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:

Bright White Candy Melts (12 oz package):
- Form the creamy, sweet base of the bark, providing a bright canvas for the patriotic colors.
- Substitution: White chocolate chips with 1 tsp vegetable oil per cup for smoother melting, or white baking chocolate.
Dark Cocoa Candy Melts or Dark Chocolate (½ cup):
- Add a rich, contrasting swirl that enhances flavor and creates a marbled effect.
- Substitution: Dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate with ½ tsp vegetable oil for easier melting.
Peanut M&M’s (½ cup roughly chopped, ½ cup whole):
- 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.
- 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.
Sprinkles (optional, red, white, and blue):
- Add a festive, sparkly finish that mimics fireworks.
- Substitution: Patriotic non-pareils, jimmies, or star-shaped sprinkles, or omit for a simpler look.

Tip: Use fresh candy melts for smooth melting, and select M&M’s with vibrant red and blue shells for the best patriotic effect.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
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.
- Tip: Parchment paper works best, but wax paper or a silicone baking mat can also be used.

Step 2: Melt the White Candy Melts

Place 12 oz bright white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl.
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.
- Tip: Use low power to prevent scorching, and stir thoroughly to ensure even melting. If too thick, add ½ tsp vegetable oil.

Step 3: Melt the Dark Cocoa Candy Melts

In a separate microwave-safe bowl, place ½ cup dark cocoa candy melts or dark chocolate.
Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 15-second intervals at 50% power until melted and smooth.
- Tip: Keep the dark chocolate warm while working to maintain a drizzle consistency.

Step 4: Spread and Swirl

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.
Drizzle the melted dark cocoa candy melts over the white chocolate in random lines or patterns.
Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the dark chocolate into the white, creating a marbled effect.
- Tip: Work quickly to swirl before the white chocolate starts to set, but avoid overmixing to keep distinct swirls.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Evenly sprinkle ½ cup chopped peanut M&M’s over the melted chocolate, followed by ½ cup whole peanut M&M’s.
If using, sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles over the top for extra festive flair.
Gently press the M&M’s into the chocolate to ensure they stick.
- Tip: Vary the placement of chopped and whole M&M’s for texture and visual interest, and add sprinkles sparingly for sparkle.

Step 6: Set and Break

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set and hardened.
Remove from the freezer and break the bark into irregular pieces with your hands or a knife.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve, keeping it chilled to maintain firmness.
- Tip: Break into bite-sized or larger pieces depending on your preference, and serve cold for a crisp snap.