Pin
This Valentine’s Day chocolate bark brings together the richness of dark chocolate with sweet white chocolate and festive sprinkles for a treat that is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s perfect for gifting or sharing as a holiday dessert that looks impressive but is delightfully simple to make.
I first made this bark when I wanted a quick gift for a last-minute Valentine’s Day party and it was such a hit that now I make it every year. The combination of chocolates with the fun swirls feels festive without much fuss.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Dark chocolate chips: One and a half cups for a rich, intense base choose good quality chips with at least 60 percent cocoa for depth of flavor
- White chocolate baking bars: Twelve ounces because they melt smoothly and give a creamy contrast look for bars with cocoa butter rather than vegetable oil for best texture
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles: Two tablespoons to add a playful pop of color and a slight crunch any classic sprinkle mix with reds and pinks will work beautifully
How to Make It
- Scoop and prepare the pan:
- Line a half sheet baking pan with parchment paper this prevents sticking and makes clean-up effortless.
- Melt the dark chocolate:
- Place the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl Heat for 30 seconds and stir well Continue heating in 15 to 20 second intervals stirring thoroughly after each until the chocolate is shiny and completely melted.
- Spread the dark chocolate:
- Pour melted dark chocolate onto the parchment paper and use a spreading spatula to create a thin even layer.
- Allow partial setting:
- Set the pan aside at room temperature for around 10 minutes so the chocolate firms up but is still slightly soft to the touch.
- Melt the white chocolate:
- Break up the white chocolate baking bars into pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl Heat for 30 seconds stir thoroughly and continue warming in short increments while stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Melt the pink candy melts:
- Place pink candy melts in a separate microwave-safe bowl Heat similar to the other chocolates starting with 30 seconds and finishing with shorter bursts until melted and smooth.
- Add the white chocolate layer:
- Pour the white chocolate over the dark layer and spread it quickly and evenly The white chocolate will harden fast so work swiftly.
- Create the marble effect:
- Before the white chocolate sets drizzle the pink candy melts across the top Use a toothpick gently to swirl pink and white layers taking care not to disturb the dark chocolate layer underneath.
- Add sprinkles:
- While still warm sprinkle the Valentine’s Day colored sprinkles evenly over the top for texture and festivity.
- Cool completely:
- Allow the bark to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until fully hardened.
- Break and serve:
- Snap or cut the chocolate bark into bite-sized pieces and enjoy.
The dark chocolate is my favorite part because it adds a bittersweet contrast to balance the sweetness of the white chocolate and sprinkles. My kids always giggle watching me swirl the candy melts on top—I think it feels a little like painting with chocolate.
Flavor Boosters
Serve alongside coffee or tea as an afternoon treat It also pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine or sparkling champagne for a romantic snack.
Serving Suggestions
Swap the sprinkles for green and red holiday colors at Christmas Use pastel colors with edible flowers around springtime or use warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in the melted chocolate during autumn.
Creative Twists
Friends and family have told me this recipe is foolproof for their parties One cousin even brought it to her Valentine’s Day work potluck and it disappeared within minutes.
Work quickly during the layering steps because the chocolates set fast Use quality chocolate as it will greatly affect the flavor and texture If your chocolate is grainy try reheating gently and stirring well to smooth it out.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What chocolates are used in this bark?
Dark chocolate chips, white chocolate baking bars, and pink candy melts are layered to create the bark’s unique look and flavor.
- → How do I create the marbled effect?
After layering the melted white chocolate over dark chocolate, drizzle the pink candy melts and run a toothpick gently through the layers to swirl the colors together.
- → Can I prepare this bark without a microwave?
Yes, you can melt the chocolates using a double boiler over simmering water, stirring frequently until smooth.
- → How long does it take to set?
Allow the bark to cool and harden for about 30 minutes at room temperature before breaking into pieces.
- → What are some serving suggestions?
This chocolate bark is great for holiday gifting or as a sweet dessert accompaniment for Valentine’s Day celebrations.