Easy 5-Minute Chocolate Bark with 6 Delicious Variations Recipe
A quick and easy chocolate bark recipe made with just two main ingredients—chocolate and vegetable shortening or oil—with endless possibilities for festive toppings. Perfect for holiday gifting or a delicious, customizable treat that sets in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes prep + 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 1 (10 ounce) bag Chocolate Melts or 1 (12 ounce) bag chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening or vegetable oil
Toppings (choose any or combine)
- Chopped candy canes or peppermint crunch
- Holiday or flavored M&Ms
- Chopped chocolate chip cookies and/or Oreos
- Chopped peanut butter cups
- Chopped pretzels and Rolos
- Almonds, toffee bits, and cocoa nibs
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (for swirling), plus chopped peanuts
- Dried cranberries and chopped pistachios (½ cup each)
- Mini twist pretzels, candy eyes, and red M&M for reindeer decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 10x15-inch pan or cookie sheet with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place chocolate chips or melts in a microwave-safe bowl, preferably paper or reusable plastic. If using chocolate chips, add 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening or oil. Heat at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring well between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Spread the Chocolate: Pour and spread the melted chocolate evenly onto the prepared pan, keeping it about 1/4-inch thick for best texture.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle your desired toppings over the melted chocolate before it sets. You may use any combinations suggested or create your own flavors.
- Set the Bark: Chill the chocolate in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until completely firm.
- Break and Serve: Once set, break the bark into irregular pieces and serve or package as gifts.
- Optional Peanut Butter Swirl: Heat 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter until pourable and drizzle over the melted chocolate. Swirl gently with a spatula and then sprinkle with chopped peanuts before chilling.
Notes
- Store chocolate bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days up to 2 weeks depending on the toppings used; candy toppings tend to last longer than pretzels or cookies.
- Using vegetable shortening or oil when melting chocolate chips helps prevent the chocolate from seizing and improves the smoothness of the bark.
- Melting chocolate at 50% microwave power ensures it melts evenly without burning, especially important for white chocolate.
- Ghirardelli candy melts are recommended for best flavor and melting performance.
- Do not spread the chocolate too thin; approximately 1/4 inch thickness yields the best texture and handling.
- Allow enough time in the refrigerator for the bark to properly set before breaking into pieces to avoid crumbling.
