OUR 18 FAVOURITE DIY’S FOR CHRISTMAS
MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS CANDY BARK
Of all the things I love about Christmas, I think the thing I love the most is the excuse to indulge in all sorts of naughty sweet treats. I don’t think of myself as having a much of a sweet tooth, I’m definitely a savory kind of gal but once a year I like to treat myself to the odd chocolate or two, or three, or four! OK – a whole box!!! This year we wanted to make our own Christmas candy so inspired by Katherine Sabbath’s Unicorn chocolate, we made Christmas Candy Bark and it turned out to be soooooo cute!!
You Will Need:
1 Bag of White Candy Melts | 1 Bag of Pink Candy Melts | 1/2 Bag of Green Candy Melts | Selection of colorful sprinkles and edible confetti to decorate | Large baking tray | Baking Paper | Spatula | BBQ Skewer | Spoon |
Step 1
First line your baking tray with baking paper.
Step 2
Melt the white candy melts either in a microwave or on the hob. If using the microwave heat for 30 second intervals stirring each time until the chocolate has completely melted and become smooth.
Step 3
Now using the same method melt down your pink and green melts in separate bowls.
Step 4
Pour the white candy melt mixture onto your baking tray. At this point you might find some of your mixtures are beginning to thicken but don’t worry just simply reheat the candy to make it smooth again.
Step 5
Using a spoon, place dollops of pink and green mixture over various areas of your tray until covered. Then gently tap the tray to level all the chocolate.
Step 6
Using your skewer, quickly swirl throughout all the different candy colors before the mixture begins to set.
Step 7
Finally, decorate with a selection of sprinkles, tapping the tray again lightly to ensure all the sprinkles stay put in the mixture. Then place your Christmas Candy bark in the fridge to set for about an hour.
Step 8
Once the candy has hardened, use a knife to break into pieces and voila! The perfect chocolaty treat for Christmas.
We actually got to try this at my 30th Birthday Tea Party and it was a huge hit with the girls! I love the pinks and greens mixed with the white it feels Christmassy but without being to traditional. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did and don’t forget to share your creations with us on Instagram using #BespokeBrideDIY.
More Useful Tips for Making Your Own Christmas Candy Bark
As you noticed, the star of our show is the Christmas candy bark. It’s festive, foolproof, and incredibly forgiving—qualities I deeply appreciate after years of botched gingerbread houses and cookies that looked like they’d been frosted by my toddler (I don’t even have one). Let me walk you through how to make this seasonal treat a little extra special, with some more tips, tricks, and lessons I’ve learned along the way.
The Basics of Bark Building
Making Christmas candy bark is deceptively simple, which might explain its universal appeal. You’re essentially melting chocolate, spreading it out like a delicious blanket, and tossing on whatever toppings your heart desires. It’s like decorating a Christmas tree, but you get to eat it.
Here’s the thing: not all chocolate is created equal. Cheap chocolate chips might work in a pinch, but they often lack the rich, smooth texture you need. My go-to? High-quality chocolate bars or melting wafers. They melt beautifully and give you that glossy finish that screams professional candy maker.
And don’t underestimate the power of parchment paper. It’s your unsung hero, ensuring the bark doesn’t cling to the pan like a bad holiday memory. Trust me on this one—I once spent an hour chiseling chocolate off a baking sheet.
The Great Chocolate Debate
Choosing the chocolate base is where you can let your personality shine. Love the dark richness of espresso-like notes? Go for dark chocolate. Prefer the milky sweetness of a classic candy bar? Milk chocolate it is. Feeling festive and fancy? White chocolate offers the perfect canvas for bright holiday colors.
Watch this video for a yummy recipe:
I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for white chocolate for Christmas bark. It’s like snow for your taste buds—creamy, sweet, and the perfect backdrop for candy canes, sprinkles, or edible glitter. But here’s the catch: white chocolate can scorch faster than a forgotten batch of sugar cookies. Melt it low and slow, and you’ll be golden.
Toppings: The Crown Jewels of Candy Bark
Now comes the fun part—toppings. This is where your bark becomes uniquely yours. Traditionalists might opt for crushed candy canes or chopped nuts, but I say, let your imagination run wild. My favorite? A mix of pretzels, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate drizzle for that sweet-and-salty magic.
Making bark with kids? Fun holiday bark for kids demands colorful sprinkles, gummy bears, or mini marshmallows. It’s chaos in edible form, and it’ll bring out your inner child, too. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for sophistication, consider pistachios and gold leaf for that bougie holiday vibe.
Here’s a pro tip: go easy on the toppings. Too much can overwhelm the chocolate base and make it impossible to cut into neat pieces. It’s a balancing act, like holiday decorating—add just enough to make it sparkle.
Festive Variations to Try
Bored with the same old bark? Let’s shake things up. My absolute favorite is peppermint bark recipe. The combination of minty candy cane shards and creamy white chocolate just screams Christmas.
For the Oreo lovers out there, Christmas candy bark with Oreos is a must. Imagine chunks of cookies nestled in rich chocolate, topped with a drizzle of white chocolate for flair. It’s indulgent, festive, and practically begging to be devoured.
Feeling adventurous? Try tropical-themed bark with dried pineapple and coconut. It’s like Christmas took a vacation to the Bahamas.
Storage Secrets
One of the best things about Christmas candy bark is its longevity—assuming you don’t eat it all in one sitting. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Want to get ahead on holiday prep? Freeze it! Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I stored bark in the fridge without proper wrapping. It absorbed every weird smell imaginable, from last night’s takeout to my roommate’s questionable egg salad. Now, I double-wrap it like it’s a precious gift—because it kind of is.
Wrap It Up, Literally
Speaking of gifts, Christmas candy bark makes the perfect edible present. Package it in cellophane bags tied with ribbons, or stack pieces in mason jars for a rustic touch. If you’re feeling extra creative, pair it with a handwritten note or a small holiday ornament.
One year, I made bark for my neighbors and delivered it in festive tins. The smiles I got in return were worth every minute spent melting and sprinkling. It’s these little gestures that make the holidays feel warm and connected.
What Could Go Wrong? (And How to Fix It)
No good DIY comes without a few hiccups, and candy bark is no exception. Burnt chocolate is the most common offender. If it happens, start over—it’s not worth trying to salvage. Use a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler for more control.
Another rookie mistake? Cutting the bark too soon. Let it cool completely, or you’ll end up with a sticky mess. And don’t skimp on the parchment paper. I’ll never forget the year I tried to pry bark off an unlined pan with a butter knife. Spoiler alert: I ended up with more crumbs than bark.
The Symbolism of Christmas Candy Bark
At its core, Christmas candy bark is more than just a treat—it’s a reflection of the season. Each piece is unique, just like the people we share our holidays with. The layers of chocolate and toppings symbolize the layers of love, laughter, and chaos that make the holidays special.
For me, making bark is a ritual of creativity and giving. It’s about taking something simple and turning it into a joyful experience, both for myself and for those I share it with. In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, there’s something profoundly satisfying about creating something by hand.
So, there you have it—my tips for making your own Christmas candy bark. Whether you stick to the classics or branch out with unique flavors, I hope this treat brings as much joy to your holiday season as it does to mine. Happy melting, sprinkling, and gifting!
