the apples to ensure no waxy coating or moisture interferes with the chocolate sticking. Insert wooden sticks firmly into the tops, making sure they’re centered for easy dipping. Place the prepared apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet while you get the coating ready.
Melt the white chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round until smooth and fully melted. If using a double boiler, gently melt the chocolate over simmering water, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Crush the strawberries: Place freeze-dried strawberries into a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine and crumbly. For a finer texture, pulse them in a food processor. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl for easy coating later.
Dip the apples: Holding each apple by the stick, dip it into the melted white chocolate, tilting and turning to ensure it’s fully coated. Let the excess drip off gently before proceeding to the next step.
Roll in strawberries: Immediately roll the freshly dipped apple in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries until evenly coated. Press lightly with your hands to ensure the crumbs stick well to the chocolate.

Set the apples: Place each coated apple back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or refrigerate them for 10–15 minutes if you want to speed up the process.
Serve and enjoy: Once the coating is firm, your Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples are ready to be served. Slice them before serving for easier sharing or enjoy them whole for the full candy apple experience.

Variations & substitutions

One of the joys of this recipe is its flexibility. For a chocolatey twist, swap the white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate. To mimic the true “shortcake” flavor, mix crushed golden cookies or graham crackers into the strawberry coating. For a seasonal version, use freeze-dried raspberries, blueberries, or even mango instead of strawberries. You can also drizzle melted milk or dark chocolate over the finished apples for a bakery-style finish. If you’re making these for a festive holiday, try rolling them in sprinkles or colored sugar to match the occasion.

💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Always dry the apples completely—moisture prevents the chocolate from sticking.
If the chocolate is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to thin it out.

Work quickly when dipping and rolling to ensure the strawberries stick before the chocolate sets.
For neat edges, twist the apple gently after dipping to allow excess chocolate to drip off evenly.
Store apples on parchment paper to prevent sticking to plates or trays.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These candy apples are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but they can be stored for up to 2 days. Wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration for extended periods as it can cause the chocolate to sweat and the coating to lose its crispness. Freezing is not recommended, as the apples will release moisture when thawed, making the coating soggy. If you want to prepare them in advance, dip and coat the apples a few hours before serving for the best texture and appearance.

Serving ideas & pairings

These Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples are wonderful served on their own as a statement dessert. For parties, slice them into wedges and serve alongside a platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries, cookies, or cupcakes. They pair beautifully with coffee, hot cocoa, or even a sparkling rosé for adults. For a fun twist, serve them at children’s parties alongside other carnival-style treats like popcorn and cotton candy. They also make an excellent edible gift when wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with a ribbon.

FAQ

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
No, fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and won’t stick properly. Freeze-dried strawberries provide the best texture and color.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal because they balance the sweetness of the coating.

How long do candy apples last?
They’re best eaten within 24–48 hours. After that, the coating may soften and the apples can lose freshness.

Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always check the labels on chocolate chips to be sure.

How do I stop the chocolate from cracking when biting into the apple?
Use a thinner coating of chocolate, and consider slicing the apples before serving for easier eating.

Final thoughts

Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples are a show-stopping dessert that bring together nostalgia, creativity, and irresistible flavor. They’re easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for special occasions, making them a versatile treat to keep in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a celebration, looking for a giftable homemade sweet, or simply indulging in a little kitchen fun, these candy apples are sure to delight everyone who tries them. Give them a try, and let the magic of strawberry shortcake and candy apples bring joy to your table.

Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples

Author: Sarah White
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crisp apples dipped in creamy white chocolate and coated with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a fun, fruity twist on a classic treat.

Ingredients

6 medium apples, washed and dried
6 wooden sticks or candy apple sticks

2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

Instructions

Wash and dry the apples thoroughly, then insert wooden sticks firmly into the tops.

Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
Crush freeze-dried strawberries in a bag with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
Dip each apple into the melted white chocolate, letting excess drip off.

Roll the coated apples in crushed strawberries, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
Place apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a fun variation, mix crushed golden cookies with the strawberries for extra crunch. Best enjoyed within 24–48 hours. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake

Cuisine: American