Dark Chocolate Pretzel Bark
This Dark Chocolate Pretzel Bark was inspired by the classic pecan Christmas turtles – dark chocolate is swirled with homemade caramels and topped with pecans and pretzels. The crunchy, salty addition of mini pretzels in this pretzel bark recipe makes for an extra delicious sweet and salty Christmas candy treat!
This recipe was made in partnership with Fisher Nuts. It was originally published December 16, 2016 but has been updated from the archives with additional information.
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Homemade Candy Bark for the Holidays
It’s that time of year again for making all sorts of yummy homemade holiday sweets and treats. One of my favorite things to make, besides homemade caramels, is chocolate bark. It is tons of fun because the possibilities are absolutely endless.
Once you master melting the chocolate and spreading it in a thin layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, you can top it with literally anything you want.
The topping possibilities are endless — from sprinkles, chocolate chips, chopped up cookie chunks, dried fruits, caramels, and nuts. All you have to do is consider what you or the recipients will like best paired with chocolate.
Creating this Recipe for Chocolate Pretzel Bark
This year I wanted to make turtles, you know, pecans covered in caramel and chocolate. But then I thought, what if I made chocolate bark that tasted like a deconstructed turtle?
My next thought was, I bet pretzels would taste really great with that and give it a nice sweet and salty taste with a little extra crisp to it along with the savory taste of the pecan to balance the sweetness of the caramel and the bittersweet chocolate.
This recipe for Dark Chocolate Turtle Pretzel Bark is exactly that.
You start with a base layer of dark chocolate swirled with caramel. That base is then sprinkled with pecans and mini pretzel twists.
We all loved the flavor and texture combo as well as the fun and different way to present a traditional turtle. We’re definitely adding this to our holiday candy rotation!
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Tools Needed to Make Pretzel Bark
You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare this salted caramel pretzel bark. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:
- Candy Thermometer – for making the homemade salted caramel.
- Measuring Cup and Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients in the recipe.
- Medium Saucepan – to cook the homemade caramel in.
- Double Boiler or Medium Saucepan and Heatproof Small Bowl – for tempering the chocolate for the bark’s base.
- Cookie Sheet – to assemble the pretzel. bark on.
- Parchment Paper – to line the cookie sheet.
- Offset Spatula – to spread the melted chocolate.
Pretzel Bark Ingredients
The ingredients list for this dark chocolate bark recipe is short and sweet. Here’s what you’ll need to make one of my all-time favorite chocolate bark recipes:
For the Homemade Caramel
- Heavy Cream
- Unsalted Butter
- Vanilla Extract
- Granulated Sugar
- Light Corn Syrup
- Water
For the Chocolate Bark Base
- High Quality Dark Chocolate
Pretzel Bark Toppings
- Homemade Caramel
- Fleur de Sel
- Mini Pretzel Twists
- Pecan Halves
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this Christmas bark with pretzels, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
Ingredient Tip
- Get all ingredients prepped and ready before you begin tempering the chocolate so you can start adding the toppings as soon as you’ve spread the melted chocolate onto the prepared cookie sheet!
How to Make Pretzel Bark
This recipe has two parts: the homemade caramel and tempering the chocolate. Here’s a quick overview of how I make pretzel bark at home:
- Prepare the homemade salted caramel. Then, set aside to cool at room temperature.
- Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment and set it aside.
- Then, prepare the dark chocolate base by tempering the chocolate
- Once tempered, spread the chocolate over the parchment paper-lined baking tray.
- Drizzle the melted caramel over top, swirl it into the chocolate.
- Sprinkle the top with the salt, then arrange with mini pretzels and pecan halves on top.
- Let sit at room temperature until set, then break apart and enjoy.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe for pretzel bark. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tempering Chocolate for Pretzel Bark
So, back to the part that you have to master — melting the chocolate. That is absolutely the trickiest part. After that, this is a very simple recipe!
Tempered chocolate will cool into a hardened state with a shiny appearance. When broken or bitten into, it will break with a snap.
The best bark is when you melt the chocolate low and slow without letting it get too hot. Otherwise the chocolate will lose its temper.
I have a handy guide on How to Temper Chocolate if that’s something new to you.
But, it really isn’t as complicated as it sounds. The gist is to not let the chocolate get too hot, above 90 degrees F to be exact. Using a double boiler method and the lowest heat possible on my stove does the trick.
Once you’ve tempered the chocolate, you can get to the fun part — creative customization.
Tips for Making Pretzel Bark
- You’ll want to use a good quality chocolate for this pretzel bark recipe. Chocolate chips don’t melt as easily, so it’s best to use an actual bar of dark chocolate.
- If you don’t have a double boiler to temper the chocolate in, you can create your own by placing a heat-safe bowl (preferably a metal one) over a saucepan of simmering water.
- When tempering the chocolate, make sure the bowl with the chocolate in it isn’t touching the hot water.
- Do not get water into the bowl with the chocolate.
- Make sure the bark has completely cooled and hardened before you break it into pieces and store it, otherwise you won’t have nice even lines and the chocolate or caramel could smear.
- Cools the pretzel bark at room temperature, not in the refrigerator as this could cause condensation on the chocolate.
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Chocolate Pretzel Bark FAQs
Got questions about how to make dark chocolate salted caramel pretzel bark? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
We personally prefer this made with dark chocolate – I am a huge fan of the combination of rich, dark chocolate and salty caramel. This recipe will also work just fine using milk chocolate if that’s what you prefer.
I have not tested it using white chocolate, however I have other bark recipes that use white chocolate paired with dark or milk chocolate.
As long as you use high quality white chocolate – not white chocolate chips – you should be fine with that adaptation to this recipe.
Can I add other toppings to my pretzel bark?
Of course! You’re welcome to switch up the toppings for this dark chocolate bark however you see fit.
You could use different nuts, for example, add whole chocolate chips, or use other salty ingredients, like crushed potato chips.
A few years ago the kids and I had some neighborhood kids over for a chocolate bark making morning. One of the flavor combos they came up with was to sprinkle the chocolate in toffee bits, leftover Bourbon Maple Caramels, homemade bacon bits, and sea salt.
Note: I add the pecan halves directly to the dark chocolate bark, but you’re welcome to toast the nuts first to bring out their flavor if you like.
How should I store pretzel bark?
Pretzel bark can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container on your counter. I don’t recommend refrigerating it, as that will cause condensation to form on the chocolate.
Gifting Chocolate Pretzel Bark
This caramel and chocolate pretzel bark makes for a lovely holiday gift!
Break off a few pieces, then place inside a pretty cellophane bag and tie it off with some colorful ribbon. Or place inside a holiday-themed box to make your life even easier.
Try this Pretzel Bark Recipe!
Next time you’re looking for a sweet and salty treat to make during the holiday season, give this delicious dark chocolate pretzel bark a try!
Did you love the combination of rich dark chocolate with salty pretzels and buttery caramel? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this easy recipe.
On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see a photo of your homemade candy!
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More Easy Christmas Recipes:
Is homemade holiday gifting your favorite thing? Here are a few more recipes for your inspiration!
Put on some Christmas tunes and pour yourself a mug of Spiked Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate or a glass of Spiced Pomegranate Apple Cider and whip out a few of these tasty recipes. Your friends, neighbors, and kids’ teachers will thank you!
Bittersweet Chocolate Swirl Fruit and Nut Bark pairs bittersweet chocolate, white chocolate, almonds, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkin and chia seeds for a delectable holiday treat.
Chocolate Dipped Nuts are a delicious, healthy treat. Mix it up by using a variety of different nuts: pecans, walnuts, and almonds, for example.
For those who crave savory treats, these Sweet and Spicy Rosemary Bar Nuts are always a hit. Mixed nuts meet rosemary, cayenne, cumin, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
Salted Vanilla Maple Nut and Seed Clusters taste indulgent but are anything but since they’re packed with all sorts of heart-healthy seeds and nuts.
If you like candied nuts, try these Cinnamon Vanilla Glazed Walnuts. They make a perfect gift when tied up in a bag with a bow, or in a pretty jar.
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Dark Chocolate Pretzel Bark
This Dark Chocolate Pretzel Bark was inspired by the classic pecan Christmas turtles. The crunchy, salty addition of mini pretzels makes for an extra delicious sweet and salty Christmas candy treat!
Ingredients
For the Homemade Caramel
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¾ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Pretzel Bark Base
- 28 ounces Dark Chocolate, at least 60% Cacao
Pretzel Bark Toppings
- Homemade Caramel
- ¾ - 1 teaspoon Fleur de Sel
- 4 - 5 ounces Pecan Halves
- 5 - 6 ounces Mini Pretzel Twists
Instructions
Ingredient Preparation
- Gather all the ingredients, setting the pretzels and the pecans aside in a bowl for assembly later.
Make the Homemade Caramel
- In a small saucepan, combine the cream and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring periodically, over medium low heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In another saucepan (approx. 3 quart in size), combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Do not stir the mixture, just gently swirl the pan. Continue cooking until the mixture is golden brown.
- Slowly stir in the hot cream mixture - caution: the mixture will bubble up as you add the cream!
- Stir the mixture frequently as it simmers until the temperature of the caramel mixture registers 248 degrees F on an instant read candy thermometer, approximately 10 - 15 minutes.
- Once the caramel reaches the target temperature, immediately remove from heat and set aside. Let the caramel cool at room temperature while you proceed with the rest of the instructions.
Tip: It works best if the caramel is still pourable but 90 degrees or less in temperature by the time you are ready to assemble the bark so it doesn’t interfere with the tempered chocolate.
Temper the Chocolate
- Prepare a large, rimmed baking sheet by covering it in parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place water in the bottom pan of a double boiler, making sure the keep the water level low enough that it is not touching the bottom of the top pan (or bowl) that the chocolate will be in.
- In the top pan of the double boiler, slowly melt the dark chocolate over low heat. Making sure to stir the chocolate regularly.
- Monitor the temperature using an instant read candy thermometer to ensure that the chocolate does not get above 90 degrees F — otherwise the chocolate will lose its temper.
- Turn the heat off as needed so the chocolate doesn't get too hot. Just keep stirring and eventually the chocolate will slowly melt. Do not rush it.
Assembling the Chocolate Bark
- Pour the dark chocolate on the prepared cookie sheet, spreading with an offset spatula to smooth it evenly.
- The thickness is up to you depending on how thick you'd like the finished product to be, but I recommend keeping it under 1/4 of an inch thick since you’ll be adding the caramel and pretzels (otherwise it may be undesirably thick by the time you finish with the toppings).
- After spreading the chocolate, drizzle large spoonfuls of the melted caramel on top of the dark chocolate, then use a butter knife or wooden skewer to swirl through the chocolate.
- Tip: You don’t want to completely cover the chocolate, but rather have large swirls of caramel ribbons throughout the chocolate. You may not need all of the caramel depending on how large you have spread the chocolate.
- Sprinkle the top of the chocolate and caramel with the fleur de sel.
- Arrange the pecan halves and the pretzels on top of the chocolate and caramel swirled mixture. Let sit at room temperature until set, about 3 - 4 hours.
- Then, cut into individual serving size pieces using a sharp knife.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to a week.
Notes
Elevation Adjustments
Before you start this project you will also need find out what your elevation is and adjust the target temperatures for the caramel accordingly. Otherwise, your caramel will turn out too hard once it cools completely.
- For every 1,000 feet above sea level, you will need to subtract 2 degrees from the caramel target temperature.
- For example, I live at 5,000 ft. above sea level, so I subtract a total of 10 degrees from the temperature indicated in the recipe.
- The temperature for the chocolate does not need to be adjusted.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 715Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 166mgCarbohydrates: 79gFiber: 7gSugar: 58gProtein: 7g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy. This provided information is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
This recipe for Dark Chocolate Turtle Pretzel Bark is a sponsored conversation in partnership with Fisher Nuts. The opinions, recipe, photos, and text are all mine.
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
Oh my GOSH. Sweet, salty, chocolatey, crunchy perfection!
Jenny Flake says
What a gorgeous chocolate bark!! Love all of these flavors together!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
Anything salty and sweet it my jam! Love this bark!
Matt says
What a fun Christmas treat, my boys would love this!
shelly (cookies and cups) says
This is so pretty!!!