Vanilla Wafer Christmas Bark
So easy to make, and even easier to eat, this holiday bark made with vanilla wafers is crunchy, sweet, and chocolatey, and makes perfect holiday gifts for family and friends!
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients
For the bark:
- 11 ounces vanilla wafers
- 8 ounces butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the toppings:
- Yogurt covered pretzels
- Dried cranberries
- Seasonal sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place the vanilla wafers on the sheet in rows, touching each other. (If needed, cut a few of the cookies so that they fit the pan.)11 ounces vanilla wafers
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and combine with the brown sugar. Bring to a boil and stir for about 5 minutes while boiling on low heat.8 ounces butter, 1 cup brown sugar
- Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the vanilla wafers.
- Bake 3-5 minutes until bubbly.
- Take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. When the chips soften, spread them with a knife.1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Add desired toppings and gently press into the chocolate.Yogurt covered pretzels, Dried cranberries, Seasonal sprinkles
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until cooled. When cool, remove from the refrigerator and cut or break the bark into pieces.
Notes
Prep Tips:
- When heating the butter and brown sugar, stir constantly and watch closely—once it starts bubbling, it can burn quickly.
- You’ll know the mixture is ready when it thickens slightly and has a rich caramel aroma.
- Spread the chocolate gently with an offset spatula or butter knife once softened for a smooth layer.
- For quick setting, place the bark in the refrigerator after topping, but let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before breaking into pieces to avoid cracking unevenly.
Variation Suggestions:
- Substitute Hershey bars, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chips depending on your preference.
- Try different toppings like mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, or festive M&Ms for variety.
- To mix things up, you can replace the vanilla wafers with graham crackers or shortbread cookies.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate on top before adding decorations for an extra festive touch.
- Customize the toppings for other holidays—use colorful sprinkles or themed candy to suit the occasion!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as part of a holiday cookie platter or dessert board.
- Wrap in cellophane bags or tins with a ribbon for easy, homemade gifts.
- Break into small pieces and sprinkle over ice cream for an fun topping.
Storage Info for Leftovers:
- Store your bark in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate to prevent melting, but let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
- For longer storage, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and freeze up to 2 months.
- The bark tastes great cold, so don’t hesitate to serve it straight from the refrigerator or freezer if you like a firmer texture!
Nutrition
Calories: 683kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 350mg | Potassium: 267mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 725IU | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg
