Bark

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

A rich, crunchy chocolate-topped treat featuring salted saltines, caramel-like brown sugar and butter, finished with melty chocolate chips—perfect for sharing at parties or as a sweet snack.

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Ingredients

  • saltine crackers
  • 1 cup unpacked brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 (12 oz.) package chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Butter an 11 x 15-inch cookie sheet.
  2. Cover the buttered sheet with one sleeve of saltine crackers.
  3. Put brown sugar and butter in a pot and bring to a boil.
  4. Boil for 3 minutes, then stir thoroughly.
  5. Pour the caramel mixture over the saltines.
  6. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 7 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot mixture and spread evenly.
  8. Place in freezer or refrigerator until hard.
  9. Turn onto wax paper and break into pieces with a wooden spoon.
  10. Watch carefully to prevent burning; 7 minutes may be too long.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top after spreading the chocolate chips. For a twist, swap saltine crackers with graham crackers or even pretzels for a sweet and salty combination. Ensure the caramel mixture reaches a good boil for the right consistency, and remember to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

Bark can be served as a delightful snack or dessert at gatherings. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in textures. It also makes a great addition to gift baskets or as a treat alongside coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve it with a Root Beer Shake for a nostalgic combo.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to two weeks. To maintain its crispy texture, avoid stacking pieces directly on top of each other. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bark contains roughly 1290 calories, with 9g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1290 kcal 65% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 104.5g 100% DV
Carbs 86.5g 31% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 72.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 95.1mg 4% DV
Potassium 469.9mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 257.7mg 86% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Vitamin C 0.8mg 1% DV
Calcium 117.1mg 9% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Yes, you can personalize your bark by adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or even small candies on top before the chocolate cools. Just sprinkle them evenly after spreading the chocolate chips for a delightful crunch and added flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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