Graveyard Bark

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to whip up this Halloween, you’ve come to the right place! Graveyard Bark is an easy-to-make dessert that the whole family can enjoy. This recipe is perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen, as they’ll love helping to mix and decorate. Plus, it’s a delightful addition to any Halloween party or cozy movie night at home.

What makes this recipe special is how simple yet delicious it is. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a spooky treat that everyone will adore. So grab your aprons and let’s get started on making this sweet and crunchy Graveyard Bark!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: You only need about 20 minutes to prepare this delightful bark, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Family-Friendly Fun: This recipe is a great way to bond with your kids as they help stir, sprinkle, and create their own spooky designs.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can make Graveyard Bark ahead of time and store it for those last-minute gatherings or Halloween parties.
• Deliciously Decadent: The combination of creamy chocolate, salty pretzels, and sweet marshmallows creates a treat that’s hard to resist!
• Customizable Creations: With so many options for toppings and mix-ins, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit your family’s taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Graveyard Bark, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are sure to bring smiles all around. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bark

• 20 whole pretzel sticks
• ½ cup mini vegan marshmallows
• 1 cup white chocolate candy melts (melted)
• Red food coloring (optional)
• 22 ounces milk chocolate bars
• 1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening

For Decoration

• ¼ cup roughly chopped pretzel sticks
• Candy eyes
• ½ cup crushed Oreo cookies

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this fun treat!

Variations

One of the best things about Graveyard Bark is how flexible the recipe can be! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients and make it your own:

• Switch Up the Chocolate: Use dark chocolate or even flavored candy melts for a different taste.
• Add More Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch in every bite.
• Go Fruity: Consider adding dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a pop of flavor and color.
• Decorate Differently: Instead of candy eyes, use gummy worms or other spooky candies for a fun twist.

How to Make Graveyard Bark

Step 1: Melt the Chocolates

Start by melting your milk chocolate bars with the solid vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in short intervals (about 30 seconds), stirring in between until everything is smooth. Melting the chocolate properly ensures that your bark will set nicely without any lumps.

Step 2: Prepare Your Base

Once melted, pour the chocolate mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. This step is important because it creates the base layer for our delicious bark—make sure it’s nice and even for easy cutting later!

Step 3: Add Layers of Fun

While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle on your mini vegan marshmallows, chopped pretzel sticks, and crushed Oreo cookies. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top for an eye-catching finish! This adds not just flavor but also visual appeal—perfect for Halloween!

Step 4: Chill Until Firm

Now comes the hardest part—waiting! Place your baking sheet in the refrigerator for about two hours until everything has set well. Chilling helps all those layers stick together beautifully so that when you break it apart later, each piece holds its shape.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

Once chilled, remove from the fridge and break into pieces. You can cut them into squares or just break them apart with your hands for a rustic look. Don’t forget to add those candy eyes before serving—they’re what make this treat truly spooky!

And there you have it! Your homemade Graveyard Bark is ready to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy sharing these delicious treats during your Halloween celebrations!

Pro Tips for Making Graveyard Bark

Making Graveyard Bark is not just fun; it’s also a great way to get creative in the kitchen! Here are some pro tips to ensure your treats turn out perfectly.

• Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality chocolate melts better and has a richer flavor, giving your bark that extra special touch.
• Chill Between Layers: Allow each layer of chocolate to set before adding the next. This helps create distinct layers and prevents mixing of the chocolates.
• Mix Up Your Toppings: Get adventurous with toppings! You can add nuts, seeds, or even dried fruits for added crunch and flavor variety.
• Keep It Cool: Store your Graveyard Bark in a cool place or refrigerate it if you’re in a warm climate. This helps maintain its shape and texture.
• Customize for Fun: Let the kids help decorate! They can add more candy eyes or sprinkles to make each piece unique and personal.

How to Serve Graveyard Bark

Presenting your Graveyard Bark can be just as fun as making it! Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will wow your guests and make this Halloween treat even more festive.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of Edible Glitter: A light dusting of edible glitter can give your Graveyard Bark an enchanting sparkle, perfect for Halloween festivities.
• Mini Candy Pumpkins: Adding mini candy pumpkins on top creates an adorable touch that emphasizes the Halloween theme.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate over the bark adds visual appeal and an extra layer of deliciousness.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: Lightly sweetened and spiced popcorn makes a fantastic crunchy side that complements the sweetness of the bark.
• Fruit Skeleton Skewers: Fresh fruit arranged on skewers resembling skeletons not only looks great but also adds a healthy element to your dessert spread.
• Ghostly Banana Bites: Bananas dipped in white chocolate and decorated with dark chocolate eyes offer a whimsical pairing that’s both fun and nutritious.
• Spooky Veggie Platter: A colorful assortment of veggies served with hummus makes for a crunchy contrast to the sweetness of Graveyard Bark, keeping things balanced.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, get ready to enjoy a spooky yet delightful treat this Halloween!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Graveyard Bark is not only a fun, festive treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and have it ready to impress at your Halloween gathering.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• It will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

• Cut the bark into pieces and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to three months; just allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this treat! Just enjoy it as is, or let it come to room temperature if it was frozen.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Graveyard Bark.

Can I customize my Graveyard Bark?

Absolutely! You can add your favorite candies or toppings. Just ensure they align with your dietary preferences.

How long will my Graveyard Bark last?

When stored properly, your Graveyard Bark will last about a week at room temperature. Enjoy it while it’s fresh!

What if I don’t have white chocolate candy melts?

You can substitute with dairy-free white chocolate chips. Melt them just like you would the candy melts for similar results.

Is Graveyard Bark suitable for kids?

Yes! This recipe is kid-friendly and a great way to get children involved in the kitchen during Halloween festivities.

Final Thoughts

Graveyard Bark is such a delightful treat that brings a little spooky fun to your Halloween celebrations! I hope you enjoy making this easy recipe as much as I do. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply indulging yourself! Dive into the spirit of the season and create some tasty memories—happy baking!