This post is about making basic chocolate bark, and then I am sharing 12 variations you can make. Melt the chocolate and top it with your favorite candies and snacks like M&Ms, Peppermint, oreo, pretzels, etc. The options are endless. Be creative. Also, check our dessert platter idea for Christmas.
Recipe card
These Christmas candies are an excellent way to kick-start your holiday season. These Christmas-themed barks are not only delicious but also easy to make. I make it in big batches with different toppings and store them in airtight containers so that I can give them to kids and surprise guests during holidays. Also, they make a great addition to your holiday gift basket.
Ingredients
You need only 2 ingredients to make this simple and easy, pretty holiday candy.
400-gram White chocolate or Milk Chocolate (use chocolate compound or chips) ¼ cup Sprinkles (holiday-themed)
How to make the best Christmas candy bark?
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a pot with 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. In a bowl, add white chocolate chips. Place it on top of the pot and, using the double boiler method, melt the chocolate. You can also melt it in the microwave for 90 seconds, stirring every 15-second interval. Transfer this melted chocolate to the prepared baking sheet and spread using a spatula or the back of a spoon as thin as possible. Garnish it with festive-themed sprinkles. My kids love sprinkles in their chocolate bark. You can also add crushed candy cane, M&Ms, etc. Let it set for a couple of hours at room temperature or refrigerator. Cut them into desired size and shape and enjoy.
Pro Tips
When you use premium quality chocolates, the tastier is your bark. I made it using the white chocolate compound and simple festive-themed sprinkles. But any good quality melting chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips (dark, milk, white), morsels, or callets can be used.
Variations
I have used holiday-themed sprinkles. Use anything available in your pantry or grocery store during the festive season. M&M Christmas bark: popular variation to traditional candy where red and green festive-themed M&Ms or Cadbury Gems are added on white chocolate. This will make it look prettier. Peppermint Christmas bark: Add peppermint extract to melted chocolate and crushed candy canes on top of melted white chocolate. Candy canes are easily available during holidays, so I make a batch of this version of chocolate barks. Chocolate and Pretzel bark: Pretzel sticks can be added on top of melted chocolate. The saltiness and crunchiness of pretzels make these bars extra special. Oreo Christmas bark: If you are a big fan of Oreos, use their holiday-themed oreos, mint flavored or peanut butter oreos as a topping over melted chocolate. Cranberry Barks: Add dried cranberries and roasted nuts to make fruit and nuts holiday barks. Sweet and Salty Chocolate Barks: Spread the melted chocolate and top it with pistachios, pretzels, coconut flakes, and sea salt. Peanut Butter Chocolate Bark: Once you spread the melted chocolate, add dollops of peanut butter and swirl it in melted chocolate using a toothpick or a chopstick. Top it off with roasted peanuts, and enjoy. Almond Joy or Bounty Bark: Spread white or dark chocolate and top it with toasted almonds, coconut flakes (preferably sweetened), and sea salt. Candy-only bark: Make it candy-only bark by adding Reese’s peanut butter cups, Twix bars, Andes Mints, etc., over melted chocolate. Smores Chocolate Bark: Once you have spread the melted chocolate in the baking pan, add 1 cup each of mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers. Christmas Fruit and Nut Chocolate Bark: Top your melted chocolate with walnuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios, raisins, and cranberries. Peanut Butterscotch Bark: Top with butterscotch chips and salted peanuts. I recommend using milk chocolate for this one over white chocolate.
How to store chocolate bark?
Barks can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. You do not have to refrigerate or freeze it. If you want to keep it beyond 2 weeks or if you stay in a humid climate zone, I recommend refrigerating it. Refrigerating helps in preventing the chocolate from melting and keeping it crisp.
More popular Christmas desserts
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