Description
Looking for a dessert that’s as vibrant as a Fourth of July fireworks display but takes just minutes to make? This Easy Patriotic Bark is your go-to! With creamy white chocolate, swirls of dark cocoa, and pops of red, white, and blue peanut M&M’s, this no-bake treat is perfect for Independence Day, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration.
Ingredients
The Easy Patriotic Bark comes together with a handful of ingredients that create a sweet, crunchy, and colorful treat. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:
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Bright White Candy Melts (12 oz package):
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Form the creamy, sweet base of the bark, providing a bright canvas for the patriotic colors.
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Substitution: White chocolate chips with 1 tsp vegetable oil per cup for smoother melting, or white baking chocolate.
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Dark Cocoa Candy Melts or Dark Chocolate (½ cup):
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Add a rich, contrasting swirl that enhances flavor and creates a marbled effect.
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Substitution: Dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate with ½ tsp vegetable oil for easier melting.
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Peanut M&M’s (½ cup roughly chopped, ½ cup whole):
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Provide a crunchy, colorful pop of red, white, and blue, with the peanut adding a nutty flavor. Chopped and whole M&M’s create varied texture.
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Substitution: Regular M&M’s (red and blue only), other red and blue candies (like Skittles or jelly beans), or chopped nuts for a non-candy option.
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Sprinkles (optional, red, white, and blue):
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Add a festive, sparkly finish that mimics fireworks.
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Substitution: Patriotic non-pareils, jimmies, or star-shaped sprinkles, or omit for a simpler look.
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Tip: Use fresh candy melts for smooth melting, and select M&M’s with vibrant red and blue shells for the best patriotic effect.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
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Roughly chop ½ cup peanut M&M’s and set aside with ½ cup whole M&M’s and sprinkles in small bowls for quick access.
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Tip: Parchment paper works best, but wax paper or a silicone baking mat can also be used.
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Step 2: Melt the White Candy Melts
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Place 12 oz bright white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl.
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Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, then stir. Continue heating at 50% power for 30 seconds, stirring well. If needed, heat in 15-second intervals until fully melted and smooth.
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Tip: Use low power to prevent scorching, and stir thoroughly to ensure even melting. If too thick, add ½ tsp vegetable oil.
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Step 3: Melt the Dark Cocoa Candy Melts
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In a separate microwave-safe bowl, place ½ cup dark cocoa candy melts or dark chocolate.
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Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 15-second intervals at 50% power until melted and smooth.
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Tip: Keep the dark chocolate warm while working to maintain a drizzle consistency.
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Step 4: Spread and Swirl
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Pour the melted white candy melts onto the prepared parchment paper and spread with a spatula to about ¼ inch thick, forming a rough rectangle or freeform shape.
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Drizzle the melted dark cocoa candy melts over the white chocolate in random lines or patterns.
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Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the dark chocolate into the white, creating a marbled effect.
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Tip: Work quickly to swirl before the white chocolate starts to set, but avoid overmixing to keep distinct swirls.
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Step 5: Add Toppings
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Evenly sprinkle ½ cup chopped peanut M&M’s over the melted chocolate, followed by ½ cup whole peanut M&M’s.
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If using, sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles over the top for extra festive flair.
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Gently press the M&M’s into the chocolate to ensure they stick.
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Tip: Vary the placement of chopped and whole M&M’s for texture and visual interest, and add sprinkles sparingly for sparkle.
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Step 6: Set and Break
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Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set and hardened.
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Remove from the freezer and break the bark into irregular pieces with your hands or a knife.
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve, keeping it chilled to maintain firmness.
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Tip: Break into bite-sized or larger pieces depending on your preference, and serve cold for a crisp snap.
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