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This Christmas Bark is a littler healthier than the traditional and incredibly delicious. It’s easy to make and brings holiday cheer! Customize the toppings to your favor, this treat is so addicting.
Why Make This Christmas Bark
Your friends and family will love this fun caramel chocolate treat. It’s always a HUGE hit.
- Easy to Make.
- Customize it. Add any sprinkles of choice to customize it to your favorite holiday colors! It’s not JUST for Christmas.
- Make Ahead. It’s the perfect treat to make ahead of time, and it doesnt need to be refrigerated once it’s hardened.
- Healthier. My recipe cuts the calories down a LOT using less butter and sugar than the traditional.
Ingredient Notes
All other ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card towards the bottom of this post.
- Graham Crackers. This is the base of the bark, it’s the perfect mildly sweet crisp.
- Brown Sugar. This is what makes the quick caramel layer!
- Butter. I use salted butter but unsalted will also work.
- Chocolate Chips. I use semi sweet, but you can really use any of choice!
- Toppings. These are all optional and customizable! I like to use Oreos, pretzels, peppermint chips and holiday sprinkles. Use any combination you like.
Recipe Variations
- Crackers. While I love graham crackers for this recipe, saltine crackers are traditional. You can also use other types of crackers such as Ritz crackers or graham crackers with good results.
- Topping Options. Swap the sprinkles for so many different toppings. Try using chopped pecans or chopped walnuts. You can add other toppings like shredded coconut, mini M&M candies, or any chopped cookie of choice.
Steps To Make Christmas Bark
- Step One. Make the quick caramel! Heat the butter and brown sugar on the stovetop on low, simmer until it gets nice and thick.
- Step Two. Preheat the oven to 375º. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the graham crackers down in a parallel line. Be sure they are all touching and close together.
- Step Three. Once the caramel sauce has thickened, pour it over the graham crackers evenly. Place the caramel lined crackers into the oven for about 5-7 minutes or until the caramel later is bubbling a bit (this helps to harden the caramel).
- Step Four. Quickly sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly around the heated caramel. Place back in the oven for about 45 seconds to 1 minute (just enough to melt the chips!)
- Step Five. Using a spatula, spread the chips until they make an even chocolate layer over the caramel grahams.
- Step Six. Sprinkle the toppings evenly over the Christmas bark! Place the baking sheet with the bark in the fridge or in a cold garage somewhere flat. Let it cool 30 minutes or overnight. Once it’s hardened, break it into uneven pieces and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Be patient with the caramel! Don’t let it burn, keep the heat on medium low. Continue to whisk until the butter blends in with the sugar. It may take a smidge longer since butter brands can vary on fat/moisture.
- Use your favorite chocolate chip. You can use semi sweet, dark or milk chocolate. White chocolate will also work. I suggest using Ghirardelli or Toll house brand, these brands tend to melt into a smother consistency.
- Store in an airtight bag or container for up to 5 days on the counter or in the fridge. You can also freeze this recipe for up to 2 months.
- Serve this Christmas Bark on a cookie platter with my Christmas Tree Pretzels or Brownie Crinkle Cookies.
Recipe FAQs
Can Christmas Bark be made gluten free?
Yes! Use gluten free graham crackers to make this gluten free.
Can I make Christmas Bark ahead of time?
Yes, make this ahead of time! It will last for up to 5 days or you can freeze it up to 2 months and pull it out when ready.
Other Treats to Make
Christmas Bark
This Christmas Bark is a littler healthier and incredible delicious. It's easy to make and brings holiday cheer! Customize the toppings to your favor, this treat is so addicting.
Equipment
- rimmed baking sheet
- small sauce pan
Ingredients
- 10 -12 graham crackers, *whole crackers
- ½ cup butter, *one stick
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½-⅓ cup semi sweet chocolate, *use a good brand like Ghirardelli for the best melt!
- 4 Tbsp holiday sprinkles
- 3 Tbsp peppermint chips
- 3 Tbsp Pretzel sticks , broken into pieces. *optional
- 4 Oreo cookies, broken into pieces , *optional
Instructions
- Make the quick caramel! Heat the butter and brown sugar on the stovetop on medium-low, simmer until it gets nice and thick. Be sure to whisk it often. See notes.
- Preheat the oven to 375º. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the graham crackers down in a parallel line. Be sure they are all touching and close together to keep the caramel from dripping down.
- Once the caramel sauce has thickened, pour it over the graham crackers evenly. Place the caramel lined crackers into the oven for about 5-7 minutes or until the caramel later is bubbling a bit (this helps to harden the caramel).
- Quickly sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly around the heated caramel. Place back in the oven for about 45 seconds to 1 minute (just enough to melt the chips!)
- Using a spatula, spread the chips until they make an even chocolate layer over the caramel grahams.
- Sprinkle the toppings evenly over the Christmas bark! Place the baking sheet with the bark in the fridge or in a cold garage somewhere flat. Let it cool 30 minutes or overnight. Once it's hardened, break it into uneven pieces and enjoy!
Notes
Recipe Tips
- Be patient with the caramel! Don’t let it burn, keep the heat on medium low. Continue to whisk until the butter blends in with the sugar. It may take a smidge longer since butter brands can vary on fat/moisture.
- Use your favorite chocolate chip. You can use semi sweet, dark or milk chocolate. White chocolate will also work. I suggest using Ghirardelli or Toll house brand, these brands tend to melt into a smother consistency.
- Store in an airtight bag or container for up to 5 days on the counter or in the fridge. You can also freeze this recipe for up to 2 months.
- Serve this Christmas Bark on a cookie platter with my Christmas Tree Pretzels or Brownie Crinkle Cookies.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 graham cracker sheet | Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
I hope you all love this!