M&M Chocolate Bark

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This M&M chocolate bark is super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. It makes for a great edible gift and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

If you're looking for a quick and easy sweet snack with minimal ingredients, this pretzel M and M chocolate bark is just the thing! It's ideal for Christmas gifting and cake and candy stalls, but it also makes a delicious sweet treat to snack on. There's no baking required and it's so easy that even kids can help to make it!

This is quite a simple recipe so if you prefer to watch the recipe video or get the bullet-pointed version of the recipe, feel free to skip ahead to the recipe card at the end of the post. For those who prefer more guidance, you'll find detailed notes and instructions below. Enjoy!

What is Chocolate Bark?

Chocolate bark is essentially just a thin chocolate bar with toppings that's broken into shards rather than segments. The name comes from its broken, rustic appearance because it looks a little bit like tree bark. This tasty treat can be made with dark, milk, or white chocolate (or even a mixture), and can be topped with a variety of toppings like nuts, marshmallows, and candies like M&Ms. It's super easy to customise to your liking.

Ingredients for this recipe

To make M and M chocolate bark, you'll need the following ingredients:

Milk chocolate: Any old chocolate will do! I tend to use the cheapest supermarket-brand chocolate because, in my opinion, they all taste the same once you add the toppings!
M&Ms: I used original chocolate M&Ms but feel free to use your favourite type. You could even do a mixture of them- brownie, peanut, caramel or crispy M&Ms would taste delightful in this recipe!
Pretzels: These are optional but add a bit of extra texture and saltiness to the bark. If you've never had salty pretzels with chocolate, you HAVE to try it!

Equipment

Before you begin, make sure to also gather the following equipment:

Baking tray: I usually use an 8x8-inch tin because I like my bark to be quite thick but you can use a larger tin or baking tray if you want it to be thinner.
Baking paper: To stop the chocolate from sticking to the tin. It's handy to leave a little bit hanging over the edges so you can just lift it out later.
Microwave-safe bowl: For melting the chocolate. You can also melt the chocolate in a saucepan on the stove if you prefer.
Utensils: You'll need a spoon for mixing and spreading out the chocolate, and a sharp knife for cutting the bark once it's set. This bark is on the thicker side so it's a little tricky to break it up with your hands.

How to Make M&M Chocolate Bark

Ready? Let's get started!

Step 1: First start by lining a baking tin with baking paper. I used an 8x8-inch tin but you can use a larger one if you don't mind your bark being thinner.

Step 2: Next, melt the chocolate. Break 300g of milk chocolate into pieces and add it to a heatproof bowl. Pop it in the microwave in 30-second bursts (stirring each time to prevent burning) until melted. Alternatively, melt it in a saucepan over low heat on the stove.

Step 3: Pour half of the melted milk chocolate into your lined tin and spread it out evenly. Make sure to get all the way to the corners.

Step 4: Add a few handfuls of M&Ms and crushed pretzels on top of the melted chocolate.

Step 5: Add the rest of the melted chocolate and gently spread it out to cover the M&Ms and pretzels. Then top with some more!

adding pretzels and M and ms on top of melted chocolate in tin

Step 6: Now all that's left to do is let it set! Pop it in the fridge for around 2-3 hours, until it's firm to the touch. Then remove it from your tin, cut it into shards and enjoy!

Top Tips

Melt the chocolate slowly and gently to prevent it from burning or seizing. If you're using the microwave, take the chocolate out every 30 seconds and give it a good stir.
If you're struggling to cut your bark, warm your knife up. You can do this by running it under boiling hot water and then wiping it dry immediately before using it. Repeat before each cut.
Use white chocolate to make white chocolate M&M bark!
Press the toppings firmly into the melted chocolate so they don't fall off later.

More Topping Ideas

Feeling creative? Try adding one or more of the following toppings to your M&M bark...

Chopped nuts: Almonds, peanuts, walnuts and pecans all taste great paired with chocolate and M&Ms.
Dried fruit: Cranberries, raisins and apricots are some of my faves!
Mini marshmallows: For a nice pop of colour and chewy texture.
Nut butter: Try swirling peanut butter or almond butter into the melted chocolate to create a cool pattern and a nutty flavour.

FAQ

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

You sure can! Feel free to use dark chocolate or white chocolate in place of milk chocolate, or you can even do a combination of all three! You can also swirl them together to make a marbled pattern.

How should I store chocolate bark?

Store your M and M bark in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. It'll last for 3+ weeks if you keep it airtight.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Technically it wouldn't be M&M chocolate bark but yes, you can. Just swap out the chocolate for a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan alternative for M&MS such as Doisy and Dam chocolate drops or Unreal candies. Crunchy salted pretzels tend to be vegan by default.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, if you want to prep it months in advance, you can freeze your chocolate bark. Place the pieces into an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

More chocolate bark recipes:

I hope you like this M&M chocolate bark recipe! Let me know what you think by leaving a comment and rating below. Enjoy!