This spooktacular Halloween Bark is a simple yet tasty treat that adds a fun twist to autumn snacking. Made with just five simple ingredients and minimal hands-on preparation, this candy bark recipe is perfect for a quick-fix Halloween-themed dessert!
When you need a fun homemade Halloween treat for parties or get-togethers that doesn’t require much fuss, turn to this easy, no-bake Halloween bark recipe! It is as simple as melting chocolate, adding your favorite toppings like crunchy pretzels, Halloween candy, and sprinkles, and letting it set in the fridge before breaking into pieces. Voilá! You’ll have the best DIY Halloween candy for parties or gifts.
The mix of salty-sweet textures and flavors makes this spooky chocolate a stand-out treat–each bite is a delightful surprise, and the festive colors add a fun, playful touch. The recipe is also incredibly versatile and customizable so you can make it as scary or sweet as you like with themed toppings. For more Halloween treat recipes, try my S’mores Marshmallow Ghost Tart, Fuzzy Tarantula Cupcakes, or Rainbow Pumpkin Marshmallows.
Why This Recipe for Halloween Bark Candy is the Best
- Easy Prep: Halloween candy bark requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it a great last-minute treat!
- Salty-Sweet Flavor: The mix of salty pretzels, rich chocolate, and sweet candy creates a delicious flavor combination that kids and adults will love.
- Fun Aesthetic: The festive colors and fun decorations make this Halloween chocolate bark a show-stopping treat for holiday celebrations!
- Customizable: Easily swap toppings or chocolate types to suit your taste or theme!
Ingredients for Halloween Bark
- Semisweet Chocolate – Choose a good-quality block of semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips for the base of the Halloween candy recipe.
- Pretzels – Adds a salty crunch that compliments the flavors of the sweet chocolate. You can regular, mini, or pretzel sticks.
- Candy Corn & Candy Pumpkins – A mix of classic Halloween candies add a pop of color and sweetness to the bark.
- Candy Eyes – Edible fun and spooky addition that provide the bark with a playful, eerie look.
- Halloween Sprinkles – Use any variety of Halloween-themed sprinkles to add an extra festive touch.
Helpful Tools
How to Make Halloween Bark
Step 1:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, evenly sprinkle crushed pretzels onto the paper.
Step 2:
Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzels. Jiggle the baking sheet to spread the chocolate and smooth the surface, completely covering the pretzels.
Step 3:
Sprinkle the candy corn, candy pumpkins, candy eyes, and Halloween sprinkles over the chocolate.
Step 4:
Place the baking pan in the fridge for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is completely firm.
Step 5:
Once set, break the park into pieces and serve immediately.
Substitutions for Halloween Bark
- Semisweet Chocolate – For a different flavor profile, Substitute with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate. You can also use vegan chocolate for a dairy-free option.
- Pretzels – For a different flavor but similar crunchy texture, Swap them with crushed graham crackers, rice cereal, or chopped nuts.
- Candy Corn & Candy Pumpkins: Mix your favorite candy, such as M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, candy spiders, or other spooky candies.
- Candy Eyes – If you can’t find candy eyes, you can decorate with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or edible sugar pearls.
- Halloween Sprinkles – Edible glitter or colored sugar is a great alternative.
Recipe Mix-Ins
Below are optional mix-ins to customize your chocolate Halloween treats:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Before the chocolate sets, drizzle melted peanut butter or another nut butter over the top of the bark and use a toothpick to swirl it into the chocolate for a creamy, nutty flavor.
- Crushed Cookies: Before the chocolate sets, add a layer of crushed Oreos, graham crackers, or any of your favorite cookies for an extra sweet crunch.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in craisins, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a chewy, tart contrast.
- Toffee: Sprinkle toffee bits over the chocolate for a buttery, caramelized crunch that complements the candy’s sweetness.
Tips for Making Perfect Halloween Bark
- Use quality chocolate. Opt for high-quality chocolate for the best taste and texture. Good chocolate melts smoothly and sets better for a professional-looking finish.
- Temper the chocolate. This will create a shiny surface that snaps when broken. For complete directions on how to temper chocolate, see the FAQ section below.
- Distribute the toppings evenly. Lay the pretzels in an even layer for equal distribution throughout the bark. Then, evenly sprinkle the additional toppings so each bite has all the goodies. Lightly press down on the larger toppings so they adhere firmly to the chocolate.
- Use parchment paper. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper before starting the recipe to prevent the chocolate from sticking to the pan.
- Chill properly. Allow the bark to chill in the refrigerator until fully set, for about 30 minutes. This helps the chocolate harden evenly so the toppings stick and makes it easier to break into pieces.
- Break bark carefully. Once the bark is completely set, use your hands to gently break it into pieces. Use a sharp knife to cut through the chocolate for more uniform pieces.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate Halloween recipe is the perfect way to add sweet, festive fun to Halloween parties! Dress up bark pieces in goodie bags for classroom treats or to serve trick-or-treaters. Or simply serve the bark pieces in a large bowl for a themed movie night or to display on the dessert table when hosting guests.
Storage Directions
At room temperature – Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
In the refrigerator – For a longer shelf life, or if your home is warm or humid, keep the bark in an airtight container and store it for up to 2 weeks.
In the freezer – Wrap the bark pieces tightly with plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply use dairy-free or vegan chocolate and substitute milk-based ingredients with non-dairy alternatives. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free to suit dietary needs.
Do I need to temper the chocolate?
Tempering the chocolate is optional but recommended for a glossy finish and a more stable texture. It helps the chocolate set properly and prevents it from becoming too soft at room temperature.
If you don’t have a double-broiler, you can heat two-thirds of the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals until the chocolate is mostly melted. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir vigorously until all the chocolate is smooth, thoroughly melted, and between 110-115°F. Next, slowly stir in small handfuls of the remaining chocolate until smooth, and the temperature has cooled to 85-89°F.
Other Halloween Recipes to Try
Caramel Apple Cake
A cinnamon brown sugar bundt cake carved and decorated like caramel apples!
Pumpkin Gummies
Sweet and juicy gummies made with real pumpkin and rolled in sugar.
Red Blood Cell Dumplings
Rice flour dumplings (aka homemade mochi) shaped like red blood cells and served with a delicious raspberry sauce.
Halloween Bark
This easy Halloween Bark turns a classic treat into a festive dessert! It is a fun and tasty addition to Halloween festivities, made with melted chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and Halloween-themed candies!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound semisweet chocolate melted
- ¼ cup pretzels crushed
- 1/3 cup candy corn and candy pumpkins
- 2 tbsp candy eyes
- ¼ cup Halloween sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle the pretzels evenly onto the paper.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the pretzels and jiggle the baking sheet to spread out the chocolate and smooth the surface. The chocolate should completely cover the pretzels.
- Sprinkle the candy corn, candy pumpkins, candy eyes and sprinkles on top.
- Place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
- Break it into pieces and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage Directions
At room temperature – Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
In the refrigerator – For a longer shelf life, or if your home is warm or humid, keep the bark in an airtight container and store it for up to 2 weeks.
In the freezer – Wrap the bark pieces tightly with plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Recipe Success Tips
- Use quality chocolate. Opt for high-quality chocolate for the best taste and texture. Good chocolate melts smoothly and sets better for a professional-looking finish.
- Temper the chocolate. This will create a shiny surface that snaps when broken. For complete directions on how to temper chocolate, see the FAQ section below.
- Distribute the toppings evenly. Lay the pretzels in an even layer for equal distribution throughout the bark. Then, evenly sprinkle the additional toppings so each bite has all the goodies. Lightly press down on the larger toppings so they adhere firmly to the chocolate.
- Use parchment paper. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper before starting the recipe to prevent the chocolate from sticking to the pan.
- Chill properly. Allow the bark to chill in the refrigerator until fully set, for about 30 minutes. This helps the chocolate harden evenly so the toppings stick and makes it easier to break into pieces.
- Break bark carefully. Once the bark is completely set, use your hands to gently break it into pieces. Use a sharp knife to cut through the chocolate for more uniform pieces.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Hi everyone! My name is Cayla Gallagher and I’m the creator of pankobunny!
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