Christmas Pretzel Bark
Christmas Pretzel Bark: A Festive Treat for Your Holiday Season
Ah, the famous Christmas Cracker Candy, or as you may have heard it called, Christmas Crack. While the name of this treat may be a bit controversial, there’s one thing we can all agree on: it is DELICIOUS. Imagine a crunchy, salty layer covered in caramel toffee and topped off with chocolate. What’s not to love? This has been a staple in our holiday baking lineup for quite some time, and this year I decided to try a little twist on the original: pretzels!
We’ve seen many variations of this cracker candy over the years. People use saltines, Ritz crackers, graham crackers. It’s hard to go wrong here. But one base layer we hadn’t tried yet was pretzels! And boy had we been missing out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Christmas Pretzel Bark is the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a delightful crunch from the pretzels. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. Plus, it’s a great recipe to make with kids!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small saucepan
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
Ingredients
- 15 oz bag of pretzel sticks
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 20 oz high-quality chocolate, chopped
- Optional: Christmas sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lay an even layer of pretzel sticks across the entire sheet and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, add the butter, brown sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Boil for 4-5 minutes until it thickens and darkens, then remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the pretzels and place the baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes.
- While the first layer is baking, melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool for 1 minute, then pour the melted chocolate evenly across the top. Add holiday sprinkles if desired.
- Place in the fridge (not freezer!) for 3-4 hours or overnight. Once cool, cut into squares and serve.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Pretzel Bark turns out perfectly, make sure to stir the caramel mixture consistently to prevent burning. When spreading the chocolate, work quickly to ensure it spreads evenly before it starts to harden.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or add-ins like nuts or dried fruit. You could also try drizzling white chocolate over the top for an extra festive look.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
While exact values can vary, a typical serving of Christmas Pretzel Bark is around 200 calories, with 13g of fat, 24g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk, dark, or white chocolate according to your preference.
How should I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead treat as it keeps well and even tastes better the next day.
Conclusion
Christmas Pretzel Bark is a delightful and easy treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. Give it a try and let us know how it goes! We’d love to hear about your experiences and any fun variations you come up with. Happy holidays!
