Crazy Christmas Tree Bark
The Starving Chef is supported by Hungry People like you. When you make a purchase through an affiliate link on my site, I may earn a little bit of cash on the side (at no extra cost to you) to help keep my kitchen running. Read our disclosures here.
Forget choosing what sweets you want to stuff in your face during the holidays – throw everything into Crazy Christmas Tree Bark and have them all!
Here’s What You Need
- Your favorite holiday snacks and treats
- Chocolate (I love Hershey’s, but use your favorite!)
- Shortening (optional)
Picking the Perfect Holiday Snacks
I went a little crazy in the bulk section of my grocery store, where they have so many different kinds of candy to choose from! I had an extremely hard time deciding what all I actually wanted on my bark because everything looked so good. In the end, I couldn’t resist grabbing candy canes, peppermint malt balls, peanut butter chips, sour watermelon candies, mini peanut butter cups, banana chips, cashews, chocolate-covered gummy bears, yogurt-covered pretzels, and caramel nibs. But hey, feel free to mix and match according to your preferences!
Melting the Chocolate
Simply melt the chocolate – I used my favorite Hershey’s, but whatever you like the most works perfectly – with the shortening (if you so desire). The shortening helps create that smooth and glossy texture, but it’s totally optional if you prefer to skip it.
Sprinkle on the Toppings
Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle all those delicious holiday snacks and treats over the melted chocolate. The vibrant colors and mouth-watering flavors will make your Crazy Christmas Tree Bark truly irresistible!
Chilling Time
Let the bark chill for at least one hour. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, the anticipation will make it taste even better!
Break and Serve
Once the bark has set, it’s time to break it into bite-sized pieces. You can mix it up and create a medley of flavors in each piece or keep the different toppings on their own slabs – it’s entirely up to you! Get creative and have some fun with it!
Enjoy the Festive Treat
Serve up your Crazy Christmas Tree Bark around the most wonderful time of the year (or any holiday that calls for delicious treats), and enjoy!
Crazy Christmas Tree Bark
Equipment
- double boiler to temper chocolate
Ingredients
- ½ cup candy canes roughly crushed
- ½ cup peppermint malt balls roughly crushed
- ½ cup peanut butter chips
- ½ cup sour watermelon candies
- ½ cup banana chips
- ½ cup cashews crushed
- ½ cup chocolate covered gummy bears
- ½ cup yogurt covered pretzels
- ½ cup caramel nibs
- 3 cups chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening
Instructions
- Temper the chocolate chips over medium heat in a double boiler. To temper, melt half of the chocolate chips in the double boiler to 90°F (32°C), then remove from heat and stir in the remaining chocolate chips until smooth and well combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the tempered chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the toppings across the melted chocolate as desired. Get creative and have fun with it! Make sure to include all the delicious ingredients, like the crushed candy canes, peppermint malt balls, peanut butter chips, sour watermelon candies, banana chips, crushed cashews, chocolate-covered gummy bears, yogurt-covered pretzels, and caramel nibs.
- Chill the bark in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or until the chocolate hardens and snaps when broken.
- Once the chocolate has set, break the bark into small bite-sized pieces. You can mix everything together in a serving bowl or arrange the different toppings separately for a visually appealing presentation. It's your bark, so get creative and make it your own!
- Now, it's time to enjoy your festive creation! Grab a handful of Crazy Christmas Tree Bark, savor the flavors, and let the holiday spirit fill your taste buds. Merry Christmas, Hungry People!