This festive Christmas Bark is a holiday favorite, combining layers of semi-sweet and white chocolate with a variety of toppings like pretzels, nuts, and sprinkles. Easy to make and perfect for gifting, it’s a versatile treat that adds a festive touch to any dessert spread.
INGREDIENTS
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Creates a rich, chocolatey base for the bark with a balanced sweetness.
- White Chocolate Melting Wafers or White Chocolate Chips: Adds a smooth, creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the semi-sweet chocolate.
- Coconut Oil or Shortening: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and adds a glossy finish to each layer.
- Assorted Toppings: Choose from a mix of pretzels, nuts, chopped candy, chopped cookies, and festive sprinkles for a customizable holiday look and added crunch.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, then stir until the bowl is no longer warm.
- Step 2:
- Continue microwaving at 45-second intervals at 50% power, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Step 3:
- Pour the melted chocolate onto a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Tilt the sheet to spread the chocolate into an even layer.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle your choice of toppings—pretzels, nuts, chopped candy, cookies, or sprinkles—over the melted chocolate while it is still soft.
- Step 5:
- Set the tray aside and allow the chocolate to firm up for 2-3 hours.
- Step 6:
- Repeat the melting process with the white chocolate and the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening. Pour and spread over another wax-lined sheet, add toppings, and let it set until firm.
- Step 7:
- Once both layers have set, break the chocolate into pieces and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Christmas Bark on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or gift it in decorative bags or tins for a sweet homemade present.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- If you live in a warmer climate, store the bark in the refrigerator to prevent melting, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Helpful Notes
- Experiment with toppings: crushed peppermint, dried cranberries, or mini marshmallows make festive additions.
- To make it nut-free, skip the nuts and try extra sprinkles or candy pieces for crunch.
- Use parchment or wax paper for easy removal and cleanup after the bark has set.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten recommends using high-quality chocolate for the best flavor in chocolate bark recipes.
- Chef Martha Stewart suggests letting the bark cool slowly at room temperature to maintain a glossy finish.
- Chef Jacques Torres advises storing chocolate bark in a cool, dry place to preserve texture and flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Christmas Bark is an easy, no-bake dessert perfect for holiday gifting or gatherings.
- It’s customizable with a variety of toppings, so you can tailor it to your taste or make a festive holiday mix.
- With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, it’s a convenient recipe that delivers big on flavor and presentation.
Variations
- Add crushed peppermint or candy canes for a peppermint bark version.
- For extra crunch, layer crushed graham crackers between the chocolate layers.
- Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor profile.