Welcome, dear readers! The season of giving is here and there’s nothing better than savoring homemade goodies. Christmas bark is also referred to as Christmas Bark, is a fun easy recipe to make that will bring joy to your celebrations. If you’re hosting a celebration or packing gifts for your loved ones this recipe will give you an extra dose of Christmas magic.
Introduction
The Christmas Bark is a loved Christmas treat that combines the most delicious of salty and sweet tastes with an icy crunch that keeps your taste buds begging for more. The recipe was created as a quick dish hack recipe, the one below makes use of the most basic ingredients from your pantry to make something truly unique. If you’re a novice at candy making or an experienced baker, this recipe is an absolute must-try for those who enjoy easy and delicious treats.
Ingredients for Christmas Bark
The following is the essentials you’ll require make this masterpiece for the holidays:
- 2 sleeves of club-style crackers (approx. 52 crackers; add extras if needed)
- 3 cups 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 350 degrees F..
- Place a baking tray (18×13 inches) with foil to make it easy for clean-up.
- 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.
- The heat is at medium-high. Stir frequently until the mixture is boiling and becomes thicker (2-3 mins).
- Pour the caramel evenly over the crackers spreading it evenly to completely cover the edges.
Step3: Bake the Bark
- In the oven that is preheated in the preheated oven for about 12-14 mins till the caramel has a bubbly appearance and is golden brown.
Step4: Add Chocolate & Toppings
- Add white choc chips on top of the caramel in a hot oven and allow them to go to melt (about three minutes).
- Spread the chocolate over using an offset spatula to cover all of the surface.
- Instantly add crushed peppermint candy along with Christmas sprinkles.
Step5: Cool & Serve
- Allow the bark to cool completely at temperatures of room temp. (2 2 hours) or cool it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Break into smaller pieces, and Enjoy!
Tip Utilize parchment papers to divide layers when storing bark to avoid sticking.
Helpful Tips for Christmas Bark
- Always make sure to use high-quality, fresh white chocolate to get better melting and taste.
- To get an uniform layer of caramel, sprinkle it on and spread it when it’s hot.
- Try different toppings to complement your holiday decor.
Cooking Tips for the Best Christmas Bark
- equipment: Use a silicone spatula to spread caramel and chocolate smooth.
- 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
- Enjoy this sweet treat with a cup of warm warm cocoa or dehydrated apple cider to create a warm dessert combination.
- Include it on an assortment of cookies for a delicious centerpiece for your event.
- Give each piece a gift-wrapping bags decorated with holiday ribbons for an elegant 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
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperatures over a period of 5 days.
- to Freeze: Place bark in an open-top zip-top bag, with parchment paper in between layers. Freeze for 3 months. Thaw to room temp 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 for a tangy twist.
2. How can I stop it from sticking? Line the tray with parchment or foil paper, then lightly grease it.
3. Do I have to make the recipe vegan Absolutely! Replace butter with a plant-based substitute and choose chocolate that is dairy-free.
4. How long will you need to let it cool at room temperature? it will cool in about 2 hours. You can accelerate the process by 30 minutes of chilling in the fridge.
Related Recipes for Christmas Bark Lovers
Discover more recipes inspired by the holidays on the Optimal Recipes website.:
Conclusion
Here’s a easy to follow Christmas Bark recipe which is ideal for any event! No matter if you’re gifting it to family or friends, or simply enjoying the holiday with your family, this recipe is guaranteed to be a huge hit. Check it out and tell us about your favorite variations 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.
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.
