The holidays are a time for togetherness, laughter, and of course, delicious treats! This year, ditch the store-bought sweets and impress your family and friends with this easy Christmas Chocolate Bark recipe. It's the perfect homemade gift or a delightful addition to your holiday spread. This recipe is a quick and easy Christmas dessert, perfect for even the busiest holiday schedules. It's a fun activity for the whole family, too!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 6 ounces milk chocolate chips (or white chocolate for a fun twist!)
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/4 cup chopped pretzels
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: sprinkles, mini marshmallows, sea salt
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
Melt the Chocolate:
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In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely smooth. Be careful not to overheat! If you prefer a stovetop method, use a double boiler for gentle, even melting.
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Once the semi-sweet chocolate is melted and smooth, add the milk chocolate chips (or white chocolate) and stir until fully incorporated.
Assemble Your Bark:
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Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly into a thin, rectangular layer.
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Sprinkle your chosen toppings evenly over the chocolate. Get creative! This is where you can truly personalize your bark. The combination of candy canes, pretzels, and cranberries is a festive classic, but feel free to experiment with other ingredients based on your preferences.
Chill and Break:
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Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and firm.
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Once set, break the chocolate bark into irregular pieces. This adds to the rustic charm!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Bark:
- Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the bark will taste!
- Don't overheat the chocolate: Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize up and become grainy.
- Work quickly: Once the chocolate is melted, it starts to cool and thicken, so work efficiently to spread it and add your toppings.
- Get creative with toppings: The possibilities are endless! Try different nuts, dried fruits, sprinkles, or even edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle.
Variations:
- White Chocolate Cranberry Bark: Use white chocolate chips as your base and top with dried cranberries, pistachios, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Peppermint Bark: Use only dark or semi-sweet chocolate and top generously with crushed candy canes.
- Salted Caramel Bark: Drizzle melted caramel over the cooled chocolate bark before adding your toppings.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving - serving size will vary based on bark size):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for more precise information based on your exact recipe.
- Calories: Approximately 200-300 calories per serving
- Fat: High
- Sugar: High
This easy Christmas Chocolate Bark recipe is a simple and delicious way to add a touch of festive flair to your holiday celebrations. It's a fantastic homemade gift or a delightful treat to share with loved ones. Enjoy!