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Chocolate Bark with Popcorn and Pretzels

Chocolate Bark with Popcorn and Pretzels
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Chocolate Bark with Popcorn and Pretzels is a delightful sweet and salty treat combining smooth, rich chocolate with crunchy popcorn and salty pretzels. This easy-to-make snack is perfect for gatherings, gifting, or a quick indulgence, offering a visually stunning and customizable recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • Semi-sweet or milk chocolate (use high-quality chocolate for best results) – about 12 ounces
  • Lightly salted freshly popped popcorn – about 2 cups
  • Crunchy pretzel twists or sticks – about 1 cup

Optional Ingredients

  • Butter or coconut oil – 1 teaspoon (to help chocolate melt silky smooth)
  • Nuts (chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts) – ¼ cup
  • Sea salt flakes – to taste
  • Colorful sprinkles or seasonal candies (e.g., crushed peppermint, mini marshmallows) – as desired
  • White chocolate or caramel for drizzling – about 2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare your workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Have your popcorn and pretzels ready, breaking any large pretzel pieces into manageable sizes.
  2. Melt the chocolate: Gently melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each until smooth. Add a teaspoon of butter or coconut oil if desired for a silkier texture.
  3. Spread the melted chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly to about ¼-inch thickness using a spatula. This will form the base for your bark.
  4. Add popcorn and pretzels: Sprinkle the popcorn and pretzels generously and evenly over the chocolate layer. Press them lightly to ensure they stick without sinking.
  5. Chill until set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens completely and firms up.
  6. Break into pieces: Remove from the fridge and break the set bark into irregular chunks or desired shapes. Store in an airtight container or enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • Use fresh, lightly salted popcorn to maintain the best crunch and avoid sogginess.
  • Do not overheat the chocolate to prevent it from seizing and becoming grainy.
  • Press toppings gently to embed them without crushing the popcorn or pretzels.
  • Try mixing different types of chocolate (white, milk, dark) for a marbled bark effect.
  • Store bark in a cool, dry place to keep it crisp and fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate bark, popcorn, pretzels, sweet and salty snack, easy dessert, party favor, gluten free snack

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/chocolate-bark-with-popcorn-and-pretzels/