Graveyard Bark
If you’re looking for a fun and spooky treat to whip up this Halloween, you’ve come to the right place! This easy Graveyard Bark is a delightful way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. With its fun mix of chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and little surprises, it’s perfect for parties or just a cozy night at home.
Not only does this treat look festive, but it also brings everyone together. Imagine the laughter as you create little grave markers out of pretzels and sprinkle candy eyes across the chocolate. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious bark ready in no time!
- Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and this project is perfect for getting everyone involved.
- Customizable Treat: You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
- Make Ahead Convenience: This bark keeps well and can be made ahead of time, so it’s perfect for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these goodies to create your Graveyard Bark:
For the Bark
- 20 pretzel sticks (whole)
- ½ cup mini vegan marshmallows
- 1 cup white chocolate candy melts (melted)
- Red food coloring (optional)
- 22 ounces milk chocolate bars
- 1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening
- ¼ cup pretzel sticks (roughly chopped)
- Candy eyes
- ½ cup Oreo cookies (crushed)
Variations
One of the best parts about making Graveyard Bark is how flexible it is! Here are some ideas to customize your treat:
- Add more crunch: Toss in some nuts or seeds for extra texture.
- Switch up the chocolate: Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Decorate differently: Try using different candies like gummy worms or seasonal sprinkles for a unique twist.
- Create themed shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the bark into fun shapes once it’s set!
How to Make Graveyard Bark
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Start by melting your milk chocolate bars with the solid vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of about 30 seconds, stirring between each until completely smooth. This step is essential because it ensures your bark has that lovely creamy texture.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Plus, it gives your bark a nice flat surface to cool on!
Step 3: Mix in Your Ingredients
Once your chocolate is melted, pour it onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle half of the crushed Oreo cookies over the melted chocolate along with half of the chopped pretzels. Press them down gently so they stick.
Step 4: Add White Chocolate Drizzle
In another bowl, melt your white chocolate candy melts and drizzle them over the top of your mixture. If you want to add some spooky flair, mix in a few drops of red food coloring before drizzling!
Step 5: Top with Treats
Scatter mini vegan marshmallows and candy eyes across your bark. Feel free to get creative here! The more treats you add, the more festive your Graveyard Bark will look.
Step 6: Chill and Break Apart
Let everything set at room temperature for about an hour or pop it into the fridge for quicker results. Once firm, break into pieces—just like tombstones coming out of the ground!
Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful Halloween treat! Perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself—happy snacking!
Pro Tips for Making Graveyard Bark
Making Graveyard Bark is a fun and creative way to celebrate Halloween, and with these tips, you’ll create a treat that looks as good as it tastes!
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Use quality chocolate: Opting for high-quality milk chocolate bars will ensure your bark has a rich, creamy flavor. This enhances the overall taste and makes it more enjoyable for everyone.
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Customize your toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Adding different candies or sprinkles can make each batch unique and exciting, plus it lets the kids get involved in personalizing their treats.
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Chill for best results: After assembling your bark, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator will help it set properly. This ensures that when you cut into it, you get clean edges and a satisfying crunch.
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Cut into fun shapes: Instead of traditional squares or rectangles, use cookie cutters to create spooky shapes like ghosts or pumpkins. This adds an extra festive touch that kids will love.
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Store properly: Keep your Graveyard Bark in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from becoming too soft or sticky over time.
How to Serve Graveyard Bark
Presenting your Graveyard Bark in a fun way can enhance the Halloween experience for your guests. Here are some imaginative serving suggestions:
Garnishes
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Sprinkle with edible glitter: A light dusting of edible glitter gives the bark a magical sparkle that’s perfect for Halloween festivities.
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Top with additional candy eyes: Adding more candy eyes on top of the bark not only makes it look more playful but also adds an element of surprise when people take a bite.
Side Dishes
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Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: Lightly coated with pumpkin spice seasoning, this sweet and savory snack complements the richness of the bark while keeping up with the seasonal theme.
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Witch’s Brew Fruit Salad: A mix of green apples, grapes, and kiwi creates a refreshing side dish that balances out the sweetness of the bark. Plus, it adds a pop of color!
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Spooky Veggie Platter: Arrange assorted veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers in fun shapes or faces. Serve with a vibrant dip to add some healthy crunch alongside your sweet treats.
With these serving ideas and pro tips at your disposal, you’re all set to impress friends and family this Halloween with your delightful Graveyard Bark!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Graveyard Bark is a fantastic treat for meal prep, making it easy to whip up ahead of time and store for those spooky celebrations!
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover bark in an airtight container.
- Keep it at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer freshness, consider refrigerating it.
Freezing
- Wrap the bark tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating
- Simply let the frozen bark thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- If desired, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the chocolate.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making Graveyard Bark.
Can I customize my Graveyard Bark?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite candies or additional toppings like nuts or dried fruit. Just make sure they’re all suitable for your dietary preferences.
How long does Graveyard Bark last?
When stored properly, this delicious Graveyard Bark can last up to a week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.
What can I use instead of white chocolate candy melts?
You can substitute with carob chips or vegan white chocolate alternatives if you’d like to avoid traditional candy melts.
Is there a way to make the bark more festive?
Definitely! Use colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or seasonal candies to decorate the bark for Halloween fun.
Final Thoughts
Graveyard Bark is not just a treat; it’s an experience that brings joy to both kids and adults alike. The fun of creating this spooky snack together makes it even more special! I hope you enjoy making this delightful recipe as much as I do. Happy snacking and have a wonderful Halloween!
Graveyard Bark
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 15 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Looking for a fun and festive treat to celebrate Halloween? This delightful Graveyard Bark is not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen! With its combination of rich chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and colorful toppings, this creative dessert is perfect for parties or cozy family nights. Picture the joy as you craft spooky grave markers out of pretzels and sprinkle candy eyes over the chocolate. It’s a treat that promises laughter, creativity, and deliciousness all around!
Ingredients
- 20 whole pretzel sticks
- ½ cup mini vegan marshmallows
- 1 cup white chocolate candy melts
- 22 ounces milk chocolate bars
- 1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening
- ¼ cup roughly chopped pretzel sticks
- Candy eyes
- ½ cup crushed Oreo cookies
Instructions
- Melt the milk chocolate bars with solid vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly on the prepared sheet. Sprinkle half of the crushed Oreo cookies and half of the chopped pretzels on top, pressing down gently.
- Melt white chocolate candy melts and drizzle over the mixture. Add red food coloring for a spooky effect if desired.
- Scatter mini marshmallows and candy eyes over the bark.
- Chill at room temperature or refrigerate until firm, then break into pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (30g)
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
