Welcome, dear readers! The season of Christmas is upon us and there’s nothing better than savoring homemade goodies. Christmas bark Also known by the name holiday bark is a fun easy recipe to make that will make your holiday celebrations more festive. No matter if you’re hosting a gathering or packing gifts for your loved ones this recipe will give you an extra dose of Christmas magic.
Introduction
This Christmas Bark is a beloved Christmas treat that combines the best of salty and sweet flavors, with the crunch that will keep the taste of Christmas Bark in your mouth for a long time. It was originally conceived as a dish hack recipe, the one below utilizes simple pantry ingredients to make something truly unique. If you’re a novice at candy making or an experienced baker, this recipe is one to try for those who enjoy easy and delicious snacks.
Ingredients for Christmas Bark
This is everything 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 white brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt from kosher.
- 3 cup white chocolate chip (approx. 18 oz.)
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 3 Tbsp Christmas sprinkles
Substitutions & Variations:
- Alternate saltines with club crackers for a milder taste.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Switch out peppermint candy with 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
- Prepare your oven for 350degF..
- Cover a baking sheet (18×13 inches) with foil for a quick clean-up.
- Place the crackers in one single layer, making sure there are that 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 often until the mixture begins to boil and becomes thicker (2-3 mins).
- Pour the caramel evenly over the crackers spreading it out to completely cover the edges.
Step3: Bake the Bark
- In the oven that is preheated in the preheated oven for 12- 14 minutes to ensure that the caramel bubbles and turns golden brown.
Step4: Add Chocolate & Toppings
- Add white choc 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 all of the surface.
- Instantly add crushed peppermint candy along with Christmas sprinkles.
Step5: Cool & Serve
- Let the bark completely cool at the room temperatures (2 2 hours) or cool it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Break up into smaller pieces and Enjoy!
Tip Utilize parchment papers to divide 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 complement your holiday decor.
Cooking Tips for the Best Christmas Bark
- Tools: Use a silicone spatula to spread caramel and chocolate smooth.
- Temperature is a factor: Ensure the caramel has a nice consistency, but be careful not to overcook it, as this can cause bitterness.
- Storage Hack Place in airtight containers at a room temperatures for up to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Bark
- Enjoy this sweet treat with a hot cup of hot chocolate and a smoky apple cider to make a perfect dessert pairing.
- Serve it with an assortment of cookies to create a fun 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 wonderful treat. Here’s the approximate 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.
- For freezing: Place bark in an open-top zip-top bag, with parchment paper in between layers. Freeze up to 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 and lightly grease it.
3. Could I prepare this dish dairy-free Absolutely! Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and choose chocolate that is dairy-free.
4. What time does you need to let it cool at room temperature? it can be cooled in two hours. You can also expedite the process by 30 minutes of chilling in the fridge.
Related Recipes for Christmas Bark Lovers
Explore more recipes that are inspired by Christmas on The Optimal Cookbook:
Conclusion
Here’s a easy to follow Christmas Bark recipe which is ideal for any event! If you’re giving it to family or friends, or simply enjoying it with family members, this recipe is guaranteed to be a huge hit. Test it 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.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- 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.
