Chocolate swirl bark is so easy to make you’ll wonder why you ever bought the expensive store-bought kind it in the first place. This is a fun treat to make with kids and also quick and easy to throw together when you want something sweet. I know many people who make large batches and give them as gifts. Whatever you decide you can’t go wrong.
What kind of chocolate should you use?
The most important thing to know is that you have to get good quality chocolate since that is all the recipe calls for. In this version, I’m using semi-sweet and white chocolate. Feel free to try dark chocolate or milk chocolate as well. You also don’t need to use 2 different kinds of chocolate, one kind is perfect.
I like to use Ghirardelli or Lindt chocolate bars. The best, but sometimes hard to find are the Ghirardelli chocolate melting wafers. I avoid using chocolate chips because they do not melt as well due to the stabilizers they have. However, If that’s all you can find it will still turn out, but consider adding a bit of coconut or vegetable oil when melting. It helps it achieve a creamier texture.
How to melt the chocolate:
There are two ways to melt the chocolate. Using a double boiler is how I did it, but the microwave works too.
If using a double boiler, simply fill a small pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring to a low simmer. Next, add your chopped-up chocolate to a metal or glass bowl that will fit on top of the pot without falling inside! The chocolate will begin to melt from the steam that is being released from the simmering water. Stir as it melts. Once the chocolate is creamy and melted, use potholders and carefully remove the small bowl.
If you decide to use the microwave, heat up in 30-second increments and stir as you go. This will help avoid burning the chocolate and have it seizing up. It takes about 2 minutes, but all microwaves are different so if it needs more or less time, don’t be concerned. Keep melting and stirring until melted and creamy.
How to get that “swirl” for the chocolate swirl bark:
The swirl is so easy to make. First, you are going to pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate down on the prepared baking sheet. Spreading it out with a rubber spatula so it’s even. Next, pour the white chocolate in lines across, then take a chopstick and run it across the lines. The photos below will help you understand better. Keep in mind you are working with warm melted chocolate and it’s not perfect, pretty, or exact. Have fun with it and swirl until you get the look you desire!
Toppings for the chocolate swirl bark:
Because this is for Valentine’s Day and I’m making it kid-friendly I’m using tiny conversation hearts and some sprinkles. Feel free to use whatever you want. Gummy Bears or M & M’s would be good. Or just try adding sliced almonds and sea salt.
After you have added the toppings pop it in the fridge for 45 minutes until it hardens and then break it up into pieces and enjoy!
with candy toppings
Chocolate Swirl Bark
Homemade chocolate swirl bark is so easy to make you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought kind! All you need is good quality chocolate and your favorite candy to top it off.
Ingredients
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate bar or melting wafers (see note)
- 8 oz. white chocolate bar or melting wafers (see note)
- 1-2 drops of red food coloring
- Optional Topping: Candy hearts, Sprinkles, gummy bears, M&M’s, etc..
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Chop the chocolate bar up into small chunks. Keeping white separate from the semi-sweet
3. Melt semi-sweet chocolate over a double boiler or in a microwave; heating in 30-second increments stirring as you go until it's creamy and smooth
4. Pour onto a prepared baking sheet. Use a rubber spatula to spread it out evenly.
5. Melt white chocolate over a double boiler or in a microwave; heating in 30-second increments stirring as you go until it's creamy and smooth.
6. Add red food coloring. The more you add the darker it will become. If you want it to be pink then only add 1-2 drops. If you are looking for a redder color then add more until it reaches the desired color.
7. Pour on top of semi-sweet chocolate
8. Using the tip of a knife or chopstick, swirl the white chocolate around. You are not trying to mix/combine the two chocolates so don’t over swirl!
9. Quickly, top with the candy hearts and sprinkles. The chocolate will start to harden and you want to make sure the candy sticks so get it on there before that and carefully press down the hearts so they stick.
10. Chill in the fridge for 45 minutes or let harden on the counter if you have more time.
11. Break apart into large pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- To create a double boiler simply fill a small pot with two inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Then, add chocolate to a second bowl (either glass or metal) and place it on top of the pot with chocolate inside. Stir the chocolate as it begins to melt. Continue until creamy and smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.
- This chocolate bark will stay fresh for about a week in an airtight container kept in the refrigerator.
- My favorite kind of chocolate to use in this recipe is the Ghiradelli bars or if you can find them the Ghiradelli chocolate wafers. I would avoid using chocolate chips because they don't melt as well, but if that's all you can get then still make the recipe. If using chocolate chips add a teaspoon or so of coconut or vegetable oil to help the melting process.
