This fun Christmas bark is a tasty treat made with crispy rice cereal and chocolate. It’s sweet, crunchy, and packed with protein to keep you energized!
Making it is a blast! Just melt the chocolate, mix it all together, and spread it out. I love to break it into pieces and share with friends. Perfect for holiday snacking! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crispy Rice Cereal: This gives the bark its delightful crunch. You can also use puffed rice or even oatmeal for a different texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, check that your choice is labeled as such!
White Chocolate Chips: They add a sweet and creamy element. If you prefer, use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor a bit, but it’s delicious either way!
Protein Powder: Use vanilla for flavor, but unflavored works too. If you’re vegan, choose a plant-based protein. I personally like pea or brown rice protein for their mild taste.
Nuts: Chopped pistachios or pecans provide a lovely crunch. Feel free to swap them for almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds if you’re nut-free.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: They add color and a slight tang. You can replace them with freeze-dried raspberries or cherries. If you don’t have those, consider using fresh chopped strawberries, but they should be mixed in right before serving.
How Do I Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
Melting chocolate can be tricky! The goal is to get it smooth without scorching it. Follow these simple steps:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl to avoid any reactions from metal.
- Heat the chocolate in 30-second bursts. Stir in between until smooth.
- Once melted, let it sit for a minute before using. It might seem chunky, but it will continue to melt with stirring!
This method helps ensure your chocolate is perfectly melted, making it easy to coat the cereal. Enjoy your delicious bark!
Crispy Protein Christmas Bark
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or white candy melts
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder (whey or plant-based)
Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pistachios or pecans)
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
- Red and green Christmas sprinkles, as desired
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then requires a chill time of at least 1 hour to set. So in total, make sure to set aside just over 1 hour. Perfect for prepping ahead of a holiday gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Baking Sheet:
Start by lining a baking sheet or a large tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the bark from sticking and make it easy to remove later. Set it aside for now.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, protein powder, and salt. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix them together until everything is well combined. This helps the protein powder mix nicely with the cereal!
3. Melt the Chocolate:
Next, melt your white chocolate chips or candy melts. Put them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir until it’s smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat it!
4. Coat the Cereal:
Once your chocolate is melted, pour it over the cereal mixture. Quickly fold everything together using a spatula. Make sure all the cereal pieces are coated with the chocolate mixture—this is what makes it delicious!
5. Spread the Mixture:
Transfer the coated cereal mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Use the spatula to spread it out evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness. Try to get it nice and flat!
6. Add Toppings:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Sprinkle the chopped nuts, freeze-dried strawberries, mini chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, and Christmas sprinkles evenly over the top. Gently press them in with your hands to help them stick.
7. Chill It Down:
Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This is crucial for the bark to set properly and hold its shape.
8. Break Into Pieces:
After it’s fully set, take it out of the fridge and break the bark into irregular pieces. You can use your hands or a knife if you prefer more uniform pieces.
9. Store and Enjoy:
Store your crispy protein Christmas bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2 weeks—if it lasts that long! Enjoy sharing this delightful bark with friends and family during the holidays.
Happy snacking, and enjoy your festive, crunchy, protein-packed Christmas bark! 🎄✨
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! While white chocolate is traditional for this recipe, you can substitute with milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer. Just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Bark?
Store any leftover bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your bark by adding dried fruits, seeds, or even different types of nuts. Just remember to keep the total volume similar so that it doesn’t affect the texture. Enjoy experimenting!
How Do I Make the Bark Gluten-Free?
To ensure your bark is gluten-free, just check that your crispy rice cereal is labeled as gluten-free. Most brands are, but it’s always good to double-check!