Did you know almost every household has chocolate chips in their pantry during the holidays? It’s true! With chocolate chips so common, making a tasty Christmas dessert is easy. This simple bark recipe saves time and adds joy to your holiday celebrations.
This recipe is easy to make. Just use chocolate chips and oil or shortening, and you’re done in under 10 minutes. You can use different types of chocolate and add festive toppings like sprinkles or crushed candy canes. This makes your bark special.
This dessert is great for last-minute parties or as a homemade gift. It’s easy to make and looks amazing. It serves 20 people and has only 94 calories per serving. This recipe is perfect for those who love the holiday spirit without the stress.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- This Christmas bark recipe is made with just two main ingredients: chocolate chips and oil or shortening.
- Preparation time is only 5 minutes, with a total time of 8 minutes to make.
- You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate for this easy Christmas dessert.
- Customize the bark with toppings like festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or dried fruits.
- The recipe serves 20 people, perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
Introduction to Christmas Bark
The holiday season is filled with delicious holiday sweets that everyone loves. Christmas bark is a favorite treat that’s easy to make. It’s made by melting chocolate and adding toppings, perfect for quick Christmas dessert ideas.
Christmas bark recipes use high-quality chocolates like 70% dark or milk chocolate. You can add toppings like pistachios, cranberries, coconut, or candied ginger. For a festive touch, add crushed candy canes, M&Ms, or Christmas sprinkles. Some recipes use chocolate chips and melting wafers for extra flavor.
Making Christmas bark is quick, taking only 10 minutes to prepare. A batch makes 12 servings, with each serving having about 252 calories. Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to two weeks at room temperature or longer in the fridge.
Christmas bark is not only fun to make but also makes a great holiday gift. Wrapped nicely, it adds a personal touch that store-bought gifts can’t match. The mix of chocolate and toppings makes it a beautiful and tasty treat. So, add Christmas bark to your holiday dessert list for its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
This section will guide you through the essential ingredients needed to craft your own batch of homemade candy that makes for wonderful festive treats. Making simple chocolate bark involves a few basic ingredients and some optional toppings to personalize your treat.
Basic Ingredients
High-quality chocolate forms the backbone of any simple chocolate bark recipe. Below are the principal ingredients:
- 14 oz (400g) dark chocolate
- 14 oz (400g) milk chocolate
- 14 oz (400g) white chocolate
- Choice of oil or shortening for smooth melting
Optional Toppings
The toppings are where you can let your creativity shine, turning your simple chocolate bark into distinct festive treats tailored to your liking. Popular choices include:
- Mini candy canes
- Green and red chocolate buttons
- Christmas-colored sprinkles
- Mini shortbread pieces
- Nuts and dried fruits
You may also consider healthier topping options like roasted almonds, sea salt, pumpkin seeds, goji berries, dried fruit, hemp seeds, bee pollen, and coconut flakes. This allows you to customize your homemade candy to match not only your taste but also your nutritional preferences.
For a professional touch, use premium ingredients like McCormick® Sea Salt Grinder and McCormick® All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract. This will help ensure that your festive treats have a delicious, consistent flavor and texture.
Creating homemade candy like simple chocolate bark is straightforward with these ingredients, allowing you to make delightful festive treats for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Christmas Bark
Making Christmas Bark is a key part of easy holiday baking. It’s great for holiday parties or as a special gift. Follow this simple recipe and enjoy the tasty outcome.
Melting the Chocolate
To melt the chocolate well, use a double boiler or microwave. Start by putting 20 ounces of dark chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Then, do the same with 10 ounces of white chocolate melting wafers.
Spreading and Topping
Pour the melted chocolates onto a baking sheet covered with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Spread it evenly with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of red candy melts, ½ cup of crushed candy canes, and ¼ cup of Christmas sprinkles. This is where you can get creative with your toppings.
Setting and Breaking
Let the chocolate cool and set for about 20 minutes at room temperature, or speed it up by putting it in the fridge. Once set, break it into pieces to look like bark. This recipe is fun to make and delicious to eat.
Nutritional information for this quick holiday treat is as follows:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 0.01g |
| Fat | 0.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.001g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.01g |
| Cholesterol | 0.02mg |
| Sodium | 1mg |
| Potassium | 1mg |
| Fiber | 0.01g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Vitamin A | 0.03IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.001mg |
| Calcium | 1mg |
| Iron | 0.002mg |
For more festive recipes, check out other seasonal delights like gluten-free fig bars. Enjoy making and sharing these easy holiday baking creations.
Christmas Bark Recipe
Making your own Christmas bark is a fun way to enjoy holiday treats. You can get creative with toppings and chocolate types. It’s perfect for any holiday gathering.
Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow. It makes a festive treat that will wow everyone.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Start by getting your ingredients ready:
- 2 white chocolate bars
- 2 dark chocolate bars
- 2 milk chocolate bars
- Optional toppings:
- Holiday M&M’s
- White chocolate chips
- Red & green mini pearl sprinkles
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Gingerbread sprinkles
- Tiny pretzels
- Santa sprinkles
Tip: Ghirardelli chocolate melts better. Preheat your oven to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
Now, let’s get started:
- Step 1: Melt the chocolate bars separately. Use a microwave or double boiler for smoothness.
- Step 2: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Pour the chocolate in layers: dark, milk, then white.
- Step 3: Sprinkle toppings over the chocolate while it’s warm.
- Step 4: Bake the cookie sheet in the oven for 8-10 minutes.
- Step 5: Let the bark cool in the fridge for an hour or freezer for 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Break the bark into pieces for serving.
Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. Watch out for the pretzels, as they might get chewy in the fridge.
Enjoy these tasty holiday treats and share them with your loved ones. It’s a great way to spread holiday cheer!
Why Christmas Bark Makes the Perfect Holiday Gift
Christmas Bark is more than a holiday treat; it’s a top homemade gift idea for the season. It combines flavor, creativity, and a personal touch, making it a great diy holiday treat. Here’s why Christmas Bark is a standout gift-worthy treat:
- Easy Preparation: It takes just 15 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook, then 30 minutes to cool. With simple steps like melting, spreading, topping, and setting, you can make chocolate bark quickly.
- Customizable and Fun: You can use everything from candy canes and M&Ms to Rice Krispies and nuts. This lets you make the treat fit the tastes of your recipients, adding a special touch.
- Batch-Friendly: The recipe makes 24 pieces, making it easy to make a big batch. You can make enough for teachers, coworkers, and family, spreading holiday cheer without spending hours cooking.
- Long Shelf Life: Christmas Bark can last 2-3 weeks in an airtight container or up to 2 months if frozen. This means it can be enjoyed long after the holidays.
- Nutritional Balance: Each piece has 204 calories, with a good mix of carbs, proteins, and fats. It’s tasty and somewhat healthy.
- Visually Appealing: Presenting Christmas Bark in festive boxes, tins, or clear bags makes it even more special. The colorful toppings and beautiful presentation make it a feast for the eyes.
Christmas Bark’s easy making, customization, and beautiful look make it a memorable and loved homemade gift. It’s perfect for gift-worthy treats that spread joy and warmth. This diy holiday treat captures the essence of giving and celebration.
Creative Variations of Christmas Bark
Christmas bark offers endless creativity. You can make it to suit any taste or event. Here are some exciting variations to try.
Peppermint Bark
Homemade peppermint bark is a holiday classic. It mixes peppermint with white chocolate for a refreshing taste. You can use dark chocolate for a twist. This treat is perfect for those who love the taste of candy canes.
Oreo Bark
Oreo bark adds a crunchy twist. It combines crushed Oreos with chocolate for a unique texture. This bark is quick to make and loved by all ages.
For more ideas, check out these recipes.
Sweet and Salty Bark
Sweet and salty bark is perfect for those who love contrasting flavors. It mixes pretzels, caramel, and nuts with chocolate. This bark offers a mix of textures and tastes.
Trying these variations is fun and rewarding. Most recipes are quick, taking just 10-15 minutes to prepare. With nearly 85% featuring chocolate, they’re a holiday favorite. So, start making your own festive bark today!
Tips for Storing and Preserving Your Holiday Bark
To keep your holiday bark fresh and tasty, learn the best storage tips. Whether you’re storing treats for a few days or keeping candy for months, these suggestions will help. Your holiday dessert will stay perfect.
Refrigeration
Refrigeration is best for longer storage, especially in warm places. It keeps candy with fresh nuts or fruits from spoiling. Here’s how to refrigerate:
- Put the bark in an airtight container.
- Keep it away from foods with strong smells to avoid flavor mixing.
- If using wax or parchment paper, make sure it doesn’t stick to the bark.
This way, your dessert stays fresh for up to three weeks.
Room Temperature Storage
For short storage, room temperature works well in a cool, dry spot. It’s good for eating within ten days. Here’s what to do:
- Store the bark in an airtight container.
- Put it in a pantry, away from sunlight and heat.
- Stay away from places with changing temperatures to avoid chocolate bloom.
By following these tips, your holiday dessert will stay delicious for any event.
| Storage Method | Recommended Time | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 weeks | Use airtight containers; avoid strong odors |
| Room Temperature | Up to 10 days | Store in a cool, dry place; prevent temperature fluctuations |
Frequently Asked Questions about Making Christmas Bark
This section answers common questions and offers tips for making perfect Christmas Bark.
Why does my chocolate bark melt?
Many people wonder why their chocolate bark melts too soon. It’s often because the chocolate wasn’t tempered right or the room is too warm. To avoid this, melt the chocolate slowly and evenly. This helps prevent the cocoa fat from separating and causing it to melt.
Also, keep your bark in a cool, dry place to keep it from melting.
How long can you keep Christmas bark?
The shelf life of Christmas Bark depends on how you store it and the ingredients. At room temperature, it lasts about five days. But, if you store it in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for 2-3 weeks.
What is candy bark made of?
Candy bark is made with chocolate, like dark, milk, or white, and topped with various things. You can use crushed candies, nuts, pretzels, or M&Ms. This adds flavor and looks great.
By knowing this, you can make bark that fits your taste or holiday theme.
If you enjoy making holiday treats, try these acorn candy cookies too. They’re perfect for parties and add to your holiday treats.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 5 days |
| Refrigerated | 2-3 weeks |
| Frozen | Up to 6 months |
Conclusion
Making chocolate bark has been a fun journey of simplicity and joy. Our easy Christmas Bark recipe is perfect for the holiday season. It’s easy to make and can be customized in many ways, like peppermint or white chocolate bark.
Christmas Bark captures the holiday spirit with its simple ingredients. You can try different flavors like gingerbread or salted caramel pecan bark. These variations make it a great gift for any festive gathering.
Creating Christmas Bark is more than just baking. It’s about making memories with loved ones. This treat is perfect for sharing the holiday joy. Store it in an airtight container or gift it in decorative tins to spread cheer.
F.A.Q
Why does my chocolate bark melt?
Chocolate bark can melt if the chocolate isn’t tempered right. Tempering means heating it slowly and cooling it down. Also, keep it in a cool place to avoid melting.
How long can you keep Christmas bark?
Christmas bark lasts up to two weeks at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it can last a month. But, toppings like nuts or fruits might spoil faster.
What is candy bark made of?
Candy bark is made from melted chocolate, spread thin. It’s then topped with things like crushed candy canes, nuts, and dried fruits. You can customize it with many festive treats.
Can I make Christmas bark ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Christmas bark early. It keeps well, so you can prepare it days or weeks before. Just store it in an airtight container in a cool place or fridge.
How can I customize my Christmas bark?
Customize your bark by picking different chocolates and toppings. Try dark, milk, or white chocolate, and add toppings like candy canes or M&Ms. You can also use pretzels or caramel for a unique touch.
Is Christmas bark suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Christmas bark is a great homemade gift. It’s easy to make in big batches and adds a personal touch. It’s perfect for teachers, colleagues, and loved ones.
How should I store Christmas bark after making it?
Store Christmas bark properly to keep it fresh. For short-term, keep it in a cool, dry place. For longer, refrigerate it, especially in warm climates or with fresh toppings.
What are some variations of Christmas bark I can try?
Try different variations like Peppermint Bark with white chocolate and mint. Oreo Bark adds a crunchy layer. Sweet and Salty Bark combines pretzels and caramel for a unique taste.
Do I need special equipment to make Christmas bark?
No special equipment is needed. Use a microwave or double boiler for melting chocolate. A baking sheet and parchment paper help spread and prevent sticking. Basic tools like a spatula or spoon are also useful.
Can I use different kinds of chocolate in one batch?
Yes, mix different chocolates for a marbled or layered effect. Alternate or swirl dark and white chocolate for a beautiful and tasty treat. Just melt and handle each chocolate type separately before mixing.
