Chocolate Pretzel Bark Recipe
Chocolate pretzel bark is the kind of dessert recipe that disappears a piece at a time.
This version has crunchy salted pretzels under a layer of semi-sweet chocolate, with homemade caramel, peanuts, and M&M’s on top.
Every bite has a mix of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy.
These are perfect for holiday treat trays because it looks colorful without much decorating or a family movie night.
Break it into big pieces for snacking or smaller ones to tuck into gift boxes. You can change the M&M’s colors for different holidays, too, so it works all year long.
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Ingredients for Pretzel Bark
You’ll find the exact amounts in the printable recipe card below.
- Mini salted pretzels: Make the crunchy base. Arrange them close together so the chocolate can hold the bark in pieces.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Balances the sweetness of the caramel and candy.
- M&M’s and chopped peanuts: Add color and another layer of crunch.
- Sugar, butter, and heavy cream: Cook together to make the caramel.
- Sea salt: Stir it into the caramel to finish the sweet and salty flavor.
How do you make chocolate pretzel bark?
- Start by preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper and gathering all your ingredients. This recipe comes together quickly, so it’s helpful to have everything ready to go before you begin.
- Once your chocolate is melted and your pretzels are arranged, it’s just a matter of layering, chilling, and breaking into pieces!
- Arrange the pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover them with melted chocolate, M&M’s, and peanuts.
- Make the salted caramel and drizzle it over the top.
- Chill the bark until firm, then break it into pieces.
Tips for Pretzel Bark That Holds Together
- Keep the pretzels in one close layer. Large gaps make the finished bark more likely to separate when you break it.
- Add the candy and peanuts while the chocolate is still melted. They’ll stick better as the chocolate sets.
- Use a light drizzle of caramel. The recipe makes enough that you may have some left over. Too much caramel can make the bark sticky and difficult to cut.
- Chill before breaking it. Give the chocolate time to become firm so you get pieces with pretzels and toppings in every bite.
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Yes. Milk chocolate will make the bark sweeter, while dark chocolate will give it a less sweet finish. You can also use whichever M&M’s colors suit the occasion.
Yes. Leave them off if you prefer a bark made with pretzels, chocolate, caramel, and candy. Check all ingredient labels if you’re preparing it for someone with an allergy.
Keep the pieces in an airtight container in a cool place. If your kitchen is warm or the caramel feels soft, refrigerate the bark and let it sit briefly before serving. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container.
Yes. Make it ahead for a party or treat box, then store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve it.
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More Sweet and Salty Treats
Want to try another version? Browse these pretzel bark recipes for more topping ideas.
Chocolate Pretzel Bark Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate
- 1 ½ cups Mini Salted Pretzels
- ½ C M&M’s
- ½ C Peanuts chopped
- 1 cup Sugar
- ½ cup Butter
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- ¼-½ teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- Begin with a parchment lined baking sheet and place your pretzels in an even layer.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate.
- Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and cook in 30-second increments, stirring well after each increment, until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzels, place M&M’s and peanuts in an even layer on top of the chocolate.
- In a medium saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will begin to form clumps and will turn into a light amber color.
- Continue stirring as the sugar can easily burn.
- Once the sugar is completely melted, add the butter. The butter will bubble so be careful when adding the butter.
- Stir the butter into the sugar until it is completely melted. Use a whisk to stir the sugar and butter.
- Drizzle the heavy cream into the mixture and stir.
- Let it boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt, allowing the caramel to set up.
- Once the caramel is done, pour over the pretzels. You may not use all of the caramel.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill for several hours. If you want to speed up the process, it can be placed in the freezer.
- Cut into squares and serve.
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