Celebrate love and sweetness with this festive Candy Heart Bark! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just because, this colorful treat combines smooth chocolate with the crunch of classic candy hearts. It’s a fun and easy dessert that you can whip up in no time, making it the perfect gift for a sweetheart or a fun snack to share with friends and family.
Key Information:
- Preparation time:
10 minutes
- Cooling time:
30 minutes
- Total time:
40 minutes
- Number of servings:
12
- Serving size:
1 piece (about 35g)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories:
180 kcal
- Protein:
1 g
- Carbohydrates:
22 g
- Fat:
10 g
- Sugar:
18 g
- Sodium:
20 mg
Ingredients:
- 300g (10 oz) white chocolate or candy melts
- 100g (3.5 oz) candy hearts (conversation hearts)
- 50g (1.7 oz) sprinkles (optional)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (5 ml), optional (for smoother
melting)
Method of Preparation:
- Prepare the workspace: Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. This
will be the base for your bark.
- Melt the chocolate:
Break the white chocolate into small pieces and place it in a
microwave-safe bowl. Add the optional coconut oil to help with melting.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until fully
melted and smooth. You can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler
if you prefer.
- Pour and spread:
Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared parchment paper and spread it
into an even layer, about 6mm (1/4 inch) thick. Use a spatula or the back
of a spoon to smooth it out.
- Add the candy hearts:
While the chocolate is still warm and soft, scatter the candy hearts
across the surface. Press them gently into the chocolate to ensure they
stick.
- Add sprinkles:
For extra color and texture, sprinkle the surface with fun, festive
sprinkles if desired.
- Chill the bark:
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until
the chocolate is fully set and hardened.
- Break into pieces:
Once firm, remove the bark from the fridge and break it into irregular
pieces by hand or with a knife. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the smoother and tastier
your bark will be.
- Work quickly:
Once the chocolate is melted, add the candy hearts quickly before it
starts to harden.
- Customize the candy:
You can swap out candy hearts for other Valentine’s treats like red and
pink M&Ms or heart-shaped gummies.
- Layering options:
For a marbled effect, melt some pink or red candy melts and swirl them
into the white chocolate before adding the candy hearts.
- Storage:
Keep the bark in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerate if
your kitchen is warm. It will last up to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white
chocolate? Yes! You can substitute white
chocolate with dark or milk chocolate, depending on your taste
preferences.
- How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting? If you’re melting chocolate in the microwave, make
sure to do it in short intervals and stir frequently to prevent
overheating. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil can help create a smooth
texture.
- Can I add other toppings? Absolutely! You can mix in crushed pretzels, nuts,
dried fruit, or other candies to make it your own.
- How long does the bark need to set? It typically takes about 30 minutes in the fridge for
the chocolate to fully harden. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it into
the freezer for quicker results.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this bark can be made ahead and stored for up to
two weeks, making it perfect for planning gifts or parties in advance.
Sweetheart’s Delight Candy Heart Bark is a charming and easy treat that captures the spirit of love in every bite. With its colorful candy hearts and smooth, creamy chocolate, it’s sure to delight everyone who tastes it. Whether you’re sharing it with a special someone or enjoying it on your own, this simple yet festive bark will make any day feel like Valentine’s Day!