I love quick festive treats that look like you worked all day but actually take minutes — this 5-Ingredient Snickers Chocolate Bark is exactly that. It’s crunchy, salty-sweet, and perfect for New Year’s gatherings or spontaneous kitchen gifts. I’ve made it several times for parties and always tweak the topping mix to suit the crowd.
Why Make This Recipe
- Fast to assemble: ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: chocolate, caramel, peanuts and a pinch of salt hit all the comfort notes.
- No special skills required: melting and spreading are the main techniques.
- Easy to portion and gift: breaks into rustic pieces that look homemade-chic.
- Personal insight: I love this bark because it’s my go-to when I need a last-minute dessert that still feels luxurious — similar quick-sweet ideas can be found in recipes like chocolate peppermint bark cookies which inspired my presentation style.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes (melting and setting)
- Total time: 20 minutes (plus 20–30 minutes chilling)
- Servings: about 12–16 small pieces
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Melt chocolate, fold in or top with chopped Snickers and peanuts, spread thin on parchment, chill until firm.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this bark on three separate runs, adjusting chocolate thickness and Snickers size for the best snap and texture. Early batches had toppings that sank, so I learned to partially chill the chocolate before scattering mix-ins. That small step made the difference in appearance and bite.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Snickers Chocolate Bark for Festive New Year Treats
Start by chopping 12 oz (340 g) semisweet chocolate and gently melting it in a double boiler or microwave (20–30 second bursts) until smooth and about 115°F (46°C). Stir in a tablespoon or two of neutral oil or a spoonful of peanut butter only if you need a silkier texture. Spread the melted chocolate to about 1/8–1/4 inch thickness on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, then immediately top with roughly chopped 8 fun-size Snickers bars, 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts, and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt (about 1/4 tsp). Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes until set, then break into pieces.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use a digital thermometer: aim for ~115°F (46°C) when fully melted; don’t overheat or the chocolate can seize.
- Microwave technique: heat in 20–30 second bursts and stir between bursts to finish gently.
- Even topping distribution: place chopped Snickers and nuts on the chocolate right after spreading so they adhere before it skins.
- Chill on flat surface: use a rimmed baking sheet so the chocolate spreads evenly; refrigerate on a flat shelf to avoid warping.
- Equipment: an offset spatula and parchment or a silicone mat make spreading and cleanup effortless — for related texture ideas see peppermint bark techniques.
How to Serve 5-Ingredient Snickers Chocolate Bark for Festive New Year Treats
- Arrange pieces on a platter with a mix of shapes; use gold or silver serving paper for a festive look.
- Pair with strong coffee or a dessert wine to balance the sweetness.
- Pack in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon as edible favors for a party.
- Serve alongside a simple cheese board to offer both sweet and savory options — for savory-sweet pairings I often reference comfort dishes like cheesy hominy casserole for inspiration.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store bark in an airtight container at cool room temperature (60–70°F / 15–21°C) for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 2 weeks—place parchment between layers to prevent sticking, but expect slight condensation when brought to room temp. Freeze flat up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw in the refrigerator overnight to avoid moisture bloom. Reheating isn’t necessary — if the chocolate softens, chill briefly to set again.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: verify Snickers and all ingredients are labeled gluten-free or use gluten-free caramel candy.
- Dairy-free: swap to dairy-free dark chocolate and use dairy-free caramel or chopped vegan “Snickers” bars.
- Nut-free: omit peanuts and substitute with toasted sunflower seeds and allergy-friendly candy pieces.
- Flavor swap: drizzle with melted white chocolate or add 1/2 tsp espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a mocha note — see a similar quick-no-bake idea like chocolate peanut butter rice krispies treats for riff inspiration.
Nutritional Highlights
- This bark is calorie-dense and high in sugar and fat — enjoy in small portions.
- Provides protein and healthy fats from peanuts, but contains added sugars from chocolate and caramel.
- Allergens: contains peanuts, milk (dairy), and soy (lecithin in chocolate); check labels if serving to guests with allergies.
- Portion guidance: keep servings to 1–2 small pieces (about 1 oz) to control sugar and calorie intake.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Chocolate seizes (grainy/dry): this is usually from moisture — gently add 1 tsp neutral oil or a small piece of warm chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Toppings sink: spread chocolate slightly thicker (1/8–1/4 inch) or chill the sheet for 2–3 minutes before adding mix-ins.
- Bloom or white film forms: this is fat or sugar bloom from temperature swings; it’s safe to eat but store bark at consistent cool temperatures to prevent it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to temper the chocolate for bark?
A: No — tempering isn’t necessary for home bark. Simply melt gently to about 115°F (46°C) and cool slightly before spreading. Tempering gives a glossy snap but isn’t required for a tasty end result.
Q: Can I use full-size Snickers instead of fun-size?
A: Yes, just chop them into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly and adhere to the chocolate without making very large clumps.
Q: How thin or thick should I spread the chocolate?
A: Aim for 1/8–1/4 inch thickness. Thinner gives a crisp snap and faster set; thicker pieces hold bigger toppings but take longer to chill.
Q: Can I double the recipe and bake on two sheets at once?
A: You can double the ingredients, but spread across two rimmed sheets for even cooling. Avoid stacking warm sheets in the fridge as that can trap moisture.
Conclusion
If you enjoy simple no-bake treats, you might also like this similar idea: Easy 5-Ingredient Date Bark (No Bake Recipe).
5-Ingredient Snickers Chocolate Bark
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 small pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy festive treat that combines crunchy, salty-sweet flavors, perfect for parties and gifting.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) semisweet chocolate
- 8 fun-size Snickers bars, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts
- 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
- 1-2 tbsp neutral oil or peanut butter (optional)
Instructions
- Chop the semisweet chocolate and gently melt it in a double boiler or microwave until smooth (aim for 115°F).
- If desired, stir in the neutral oil or peanut butter for a silkier texture.
- Spread the melted chocolate to a thickness of 1/8–1/4 inch on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet.
- Immediately top with the chopped Snickers, peanuts, and flaky sea salt.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until firm.
- Once set, break into pieces to serve.
Notes
For best results, partially chill the chocolate before adding toppings to prevent sinking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American