INTRODUCTION
Easter Bunny Bark is a simple, fun candy to make at home. It uses sweet white almond bark, crunchy pretzels, pastel M&M’s, and tiny sprinkles. You can make a large sheet and break it into pieces. Kids will love the colors and the small candy shapes. Adults will like the salt and sweet mix. This recipe takes little time and needs few moves. If you like quick candy, try this bark and enjoy making a festive treat. For a different bark idea, see this bright spooky Halloween Oreo bark for more flavor ideas.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast and fun. The almond bark melts quickly. The toppings sit on top and look like little Easter eggs. You can change the colors for your party. The bark stores well. You can make it ahead and pull it out when guests arrive. It also uses common items from the store. No baking skill is needed. You only melt, pour, and decorate. If you like nutty and sweet treats, you might also enjoy a nut-forward snack like the pecan pie bark with graham and pecans as another easy dessert idea.
HOW TO MAKE Easter Bunny Bark
This bark is easy to make because the steps are few and clear. First, melt the vanilla almond bark until it is smooth. Then pour it on a lined tray. Add your pretzels, candies, and sprinkles while the bark is soft. Press the pieces lightly so they stick. Chill the tray so the bark hardens. Break the bark into pieces and serve. The whole plan takes about one hour, most of it is chilling time. You can make it in the microwave or on the stove over a double boiler. If you want a twist, try melting a little white chocolate with pastel food color to make more shades. For a guide to other bark styles and ideas, you can read about a fun seasonal treat like the Halloween Oreo bark which uses a similar simple method.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Microwave safe bowl or double boiler
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cup
- Refrigerator space for chilling
- Airtight container for storage
These items are easy to find in any kitchen. The parchment paper makes clean up quick. A rubber spatula helps spread the melted bark without losing pieces.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
24 oz. vanilla almond bark, 1 cup broken pretzels, ½ cup pastel M&M’s, 1 Tbsp sprinkles
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Melt bark in microwave for 60 seconds.
Stir
Melt another 30 seconds.
Stir, stir, stir!
The bark should be smooth after much stirring. If it isn’t,
microwave another 15 seconds or so but don’t cook it too much. It can burn. With a lot of stirring, it should be smooth.
Alternately, you can melt it over a double boiler on the
stove top.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pour melted bark onto baking sheet.
Sprinkle broken pretzels, M&M’s and sprinkles over bark and press gently into bark so the pieces will stay.
Chill in refrigerator about an hour or until set.
Break into bite sized pieces.
Store in an airtight container.
It can also be frozen.
HOW TO SERVE Easter Bunny Bark
Serve this bark on a small plate or a shallow bowl. Spread pieces on a tray for a party. You can add paper doilies under the pieces to make the tray look neat. Let the bark sit at room temperature for a few minutes before offering if you took it from the fridge. This makes the pieces easy to bite. For kid parties, place small baskets with a few pieces inside. For a simple gift, tie a clear bag with ribbon and add a few chunks. If you want a festive table, combine this bark with other small sweets. For more snack mix ideas to pair with bark, look at a simple nut and chocolate mix or try a mix inspired by pecan pie bark for a richer option.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easter Bunny Bark
Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If your kitchen is warm, keep it in the refrigerator to prevent melting. To freeze, place pieces in a freezer bag or container. Freeze flat if possible. Bark will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. Do not refreeze after thawing. When you thaw, expect a slight change in texture but the bark will still taste good.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Offer small napkins and plates for easy snacking.
- Pair with tea, milk, or coffee for a simple treat time.
- Use the bark as part of a dessert board with fruit, cookies, and other candies.
- Add a small sign to show it is nut-free if you used almond bark that has no nuts.
- For a kid-friendly table, add small bowls so kids can pick their favorite colors.
You can make serving playful. For a spring table, add faux grass or pastel napkins to match the colors. If you want to feature other bark kinds, try serving along with chocolate-dipped cookies or a crunchy bark inspired by another easy bark for variety.
VARIATIONS
You can change this bark in many small ways. Here are some simple ideas:
- Swap the pretzels for crushed animal crackers or graham cracker pieces. This will make the bark less salty and more sweet.
- Use different candy colors for a theme. Try green and red for a holiday snack or bright colors for a birthday.
- Add mini marshmallows before chilling for soft pockets in the bark.
- Use colored almond bark or melt a bit of candy melts to add stripes or swirls.
- Add a thin drizzle of dark or milk chocolate after the bark sets to make a two-tone look.
- Press in tiny candy eggs or bunny-shaped sprinkles for a more Easter feel.
- Mix in a small handful of toasted coconut for light chew and taste.
If you like crunchy and nutty mixes, combine crushed pecans or chopped peanuts with the melted bark. For a similar idea that uses nuts and a rich base, try a recipe like the pecan pie bark with graham crackers for a nut-forward choice.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular white chocolate instead of vanilla almond bark?
A: Yes. White chocolate works but it can burn more easily. Use low heat and stir often. If you use chocolate chips, add a small amount of shortening to get a smooth melt.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate the bark after it sets?
A: No, not always. If your kitchen is cool, you can keep it at room temperature in a closed container. If it is warm, use the refrigerator to stop the candy from softening.
Q: Can I make smaller bags as gifts?
A: Yes. Portion pieces into small clear bags and tie them with a ribbon. This makes a simple gift for teachers, neighbors, or friends.
Q: How long will the bark stay crisp?
A: Stored well in an airtight container, it stays crisp for about two weeks at room temperature. In the fridge, it will last a bit longer and keep shape better.
Q: Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of vanilla?
A: You can. Dark or milk chocolate will change the look and taste. Use the same melt-and-pour steps. The colors will be darker and the candies will show less.
Q: Is this safe for nut allergies?
A: The almond bark is usually a flavored candy coating and not always made with nuts, but check the package label. If the product says it is made with nuts or on shared equipment, do not use it for a nut-free need.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easter Bunny Bark
You can make this bark a day or two ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature if your house is cool. If you make it more than two days before, keep it in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze the bark in a tight container. Put wax or parchment sheets between layers so the pieces do not stick. If you plan to give the bark as a gift, make and freeze it, then thaw in the fridge the day before you will give it. This keeps the candy fresh and bright. If you add delicate sprinkles or soft toppings, add them just before giving so they look fresh.
Easter Bunny Bark
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the vanilla almond bark in the microwave for 60 seconds.
- Stir the melted bark and microwave for another 30 seconds.
- Continue to stir until the bark is smooth; if necessary, microwave for an additional 15 seconds.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour the melted bark onto the baking sheet.
- Add broken pretzels, pastel M&M's, and sprinkles on top of the bark, pressing lightly so they stick.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about an hour or until set.
- Break the bark into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.