Sweet, Salty, Chocolaty and Crunchy! Cowboy Bark sounds like the perfect snack for any occasion.
So I was looking for a sweet and salty treat to make for our end of summer pool party with our good friends. I love the Cowboy Bark sold at Trader Joe’s, but it is a little expensive and TJ is not that close to my house. I am a big fan of sweet and salty snacks especially when I can use, for the most part, what I had in the pantry. I added mini M&M’s and cashews to my bark.
This recipe is so simple to make and only takes about 10 minutes. Feel free to substitute whatever toppings you like, but be sure to make it a sweet and salty mix.
Method:
To make; prepare and chop all the topping ingredients. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Melt chocolate in microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted and smooth. Pour chocolate onto a prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Quickly spread toppings over melted chocolate and slightly press in with a spatula or your hand. Allow Cowboy Bark to set up for at least 1 hour in the fridge or 1/2 hour in the freezer. Once bark is set break into bite size pieces or chop with a knife. Store Cowboy Bark in an airtight container. Bark will stay fresh for weeks at room temperature and for months in the refrigerator or freezer.
What is your favorite dessert candy bar mash up?
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- 1 oz Nestle Toll House Dark Chocolate Morsels 10 . bag
- 2 oz Symphony Milk Chocolate with Almonds and Toffee chopped into small pieces, 4.25 . bars
- 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels roughly broken
- 8 double stuffed chocolate Oreo's roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup peanuts coarsely chopped
- 1/3 cup cashews coarsely chopped
- Sea salt to taste
- Prepare a baking sheet pan by lining with parchment paper; set aside.
- Chop and prep all ingredients, besides chocolate, before beginning to melt the chocolate. Toppings need to be ready to spread on the warm melted chocolate.
- Break up chocolate and place in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat on full power to melt for about 2 minutes, stir every 15 seconds until mixture is smooth. Do not over-cook. You could also use a double boiler.
- Pour melted chocolate onto parchment and with a spatula and smooth into a large rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick.
- Evenly sprinkle with mini m&m's, pretzels, Oreos, peanuts, cashews, and sea salt to taste.
- Allow chocolate to set up for at least 1 hour at room temp, or in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- After chocolate has set, break into pieces or chop with a knife. Bark will keep airtight at room temp for many weeks and in the fridge or freezer for many months.
First published by Quinn Caudill for DadWhats4Dinner.com ©2016
Loosely based on a recipe by Relish.com
Please join me and bring your recipes and DIY projects to Throwback Thursday’s every Thursday at 7:00pm est.!
I also will be bringing my Cowboy Bark recipe to Freedom Fridays, Friday Favorites, Fiesta Friday, Weekend Potluck, What’s Cooking Wednesdays. Checkout my Link Parties page for other great places to find new recipes.
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“Quinn is the author, photographer and recipe designer over at DadWhats4Dinner. He enjoys cooking for family and friends and being creative in the kitchen. He makes ordinary everyday food extraordinary. He lives just north of Cincinnati with his wife of 24 years, three kids and three cats. His kids have well developed palates and his youngest daughter is now working with him on the blog, creating recipes for her own page “Cooking with Ella“. Follow him on: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram.”
Debbie Spivey says
I could face plant into the plate!
michelleoblogoff says
My kids would have a blast helping make this! I love the versatility of using your favorite toppings!
Thanks
Michelle
Megan @ The Many Little Joys says
This looks so yummy, and it would be a perfect project for kids to help with in the kitchen. Plus, it would make a great gift or party favor. Yum!
bunsinmyoven says
The perfect sweet and salty snack! Thanks for linkin’ up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
Quinn Caudill says
Thanks Karla. Have a great week!
Shari says
This looks so wonderful! I am always eyeing the cowboy bark at Trader Joes. I love that sweet/salty thing. I bet the cashews are good on it. Thanks so much for bringing this to Fiesta Friday!
Matt says
I want to devour the plate! My dentist would be less keen on that approach.
Quinn Caudill says
Thanks Matt. It is the dentists worse nightmare.
Jacqueline (PiperCooks) says
This looks wonderful! Salty and sweet snacks are so addictive! Pinning 🙂
Quinn Caudill says
Yes they are! Thanks for sharing.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I need to make this! Pinned – Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner Link up!
sammyapproves says
This looks like it could get addicting! Thanks for joining the Family Joy Link Party!
Quinn Caudill says
It is very addicting. Thanks for stopping by.