Although strawberries start showing up in the grocery stores around here about now for mid-winter indulgence and Valentine’s Day (which will be here sooner than we expect), they’re usually not all that tasty. Perhaps that’s why Chocolate-Covered Strawberries for Valentine’s Day became a thing so long ago. But no matter if you can’t find tasty strawberries and are not into dipping your strawberries because freeze-dried strawberries can be used in desserts for delicious strawberry flavoring and that oh, so pretty-in-pink coloring! That’s why I’m sharing this updated collection of Pretty-in-Pink Gluten-Free Desserts Made Using Freeze-Dried Strawberries with you today.
You don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to make these of course! There’s Strawberry Day on February 27, Strawberries and Cream Day on May 23, Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, and even National Pink Day on June 23. I think you’ll agree that there are also numerous days throughout the year that deserve these lovely treats.
It used to be that freeze-dried strawberries were only available online or at upscale grocery stores—and they weren’t cheap. Now you can find them almost anywhere and they’re much more reasonable in price. In fact, I’ve heard that you can even pick them up at dollar stores!
So get yourself some freeze-dried strawberries, select a recipe from the listing below, make it, enjoy, and Happy Valentine’s Day! Longtime readers will know that Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite times of year (yes, time of year because it’s more than one day to us!) so I just had to share some lovely and appropriate treats with you before the special day.
Warning: It’s going to be a hard choice for you because there are recipes in every category and most of them will work for all of you–even if you have additional dietary restrictions. Oh, and one more thing … I also think these pretty-in-pink treats would also be lovely for birthday parties, wedding showers, and baby showers. So perhaps make one recipe this week and work your way through the list as life’s events pop up!
~ Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark with Freeze Dried Strawberries from Life After Wheat ~ gluten free, egg free, with dairy-free option
~ Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting from Against All Grain ~ gluten free, grain free, dairy free, vegetarian
(Have you seen Danielle’s Celebrations cookbook? Valentine’s Day is just one of the special events for which she gives you a very lovely gluten-free, paleo menu!)
~ Chocolate Strawberry Patties from Go Dairy Free ~ gluten free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegetarian, vegan
(Be sure to check out Alisa’s newest cookbook, Eat Dairy Free.)
~ Frosted Strawberry Sugar Cookies from Sarah Bakes Gluten Free ~ gluten free, dairy free, egg free, vegetarian, vegan
~ Hail Merry Knockoff Strawberry Macaroons from Tessa the Domestic Diva ~ gluten free, grain free, dairy free, egg free, refined sugar free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan, raw
~ Powder Pink Strawberry Puppy Chow from Spabettie ~ gluten free, dairy free, egg free, vegetarian, vegan
(You can find more of Kristina’s creations in the cookbooks We Love Quinoa and We Love Kale.)
~ Pure Strawberry Macaroons (with no-bake option) from Go Dairy Free ~ gluten free, dairy free, egg free, with grain-free, refined sugar-free, paleo options
~ Strawberry Angel Food Cake from Let Them Eat Gluten-Free Cake ~ gluten free, vegetarian
~ Strawberry Bark from Gluten-Free Homemaker ~ gluten free, grain free, dairy free, egg free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan (note that this site is no longer active; therefore, I’ve linked to the recipe via the Wayback Machine)
~ Strawberries and Cream Chocolate Cups from Go Dairy Free ~ gluten free, dairy free, egg free, vegetarian, vegan
~ Strawberry Coconut Truffles from The Fit Cookie ~ gluten free, grain free, dairy free, egg free, vegetarian, vegan
~ Strawberry Donuts from Against All Grain ~ gluten free, grain free, dairy free, refined sugar free, paleo
~ Strawberry Fudge Bites from Gluten-Free Homemaker ~ gluten free, grain free, dairy free, egg free, refined sugar free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan (note that this site is no longer active; therefore, I’ve linked to the recipe via the Wayback Machine)
(New to gluten-free living? Be sure to check out Linda’s book, How To Be Gluten Free.)
~ Strawberry Magic Shell from Go Dairy Free ~ gluten free, dairy free, egg free, vegetarian, vegan
~ Strawberry Meringues from Fearless Dining ~ gluten free, grain free, dairy free, vegetarian
~ Strawberry Mousse from A Girl Worth Saving ~ gluten free, grain free, dairy free, egg free, refined sugar free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan
(Find more of Kelly’s recipes in her Paleo Eats cookbook.)
~ Strawberry White Chocolate Hearts from The Fit Cookie ~ gluten free, dairy free, egg free, vegetarian, vegan
~ Three-Ingredient White Chocolate Candies from The Spunky Coconut ~ gluten free, grain free, dairy free, egg free, refined sugar free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan
After seeing all these glorious gluten-free desserts made using freeze-dried strawberries, are you convinced that freeze-dried strawberries are the way to go for baked goods and candies? I am! They add beautiful color and flavoring without too much “wet.” Luscious, yummy treats. I know which one I’m going to make first. Do you?
Are you a raspberry lover? There are also freeze-dried raspberries. My friend Kristina of Spabettie created these delightful gluten-free and vegan Raspberry Chocolate Truffles using them.
That’s my wrap on Gluten-Free Desserts Made Using Freeze-Dried Strawberries! If you’re looking for Gluten-Free Recipes Made with Fresh Strawberries, check out this sampling:
~ 25 Strawberry Shortcake Recipes
~ Paleo Strawberry Chocolate Chip Muffins
Originally published February 12, 2018; updated June 23, 2022.
Judee says
Shirley-
I love this idea of using freeze dried strawberries. I find since my husband and I retired, we go out more, eat out more, and despite my good intentions, fresh produce often goes bad. I’ve made an effort to keep frozen produce so I have veggies and fruit in the freezer, but it lasts so much longer, Freeze dried fruit is a great idea for us.. thanks and I love all these Valentine treats that can be made with freeze dried berries. Happy Valentine’s Day Shirley
Shirley Braden says
I completely understand that, Judee. The same happens with us quite often so I’ve been relying on frozen produce more as well. Freeze-dried strawberries are sort of a different nature than frozen strawberries, of course, but they definitely have a place in cooking. There are also freeze-dried raspberries.
Thanks for the Valentine’s Day wishes, Judee! Happy Valentine’s Day to you as well!
Shirley
Tessa says
They really ARE a fun ingredient to play with!! They add all that beautiful color AND flavor with no dyes, which is yet another bonus!! I have used the same technique with freeze dried raspberries and cranberries too, so fun! Thanks Shirley, I will share all around!
Shirley Braden says
I guess they’re an option that most folks don’t know about still, Tessa. I hope that changes. I love that most of the brands have no sugar added. Thanks for sharing your experience with these ingredients and for letting me share your macaroons, dear!
Shirley
Ina Gawne says
Wow Shirley all of these recipes look amazing! I have never seen freeze dried strawberries – such a great idea. I must take a look at our stores for them. Thanks for sharing these mouth watering delicious recipes! 🙂
Shirley Braden says
Aren’t they fun, Ina? I’m totally smitten with the color and the overall concept. It’s possible that your local grocery store carries them and you don’t even know. I’m finding my basic grocery store carries so many of these “different” items now.
Shirley
April J Harris says
What lovely treats, Shirley! They’d be perfect for a wedding or baby shower too! Thank you so much for sharing them with us at the Hearth and Soul Link Party!
Shirley Braden says
You’re always so great about commenting, April, and I often find a comment from you that has slipped through without a reply for me. Boo! Thanks so much for support and sharing! I really love all these lovely pink treats. There are so many occasions for which they’d get oohs and ahs!
Shirley