This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions, as well as the recipe herein, are mine alone. #TasteTheSeason #CollectiveBias
This holiday season, legit homemade gifts like this Chocolate, Marshmallow, Caramel, and Candied Bacon Bark can help save you money and still impress your family and friends!
If only opening your wallet and handing over vasts amount of money was considered an actual legit workout... I'd be in good shape. Sadly, all it leaves me is a little bit lighter in the bank account.
I totally love the holiday season, but let's be honest. Money flows pretty darn easily in the outward direction this time of year. Giving gifts is one of my favorite things to do, but I also enjoy a credit card and debt-free life (what, no credit cards?! Yup, that's how this household rolls).
Solution? Getting all DIY in your kitchen. Giving homemade gifts is not only super thoughtful (and tasty), it can help you save money this Christmas. Homemade gifts like.... oh hey Chocolate, Marshmallow, Caramel, and Candied Bacon Bark!
Oooo, and it's topped with crushed pretzels as well. I didn't want to put that in the title though, because it seemed long enough already 😉
Tell me you wouldn't love getting a basket full of homemade deliciousness from a neighbor, co-worker, or friend? Especially if it includes... okay, let's break this down:
- chocolate
- ooey-gooey marshmallow
- chewy caramel
- candied bacon
- more chocolate
- crushed pretzels
Yea, this creative chocolate bark is legit. It's sweet, salty, chewy, and ooey-gooey... all at the same time.
And with Kraft caramels and Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows, this Chocolate, Marshmallow, Caramel, and Candied Bacon Bark is also ridiculously easy to put together. It requires no baking (except for cooking the bacon) and minimal effort. And it's totally something your kids can help you make.
Now all you have to figure out is... who are you going to give it to?
Chocolate, Marshmallow, Caramel, and Candied Bacon Bark
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 15 Pieces of Bark 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups Kraft Jet-Puffed mini marshmallows
- 1 scant tablespoon butter
- 25 - 30 Kraft caramels, unwrapped
- 4 to 5 strips bacon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¾ cup mini pretzels, lightly crushed
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 or 9x9 pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray generously with non-stick cooking spray. Let edges of parchment/foil overhang pan for easy removal.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place bacon in single layer on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with brown sugar and rub in lightly. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 18-22 minutes. Remove to plate and allow to cool. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Meanwhile, place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until melted. Do not overheat, or chocolate will burn.
- Pour a thin, even layer of melted chocolate into pan and smooth with spatula. Place in freezer to harden, about 10 minutes.
- Place marshmallows and butter into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 30-45 seconds. Marshmallows will expand when heated, so make sure to use a large bowl and keep an eye on it. Stir marshmallows. It should be smooth and elastic. Heat for an additional 15-30 seconds if needed. Spray spatula with nonstick spray and spread marshmallow into a thin, even layer very quickly on the hardened chocolate. Return to freezer 10-15 minutes.
- Pour another thin, even layer of chocolate over marshmallow layer and return to freezer to harden. Place unwrapped caramels in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Drizzle very quickly in a thin layer. It's going to harden very fast, so it's best to try to drizzle it evenly over the chocolate layer. If it doesn't cooperate into a perfect thin layer, it's okay. Just do your best.
- Scatter chopped candied bacon over caramel, pressing down slightly. Return to freezer to allow to harden. If remaining chocolate has hardened, microwave until melted and pour over candied bacon into an even layer. Sprinkle pretzels on top and press in slightly with spatula. Return to freezer and let harden.
- When ready to cut, remove bark from pan and cut into pieces with a sharp knife. Keep refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
I went to Walmart to snag my Kraft Caramels and Jet Puffed Mini Marshmallows. Look for them in the baking and/or candy aisles. And if you need more inspiration this holiday season, check out the Cooking Up Good website. It has recipes, sweepstakes, loyalty programs, coupons and more! What's not to love? If you're looking for a new dinner idea or a chance to win some awesome prizes, be sure to check it out!
CakePants says
I'm not usually one to jump on the bacon-in-sweet-things bandwagon, but these photos are making me reconsider. And if *only* spending money could directly burn calories!
Chris says
Hahaha if spending = burning calories, I'd be in one of those underwear commercials by now...
David says
Dude! You just stuffed this bark with all of the most amazing ingredients ever. Did I even see bacon? That's how the Wolfpack rolls! You know, if you accepted credit cards then I would totally order a batch of this bark from you. Sadly, you don't. I left my cash in the 1980's. Sorry. Just kidding...well done with this bark, my friend! #WolfpackEats
Chris says
#wolfpacklovesbacon Heck yea! Well, if you would stop being weird and just move down closer to the city, I'd be happy to bring you over some. Gosh.
Christine says
STOP IT. This looks incredible!!! Do you think fluff could work in place of the marshmallow + butter combo? I seriously want to gift this 🙂
Chris says
Yea, I think fluff would definitely do the trick 🙂
Silvia says
I'm making and bringing these to a holiday get together at the end of this week. One tablespoon of butter makes this practically fat free! I'm already drooling...it may never make it out of the house.
Chris says
Hahaha that's exactly what I'm saying Silvia!
Kevin | keviniscooking says
You had me at the bacon part, but marshmallow and caramel, too. Ship some West friend! #WolfpackEats!
Chris says
hahaha bacon gets me every time also! #wolfpacklovesbacon
Shashi says
Bacon in bark??? Hey Chris, did I mention I prefer homemade presents over store bought ones 😉 - so ... wanna send me some of this bark with bacon and marshmallows and caramel AND Pretzels - PUHLEEZE ?
Chris says
Hahahaha if it wasn't already all eaten, it would be in the mail today!
Mike says
Candied bacon is my weakness, and pairing it with chocolate and marshmallow has to be the best of the best.
Great job my friend!
#WolfpackEats
Chris says
Hmmm, now I know Alpha's kryptonite!
Stephanie says
Oh my, as if bark couldn't be any better, you go an add bacon to it? BACON? YUM! I read the title of this post to my husband and he said, "mmm.... bacon. Can you make that?" Seems like you won't need a delivery service, your neighbors will be knocking on your door for a gift pick up! Great recipe, thanks for sharing! #client
Chris says
Thanks Stephanie! Bacon has a way to make everything sound and taste better 🙂
Sarah says
This is insane. I love that you put bacon in everything - it really is chocolate's best friend. (ihopeheasksformyaddressihopeheasksformyaddress)
Chris says
Hahaha thanks Sarah! Bacon makes pretty much everything better, doesn't it?!
Kelly says
Homemade gifts are my favorite! I would love to get this over anything from the store. Totally more thoughtful and looks amazing! Love the bacon in here!
Tina says
This looks sinful! All of my favorite things in one delicious bite 😀
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
Chris, this is seriously the most beautiful bark I have ever seen. Wow!!
Chris says
Thanks so much Alice 🙂