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Fun Holiday Chocolate Bark

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Transform simple chocolate into adorable reindeer faces using pretzels for antlers, candy eyes, and red M&Ms for noses. This fun Christmas bark takes just 45 minutes to make and sets up perfectly in the fridge. Kids love helping decorate these cute treats!

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:09:46 GMT
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A close-up of festive chocolate treats shaped like reindeer, decorated with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and colorful chocolate candies. Pin it
A close-up of festive chocolate treats shaped like reindeer, decorated with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and colorful chocolate candies. | recipesbyclare.com

Reindeer Bark is a delightful no-bake Christmas treat made with melted chocolate, pretzels, M&Ms, candy eyes, and sprinkles. This fun and festive dessert is perfect for holiday parties, treat boxes, or as an edible gift that will bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Why You'll Love Reindeer Bark

This adorable chocolate bark is easy to make and perfect for getting kids involved in holiday preparations. Its whimsical reindeer designs make it a standout addition to any holiday spread, and its sweet and salty combination is a crowd-pleaser.

Essential Ingredients For Success

  • Melting Chocolate: 24 ounces high-quality chocolate wafers or chips (milk, dark, or mixed), stored at 65-70°F (18-21°C). Should have glossy appearance with no white blooming. Choose couverture chocolate with 32-35% cocoa butter for optimal melting.
  • Mini Pretzel Twists: 20-25 fresh, crisp pretzels at room temperature, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Should snap cleanly when broken, with no soft or stale pieces. Store below 70°F (21°C) to maintain crispness.
  • Red M&Ms: 15-20 pieces, sorted for consistent size (approximately 0.5 inch diameter) and uniform red color. Store below 70°F (21°C) to prevent melting or color transfer.
  • Candy Eyes: 30-40 medium-sized (½ inch) edible candy eyes, ensuring they're fresh and whites are bright. Check for any moisture damage or deterioration.
  • Holiday Sprinkles: ½ cup festive sprinkles, stored below 75°F (24°C). Choose oil-based sprinkles that won't bleed color when in contact with chocolate.

Step By Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace
Line 15x10-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving 1-inch overhang. Maintain room temperature at 68-72°F (20-22°C) with humidity below 50%. Gather all decorations before melting chocolate.
Temperature Control
If using dark chocolate, temper to 88-90°F (31-32°C). For milk chocolate, temper to 86-88°F (30-31°C). Test temperature with accurate candy thermometer. Chocolate should be glossy and fluid but not too runny.
Create Base Layer
Pour tempered chocolate onto prepared sheet, spread to ¼-inch thickness using offset spatula. Surface should be smooth and level, measuring 12x8 inches. Work quickly while chocolate maintains proper temperature.
Design Assembly
Within 2-3 minutes while chocolate is still fluid at 86-88°F (30-31°C), position pretzel halves as antlers, pressing gently to adhere. Place candy eyes ½ inch below antlers, then add M&M nose. Space reindeer faces 2 inches apart.
Final Setting
Allow bark to set at room temperature 68-72°F (20-22°C) for 2 hours, or refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) for 30 minutes until chocolate passes snap test. Surface should be glossy with no streaks or spots.

Tips for Melting Chocolate

If using chocolate chips, add 2 teaspoons of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to smooth the melted chocolate. Paramount crystals can also help achieve a professional finish.

Storage Tips

Store reindeer bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator or in a cool room for up to one week. Ensure the bark is fully set before storing to maintain its texture and appearance.

A close-up of dessert pieces shaped like reindeer, decorated with chocolate, pretzels, and colorful candy eyes and buttons. Pin it
A close-up of dessert pieces shaped like reindeer, decorated with chocolate, pretzels, and colorful candy eyes and buttons. | recipesbyclare.com

Fun Customizations

Experiment with different sprinkles, candy colors, or even adding crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist. This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to create unique variations for every occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best chocolate to use for bark?

You can use melting chocolate, almond bark, or regular chocolate chips. If using chips, add some coconut oil or shortening to help them melt smoothly.

→ Why did my chocolate bark turn out cloudy?

This happens when chocolate gets too hot while melting. Use 30-second intervals and stir between each to prevent overheating and keep your bark shiny.

→ Can I freeze this reindeer bark?

Yes, the bark freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

→ Why do my toppings fall off the bark?

Press the decorations gently into the melted chocolate while it's still wet. Wait until it's completely set before handling to ensure everything stays in place.

→ How thick should I spread the chocolate?

Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. Too thin and it'll break easily, too thick and it'll be hard to bite into.

Reindeer Bark

Create festive chocolate bark decorated as reindeer faces using pretzels, candy eyes, and M&Ms. This easy no-bake treat is perfect for holiday parties and gifting.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups melting chocolate (almond bark or chocolate chips).
02 20 candy eyeballs.
03 10 red M&Ms.
04 20 mini pretzel twists.
05 Holiday sprinkles (optional).
06 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening (if using chocolate chips).

Instructions

Step 01

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Break pretzels in half to make antler shapes.

Step 03

Melt chocolate in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Step 04

Pour melted chocolate on parchment paper and spread into an even layer about 1/8 inch thick.

Step 05

Place pretzel pieces as antlers, add candy eyes and red M&Ms for faces, then press decorations gently into chocolate.

Step 06

Add sprinkles if desired.

Step 07

Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes until set.

Step 08

Break or cut into pieces around each reindeer face.

Notes

  1. Get extra pretzels since they often break unevenly when making antlers.
  2. If using chocolate chips, add coconut oil or shortening to help with melting.
  3. Keeps for one week in cool place or fridge.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Microwave-safe bowl.
  • Spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk (chocolate, M&Ms).
  • Wheat (pretzels).
  • May contain peanuts (M&Ms).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 286
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: ~