This Layered Candy Bark is a festive and fun treat that's perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to indulge in something sweet. With layers of smooth semi-sweet and white chocolate, topped with peppermint, mini pretzels, sprinkles, and colorful M&Ms, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a homemade gift, this candy bark will surely please everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This layered candy bark is the ultimate sweet treat, blending the rich flavors of semi-sweet and white chocolate with the crunchiness of pretzels and the refreshing kick of peppermint. The colorful M&Ms and holiday sprinkles add a fun and festive touch, making it an ideal snack for the holiday season. Plus, it’s super easy to make, with minimal prep time and no baking required. Whether you're serving it at a holiday gathering or packaging it as a thoughtful gift, this candy bark is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
½ cup crushed peppermint candies
½ cup mini pretzels, roughly broken
½ cup colorful holiday sprinkles
¼ cup red and green M&Ms

Directions

Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bark from sticking.
Melt Semi-Sweet Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips by microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
Spread the Chocolate:
Spread the melted semi-sweet chocolate evenly over the parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it set for 10 minutes at room temperature.
Melt White Chocolate:
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips by microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
Layer the White Chocolate:
Pour the melted white chocolate over the semi-sweet chocolate layer and gently spread it with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
Add the Toppings:
Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies, broken mini pretzels, holiday sprinkles, and red and green M&Ms over the white chocolate layer.
Set the Bark:
Allow the bark to set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or refrigerate it to speed up the process.
Break Into Pieces:
Once the bark is completely hardened, break it into irregular pieces and serve. You can also package it as festive gifts!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Variations

Nutty Bark: Add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a crunchy twist.
Dark Chocolate Variation: Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
Holiday Themes: Customize the sprinkles and M&Ms to match different holidays or occasions.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted white chocolate over the finished bark for an extra decorative touch.
Vegan Version: Swap the chocolate chips for dairy-free alternatives and make sure the other toppings are vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Store the candy bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. To serve, you can leave it at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, or enjoy it straight from the fridge for a firmer bite.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate, but it will result in a sweeter flavor. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

How can I make this bark without peppermint?

If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can use crushed cookies like Oreos or a mix of other candies such as caramel or toffee bits for a different flavor profile.

Can I add other toppings?

Definitely! You can add any toppings you like, such as mini marshmallows, dried fruit, or even crushed pretzels and popcorn for a savory contrast.

Can I freeze the candy bark?

Yes, you can freeze the bark. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. It will last for up to 2 months.

Can I make this bark ahead of time?

Yes, the bark can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. It makes for a great make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?

When melting chocolate, always use short intervals and stir between each. Ensure that no water or steam comes into contact with the chocolate, as it can cause it to seize.

Can I make this recipe with other types of chocolate?

Yes, you can use other types of chocolate, like dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a combination of different chocolates.

How do I make the chocolate set faster?

You can refrigerate the bark to speed up the setting process. Just keep in mind that it may harden too quickly if you leave it in too long.

How do I break the bark into pieces?

Once the bark has fully set, simply break it into irregular pieces by hand for a rustic look.

Can I use regular M&Ms instead of holiday-themed ones?

Yes, you can use any type of M&Ms or even other colorful candies that you prefer.

Conclusion

This Layered Candy Bark is the perfect treat to enjoy with family and friends. With its delightful combination of chocolate, peppermint, and crunchy toppings, it’s sure to become a favorite for holidays and beyond. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, sharing it with loved ones, or packaging it as a thoughtful gift, this candy bark is a delicious and fun treat everyone will love!

Layered Candy Bark

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This easy Layered Candy Bark is the perfect sweet treat for holidays and special occasions. Made with layers of semi-sweet and white chocolate, and topped with peppermint, pretzels, sprinkles, and M&Ms, it’s festive, fun, and ready in just over an hour. Ideal for gifting or snacking, this no-bake candy bark is a must-make holiday recipe!

Ingredients

Ingredients:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup white chocolate chips

½ cup crushed peppermint candies

½ cup mini pretzels, roughly broken

½ cup colorful holiday sprinkles

¼ cup red and green M&Ms

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Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt semi-sweet chocolate: Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Spread chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper and spread evenly. Let set for 10 minutes.
Melt white chocolate: Microwave white chocolate chips using the same method.
Layer white chocolate: Spread the melted white chocolate over the semi-sweet chocolate layer.
Add toppings: Immediately sprinkle peppermint, pretzels, sprinkles, and M&Ms on top.
Set the bark: Let the bark sit at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate until fully set.
Break into pieces: Once hardened, break into pieces and enjoy or package as gifts.

Notes

For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate and vegan-friendly toppings.
Customize toppings for different holidays or events.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze for longer storage (up to 2 months).
For a fun twist, drizzle extra melted white chocolate on top before setting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American