Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark Recipe
Imagine a dessert that’s not just eye-catching but also bursting with creamy, chocolaty, and crunchy delights in every bite—say hello to Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark. This crowd-pleasing treat is the ultimate way to celebrate any patriotic holiday or to simply brighten up your snack table! With colorful swirls, playful garnishes, and pops of candy, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen—this bark comes together in a snap, ready to steal the show at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What truly makes Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark so irresistible is its short but strategic ingredient list. Each item brings something special—whether it’s a creamy base, a pop of holiday color, or crunchy bursts of sweetness—to the final result. Here’s what you’ll need and why it belongs in this festive treat!
- White chocolate morsels: These give the bark a sweet, creamy backdrop that highlights all the vibrant colors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate morsels: Provides a rich, fudgy base that balances the sweetness and creates a beautiful layered effect.
- Red candy melts: Adds a brilliant pop of patriotic red without overpowering with flavor.
- White candy melts: Used for swirling and decorative drizzle, this adds extra creaminess and contrast.
- Blue candy melts: Offers a festive touch of blue and brings the color trio together perfectly.
- Red, white, and blue star sprinkles: These charming little stars add crunch and sparkle, making every piece feel celebratory.
- Red, white, and blue M&Ms: For pops of chocolate crunch and that unmistakable candy shell glaze in every bite.
How to Make Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Tray
Begin by lining a 13×9 baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring the edges overhang for easy lifting later. This simple step will make removing and breaking up your chocolate bark a total breeze, with zero sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Semi-Sweet Chocolate
Place your semi-sweet chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each burst until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. Take care not to overheat, as chocolate can seize up quickly.
Step 3: Pour and Spread the Base Layer
Quickly pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the prepared tray. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer. Try to work swiftly so the chocolate doesn’t set before you finish spreading.
Step 4: Allow the First Layer to Harden
Set the tray aside at room temperature, or pop it in the fridge to help the chocolate firm up faster. You want this base layer to be completely set before moving to the next step, so your layers stay distinct.
Step 5: Melt and Pour the White Chocolate
Using the same melting technique as before, gently melt your white chocolate morsels. Once smooth, pour this over the chilled semi-sweet layer and spread it evenly. That second creamy layer is what gives this Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark its signature contrast.
Step 6: Chill Again
Just like before, allow this new layer to harden all the way. Place the tray back in the fridge or leave it at room temperature, depending on how much time you have. Patience here makes for tidy, beautiful layers.
Step 7: Drizzle the Candy Melts
Melt your red, white, and blue candy melts in separate small bowls. Using spoons or piping bags, drizzle each color across the white chocolate surface in random lines and swooshes. This is where the real fun (and artistry) begins!
Step 8: Create a Marbled Effect
Before the drizzled candy melts set, grab a toothpick and gently swirl the colors together. Play around with the movement to create that stunning marbled look—just don’t over-mix, or the colors might blend instead of swirl.
Step 9: Sprinkle and Top
While the candies and chocolate are still a bit soft, scatter your star sprinkles and M&Ms generously over the top. Press them in lightly so they stick as the chocolate hardens. These toppings bring all the festive spirit to your Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark!
Step 10: Allow to Set Completely
Let the entire tray set until firm. A little patience goes a long way! You can speed things up by using the fridge, but room temperature works just fine.
Step 11: Break Into Pieces
Once hardened, lift the bark out of the tray using the parchment paper edges. Break it into rustic pieces by hand—there’s no right or wrong size! Every shard is unique and inviting.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Your Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark is party-ready! Arrange on a platter for instant cheer. Any extras can be stored in an airtight container at room temp or in the refrigerator.
How to Serve Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark
Garnishes
While this bark is already loaded with sprinkles and candies, you can up the wow-factor with a few more flourishes. Try dusting extra edible glitter or adding a final sprinkle of sea salt for a lovely flavor contrast that elevates each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark with bowls of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or even vanilla bean ice cream. The combination of cool fruit or creamy desserts with the crunchy, chocolatey bark is a true winner for summer parties and picnics.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Arrange pieces in clear glass jars tied with patriotic ribbons for party favors, or layer them in gift boxes with parchment paper between layers. You could even use the bark as a show-stopping topper for cakes and cupcakes—the possibilities really are endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark tucked away in an airtight container, either at room temperature or in the fridge. If you’re storing it with other candies, lay parchment paper between the bark pieces to prevent sticking and smudging.
Freezing
This bark freezes beautifully! Layer pieces in a freezer-safe container with parchment between each, then seal tightly. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, let it come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
While you don’t actually need to reheat this treat, if you’d like your bark a little softer (or just out of the fridge or freezer), simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will bring back that perfect snap and creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate for the base?
Absolutely! You can swap the semi-sweet or white chocolate for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even layer all three for extra depth and variety. Adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
What if I don’t have candy melts?
No problem! You can use colored almond bark, or tint white chocolate with oil-based food coloring. Steer clear of water-based dyes, as they can cause your chocolate to seize.
How far in advance can I make Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark?
You can make it up to two weeks ahead! Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, away from humidity and direct sunlight, to keep the colors vibrant and the chocolate crisp.
Is this recipe safe for kids to help with?
Definitely! Kids will love drizzling, swirling, and sprinkling the toppings. Adult supervision is needed for the melting steps, but the rest is pure fun, creativity, and a chance to get a little messy together.
Can I make a smaller batch?
Of course! Halve all the ingredients and use a smaller tray or even a rimmed dinner plate lined with parchment. It’s an easy recipe to scale up or down depending on your crowd.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something festive, delicious, and oh-so-easy to pull off, give Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark a try. It’s a surefire hit whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply adding a pop of color to your dessert table. Dive in, have fun with the decorating, and watch this joyful treat disappear in a flash!
Print
Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 tray of bark 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark is a festive and delicious treat perfect for patriotic holidays like the 4th of July. This easy recipe combines white and semi-sweet chocolate with colorful candy melts and sprinkles for a visually stunning and sweet snack.
Ingredients
White Chocolate Layer:
- 2 cups white chocolate morsels
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Layer:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
Red Candy Layer:
- 1/2 cup red candy melts
White Candy Layer:
- 1/2 cup white candy melts
Blue Candy Layer:
- 1/2 cup blue candy melts
Toppings:
- 1 tbsp red, white, and blue star sprinkles
- 1/4 cup red, white, and blue M&Ms
Instructions
- Line the Tray: Line a 13×9 baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate morsels in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Spread Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the prepared tray, spreading it into an even layer. Allow to harden completely.
- Melt White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate morsels and pour over the hardened semi-sweet layer. Let it harden.
- Melt and Drizzle Candy Melts: Melt the red, white, and blue candy melts separately and drizzle over the white chocolate layer. Swirl colors with a toothpick.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle star sprinkles and M&Ms over the candy melts while still soft.
- Harden: Allow the bark to harden completely.
- Break and Serve: Once set, lift the bark out, break into pieces, and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
- You can customize this bark with different colored candy melts or toppings for various occasions.
- Ensure each layer is fully hardened before adding the next for clean, distinct layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Melting, Drizzling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Red White & Blue Chocolate Bark, Chocolate Bark Recipe, Patriotic Dessert, 4th of July Treat
