Table of Contents

Spread the love

This 5-Ingredient Snickers Chocolate Bark is a fast, festive treat that turns classic candy bars into a shareable holiday bark. I make it every New Year because it’s fuss-free, crowd-pleasing, and stores well for party platters. If you love simple chocolate projects, you’ll also enjoy these holiday chocolate bark variations: https://www.nevaehrecipes.com/holiday-chocolate-bark-treats/.

Why Make This Recipe

Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for last-minute holiday gatherings or neighbor gifts.
Big chocolate flavor with crunchy peanuts and chewy caramel, so a little goes a long way.
Minimal equipment and only five ingredients — great for beginner cooks.
Makes a beautiful platter piece without frosting or piping skills.
Personal insight: I love this because the Snickers pieces add built-in texture and caramel, so you get bakery-quality complexity with home-cook ease; try it when you want a showy treat with minimal effort. (Related flavor ideas here: https://www.nevaehrecipes.com/chocolate-peppermint-bark-cookies-2/)

Recipe Overview

Prep time: 15 minutes (chopping and melting)
Chill time: 20–30 minutes until set
Total time: 35–45 minutes
Servings: about 12–16 small pieces (depends on break size)
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Melt chocolate (microwave or double boiler), spread on parchment, top with chopped Snickers and peanuts, chill until firm. See a similar quick-bake approach for ideas: https://www.nevaehrecipes.com/chocolate-peppermint-bark-cookies-3/

My Experience Making This Recipe

I tested this bark several times to get the chocolate thickness and topping distribution right. The main discovery was keeping pieces in a single layer so the bark breaks cleanly and looks attractive. I also learned that chilling on a rimmed baking sheet prevents warping.

How to Make 5-Ingredient Snickers Chocolate Bark

Start by roughly chopping 12 ounces (340 g) of good-quality semisweet chocolate and 5–6 fun-size Snickers (or 3–4 full-size, chopped). Melt the chocolate gently—use a microwave in 20–30 second bursts stirring between bursts, or a double boiler—then spread to about 1/8–1/4 inch (3–6 mm) thick on parchment. Scatter chopped Snickers and 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts evenly, press lightly so they adhere, and drizzle 2 oz white chocolate if you want contrast. Chill 20–30 minutes until set, then break into pieces and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Expert Tips for Success

Use a heatproof bowl and stir constantly when microwaving to avoid burning; stop at about 115°F (46°C) for semisweet and let stir to glossy finish.
If you want a snappy shine, temper the chocolate: melt to 115–120°F (46–49°C), cool to 82–84°F (28–29°C), then gently reheat to 88–90°F (31–32°C). A candy thermometer helps.
Choose high-quality chocolate (couverture or 60–70% cacao) for better flavor and texture. Avoid chips labeled “baking chips” if you want smoother melting.
Line your sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat for easy removal and clean edges; use an offset spatula to get an even thickness.
For even topping distribution, first lay out your chopped Snickers and nuts on a plate, then sprinkle from a single height so pieces land evenly. (More presentation tips here: https://www.nevaehrecipes.com/chocolate-peppermint-bark-cookies/)

How to Serve 5-Ingredient Snickers Chocolate Bark

Arrange on a decorative platter or tiered tray for a holiday dessert table.
Package in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for easy gifts or party favors.
Serve alongside coffee, stout beers, or dessert wines that complement chocolate and caramel.
Break into bite-sized pieces and add a small label listing allergens for potluck safety (see another holiday bark idea: https://www.nevaehrecipes.com/chocolate-peppermint-bark/).

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store bark in a single layer or with parchment between layers in an airtight container. Keep at cool room temperature (60–70°F / 15–21°C) for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 2–3 weeks if your kitchen is warm. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge to avoid condensation. Avoid direct heat — do not microwave leftovers — to keep the nuts crisp and the chocolate glossy.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free candy bars or swap Snickers for chopped gluten-free nougat bars.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free dark chocolate and dairy-free caramel/nougat alternatives; check Snickers alternatives for allergen info.
Nut-free version: Replace peanuts with roasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds, and use a chopped candy bar without peanuts.
Fancy twist: Stir 1/4 cup crushed pretzels into the melted chocolate for salty crunch or add 2 tbsp espresso powder into the chocolate for a mocha note.

Nutritional Highlights

This is an indulgent treat high in sugar and saturated fat; enjoy in small portions (1–2 small pieces).
Provides a bit of protein from peanuts and some minerals from chocolate (iron, magnesium).
Allergen note: contains peanuts and milk by default; may contain soy and trace gluten depending on candy bar brand. Always check labels for packaged ingredients.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Chocolate seized (grainy/separated): Add 1 tsp neutral oil or warm cream (if not dairy-free) and stir gently, or start over with new chocolate and melt more gently.
Toppings sink into chocolate: Let melted chocolate cool 2–3 minutes so it’s slightly viscous before adding heavy toppings. Press toppings lightly but not too hard.
Bark blooms (white streaks): That’s fat or sugar bloom from temperature swings — bark is still safe to eat; store at stable, cool temps next time and consider tempering chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?
A: Yes. Milk chocolate melts more easily and yields a sweeter bark. Taste will be creamier and less intense; tempering steps are similar though target temperatures are slightly lower (melt to ~110°F/43°C).

Q: How thin should I spread the chocolate?
A: Aim for 1/8–1/4 inch (3–6 mm). Thinner gives crisp pieces; thicker makes chunkier, fudgier pieces. Use an offset spatula for an even layer.

Q: Will the caramel from Snickers make the bark sticky?
A: Some stickiness can occur if pieces are very soft. Chill the bark quickly on a rimmed baking sheet and consider using slightly firmer Snickers (chilled before chopping) to reduce stickiness.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes—bark keeps well. Store in an airtight container in a cool place up to 1 week, or refrigerate up to 2–3 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Conclusion

If you enjoy quick, no-bake sweet treats, you might also like this Easy 5-Ingredient Date Bark (No Bake Recipe) which uses a similar assembly method and makes a great lower-effort companion dessert. Easy 5-Ingredient Date Bark (No Bake Recipe)