Welcome, dear readers! The season of Christmas is upon us and there’s nothing better than savoring homemade goodies. Christmas bark is also referred to as Christmas Bark, is a fun easy to prepare recipe that can bring joy to your celebrations. If you’re hosting a celebration or preparing gifts for your friends this recipe will give you the perfect holiday flavor.
Introduction
This Christmas Bark is a loved festive treat that blends the most delicious of salty and sweet flavors, with the crunch that will keep your taste buds begging for more. It was originally conceived as a sweet hack for dessert, this dish makes use of the most basic ingredients from your pantry to make something unique. If you’re a novice at candy making or are a pro baker, this recipe is an absolute must-try for those who appreciate easy and delicious treats.
Ingredients for Christmas Bark
The following is the essentials you’ll require make this holiday masterpiece:
- 2 sleeves of club-style crackers (approx. 52 crackers; add extras if needed)
- 1/4 cup of salted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
- 1 cup of packed Light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt from kosher.
- 3 Cups white choco chips (approx. 18 oz.)
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 3 Tbsp Christmas sprinkles
Substitutions & Variations:
- Alternate saltines with club crackers to get a more mild flavor.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Make a swap of peppermint candies for chopped nuts, or M&M’s in green and red to give them a more nutty flavor.
How to Make Christmas Bark – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare Your Base
- Pre-heat your oven to 350degF..
- Place a baking tray (18×13 inches) with foil for a quick cleaning.
- Spread the crackers in a single layer, making sure that there are there are no gaps.
Step2: Create the Caramel Layer
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter vanilla, butter, and salt.
- Cook on medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is boiling and it thickens (2-3 mins).
- Pour the caramel evenly over the crackers spreading it evenly to completely cover the edges.
Step3: Bake the Bark
- The tray is baked in a oven preheated in the preheated oven for 12- 14 minutes till the caramel bubbles and turns golden brown.
Step4: Add Chocolate & Toppings
- Spread white chips on top of the caramel, and allow them to go to melt (about three minutes).
- Spread the chocolate with an offset spatula to cover every surface.
- Instantly add crushed peppermint candy along with Christmas sprinkles.
Step5: Cool & Serve
- Let the bark completely cool at temperatures of room temp. (2 2 hours) or chill for 30 mins.
- Break up into smaller pieces and Enjoy!
Tip Make use of parchment to break up layers while storing bark to prevent it from sticking.
Helpful Tips for Christmas Bark
- Always make sure to use high-quality, fresh white chocolate to get better melting and taste.
- To create an uniform layer of caramel, sprinkle it on and spread it when it’s hot.
- Explore different toppings that make it a perfect match to your holiday theme.
Cooking Tips for the Best Christmas Bark
- equipment: Use a silicone spatula to spread caramel and chocolate evenly.
- Temperature is a factor: Ensure the caramel has a nice consistency, however, avoid cooking too long to cause bitterness.
- Storage Hack Keep the container in a sealed airtight box at room temperatures for five days or freeze up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Bark
- Serve this dessert with a cup of warm hot chocolate and a smoky apple cider to make a perfect dessert combination.
- Include it on the platter of various cookies for a delicious centerpiece for your party.
- Give each piece a gift-wrapping bags and tie them with ribbons to make a the perfect gift.
Nutritional Information
The Christmas Bark is a delicious treat. Here’s an estimate of its nutritional value per portion:
- Calories: 250
- Fats: 14g
- Carbs: 30g
- Proteins: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
Storage and Leftovers for Christmas Bark
- to Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperatures over a period of 5 days.
- to Freeze: Place bark in the zip-top bag and place parchment paper in between layers. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in a cool, dry place prior to serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Christmas Bark
1. Can I use different crackers? Yes! Try Graham crackers for more sweetness or Ritz crackers to add a buttery flavor.
2. How can I stop it from sticking? Line the tray with parchment or foil paper and lightly grease it.
3. Could I prepare this dish dairy-free Yes! Replace butter with a plant-based substitute and choose chocolate that is dairy-free.
4. What time does the process take for cooling at room temperature? it can be cooled in two hours. You can also accelerate the process by 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Related Recipes for Christmas Bark Lovers
Discover more recipes inspired by the holidays on the Optimal Recipes website.:
Conclusion
This is a easy to follow Christmas Bark recipe that is perfect for any event! If you’re giving it to your friends or sharing the holiday with your family, this dessert is sure to be a huge hit. Test it and share your ideas on the comment section. Happy Holidays!
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Best Easy Christmas Bark Recipe for the Holidays
Description
Welcome, dear readers! The holiday season is here, and there’s nothing more delightful than indulging in homemade treats. Christmas Bark, also known as holiday bark, is a festive, easy-to-make recipe that will brighten your celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a party or packing gifts for friends, this recipe guarantees a sprinkle of holiday magic.
Ingredients
- 2 sleeves club-style crackers (approx. 52 crackers; add extras if needed)
- ¾ cup salted butter (1 ½ sticks)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 3 cups white chocolate chips (approx. 18 oz.)
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
- 3 tbsp Christmas sprinkles
Substitutions & Variations:
- Replace club crackers with saltines for a milder flavor.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Swap peppermint candies with chopped nuts or red and green M&M’s for a nutty twist.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet (18×13 inches) with foil for easy cleanup.
- Lay the crackers in a single layer, ensuring no gaps.
Step 2: Create the Caramel Layer
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Heat over medium-high, stirring occasionally until the mixture boils and thickens (2-3 minutes).
- Pour the caramel evenly over the crackers, spreading it to cover all edges.
Step 3: Bake the Bark
- Bake the tray in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 4: Add Chocolate & Toppings
- Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the hot caramel and let them melt (about 3 minutes).
- Spread the melted chocolate using an offset spatula, covering the entire surface.
- Immediately add crushed peppermint candies and Christmas sprinkles.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Let the bark cool completely at room temperature (2 hours) or refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Break into smaller pieces and enjoy!
Tip: Use parchment paper to separate layers when storing the bark to prevent sticking.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Buy Now →Notes
- Always use fresh, high-quality white chocolate for better melting and flavor.
- To achieve an even layer of caramel, pour and spread it quickly while it’s hot.
- Experiment with different toppings to match your holiday theme.