This classic Chocolate Bark recipe couldn’t be easier to adapt and make your own! Made with layers of decadent milk chocolate and white chocolate, this chocolate bark is perfectly crisp, simple to make and delicious to eat and the perfect gift during the holidays.
Ingredients
- The Chocolate Base:
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Smooth, creamy, and oh-so-dreamy.
- White Chocolate Chips: For that sweet contrast.
- For Peppermint Bark:
- Candy Canes: Crushed, for a minty, merry crunch.
- For Toffee Hazelnut:
- Hazelnuts: Chopped, adding a nutty nirvana.
- Toffee Bits: For that irresistible, buttery sweet crunch.
- For Salted Caramel Pretzel:
- Caramel Chews: Melted into gooey perfection.
- Pretzels: A handful for that salty twist.
- Flaked Sea Salt: Just a pinch for a salty kiss.
- For Cranberry Pistachio:
- Salted Pistachios: Bringing their signature crunch and saltiness.
- Dried Cranberries: For a pop of tart and sweet.
How to Make Chocolate Bark
Learning how to make chocolate bark is not difficult. The recipe starts out like any other bark. You first melt semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips over a double boiler and spread it out flat on a parchment or non-stick foil lined cookie sheet and refrigerate to firm.
You repeat the process with white chocolate spreading on top of the semi-sweet chocolate then you sprinkle with crushed peppermint. That’s it!! Seriously how easy is that?
Tips
Tip 1: Use an offset spatula to spread your chocolate into thin, even layers.
It helps to make everything even so you have perfect amounts of milk chocolate and white chocolate in each taste!
Tip 2: For Peppermint Bark, the easiest way to crush your peppermint candies (either candy canes or peppermint candies) is to place them in a Ziploc bag, then use a meat mallet or rolling pin to break them into small pieces.
Tip 3: Allow your bark to set in the refrigerator before breaking apart.
Get creative! Try out new toppings for your bark that’ll set yours apart from the rest. Marshmallows, crushed up gingerbread cookies and pretzel pieces are all great options.
How to Store
To store chocolate bark, let it cool and harden completely first. Then, break or cut it into pieces and place them in an airtight container. Separate layers of bark with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. Store the container in a cool, dry place. If your kitchen is warm or humid, you may want to keep the bark in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and prevent melting. Chocolate bark can generally be stored this way for several weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead treat!
Favorite Candy Recipes for the Holidays
Chocolate Bark Recipe
Ingredients
- 11.5 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
For Peppermint Bark
- 3 candy canes crushed
For Toffee Hazelnut
- 2 tbsp hazelnuts chopped
- 2 tbsp toffee bits
For Salted Caramel Pretzel
- 8 caramel chews melted
- handful of pretzels
- Pinch of flaked sea salt
For the Cranberry Pistachio
- 2 tbsp salted pistachios
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries
Instructions
- Melt the milk chocolate over a pot of simmering water. Let it cool for about 3-5 minutes then pour it on a silicone mat or parchment paper and spread it even.
- Use a spatula to spread chocolate across baking sheet with parchment paper with 1/4 inch thickness leaving the edges clear.
For the Peppermint
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint on top and place in the refrigerator to let set.
For the Toffee Hazelnut
- While milk chocolate melts, melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals.
- Randomly dot half of your milk chocolate with the white chocolate and use a toothpick to swirl it in.
- Sprinkle with toffee and hazelnuts and place the bark in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before breaking apart.
For the Salted Caramel Pretzel
- Drizzle top of chocolate with caramel then sprinkle with pretzels and sea salt.
For the Cranberry Pistachio
- While milk chocolate melts, melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals.
- Randomly dot half of your milk chocolate with the white chocolate and use a toothpick to swirl it in.
- Sprinkle with cranberries and pistachios and place the bark in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before breaking apart.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
This peppermint bark is definitely going on my Christmas baking list – it looks awesome and so festive!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Hooray thanks so much!
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
This peppermint bark looks fabulous. . I’ll be making some myself really soon!!! can’t celebrate the holidays without it!! 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Same here girl! It is necessary!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
I LOVE that you called it Jackson Pollack bark, it totally does look like a painting…so beautiful, and I bet so delicious! I am always looking for easy holiday recipes like this one…looks amazing!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
So simple. Sometimes I wondered how could it be so delicious and be that easy?
Monica says
How festive is this! And peppermint bark just screams ‘holiday’ and I am all about the holidays right now. It really is the best time!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
It totally is the best time!
Linda | Brunch with Joy says
Look so festive and colorful, Jocelyn! I’m deeply in love with red and green now and can’t wait to try this for Christmas.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
I am too! I am loving all of the Christmas stuff!
Amanda says
This is so festive, perfect for Christmas!!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Hooray Amanda!!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
This peppermint bark looks delicious, Jocelyn! I’m totally addicted to this stuff during the holiday season, so I’m loving this recipe!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Hooray thanks so much Gayle!
marcie says
Your bark is so beautiful, Jocelyn! Those colored chips make this look so much more festive!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
I just love the fun I had making this bark girl!
Doreen says
I’ve made the simpler “original” bark and love this updated ‘twist’……absolutely festive……..let the gifting begin!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Oh yeah girl I totally agree! Happy Holidays!
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
I love that you call these “Pollock” bark! Because that is exactly what it looks like!! So festive and pretty! I am ready for Christmas!! Pinned. 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Hooray thank you so much Renee!