Viral Hot Chocolate Bark

Featured in: Sweet Treats

This festive treat combines layers of semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate drizzle, hot cocoa mix, and mini marshmallows to create a rich, textured bark. Crushed peppermint and sprinkles add bright notes and a holiday touch. Preparation involves melting chocolate, spreading it thinly, and layering toppings before setting it firm. The finished pieces offer an indulgent, easy-to-share delight perfect for cozy evenings or gifting.

Bright flavor twists like cinnamon or chili powder can enhance the depth, while the bark pairs perfectly when melted into warm milk for a comforting cocoa beverage. Simple tools and a short cooking time make this an accessible yet impressive winter delight with vibrant textures and festive appeal.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:10:00 GMT
Close-up of decadent Hot Chocolate Bomb Bark, showcasing swirls of white chocolate and marshmallows. Pin
Close-up of decadent Hot Chocolate Bomb Bark, showcasing swirls of white chocolate and marshmallows. | kitchenprairie.com

A fun, festive twist on the viral hot chocolate bomb, this chocolate bark is layered with marshmallows and cocoa mix for an easy, shareable treat, perfect for gifting or cozy winter nights.

I made this bark for a holiday movie night, and everyone loved how each piece became a delicious hot cocoa when dropped in hot milk. It's now a tradition with my friends every winter.

Ingredients

  • Chocolate: 400 g (14 oz) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or in chips, 100 g (3.5 oz) white chocolate, chopped or in chips
  • Cocoa & Marshmallows: 1/2 cup hot cocoa mix (about 4 single-serve packets), 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
  • Toppings (optional): 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, 2 tbsp festive sprinkles

Instructions

Prep Baking Sheet:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt Semi-Sweet Chocolate:
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler) or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
Spread Chocolate:
Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a rectangle about 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) thick.
Add Cocoa Layer:
Evenly sprinkle the hot cocoa mix over the warm chocolate layer.
Add Marshmallows:
Scatter mini marshmallows over the top, gently pressing them in.
Drizzle White Chocolate:
Melt the white chocolate and drizzle over the bark in zigzags.
Add Toppings:
Sprinkle with crushed peppermint and festive sprinkles if desired.
Set Bark:
Let the bark set at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
Break & Serve:
Break or cut into pieces. Package in cellophane bags for gifting or store in an airtight container.
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Making this with my niece always sparks laughter, especially when she gets creative with different toppings and helps break the bark for gift bags.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, heatproof bowls, spatula

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 210, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 29 g, Protein 2 g

Swaps & Variations

Use milk or dark chocolate as the base, and swap toppings for pretzels, nuts, or coconut flakes for your own twist.

Colorful Hot Chocolate Bomb Bark, a festive dessert recipe, with peppermint and sprinkles for gifting. Pin
Colorful Hot Chocolate Bomb Bark, a festive dessert recipe, with peppermint and sprinkles for gifting. | kitchenprairie.com

This bark creates instant fun when stirred into hot milk, making cozy nights a little more special. Share it for easy homemade gifting this season.

Recipe Questions & Answers

β†’ How do I melt chocolate without burning it?

Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to ensure smooth, even melting.

β†’ Can I substitute different chocolates in this bark?

Yes, milk or dark chocolate works well and can be swapped based on your preferred sweetness and intensity.

β†’ What is the best way to store the finished bark?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to keep it firm and fresh for several days.

β†’ How can I add a spicy twist to the bark?

Sprinkle a pinch of chili powder or cinnamon over the melted chocolate before setting for a warm, spicy note.

β†’ What tools are essential for making this bark?

A baking sheet, parchment paper, heatproof bowls for melting, and a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly are recommended.

Viral Hot Chocolate Bark

Layered chocolate bark with marshmallows and cocoa mix offers a fun, shareable treat for chilly evenings.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
5 min
Complete duration
20 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Diet specifications Vegetarian, Without gluten

Components

Chocolate

01 14 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or in chips
02 3.5 oz white chocolate, chopped or in chips

Cocoa & Marshmallows

01 1/2 cup hot cocoa mix (approx. 4 single-serve packets)
02 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Toppings (optional)

01 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
02 2 tbsp festive sprinkles

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Baking Surface: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Melt Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melt semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Phase 03

Spread Chocolate: Pour melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the prepared sheet and spread to form a 1/4-inch thick rectangle.

Phase 04

Add Cocoa Mix: Evenly sprinkle hot cocoa mix over the warm chocolate layer.

Phase 05

Add Marshmallows: Scatter mini marshmallows over the cocoa layer, pressing them gently into the chocolate.

Phase 06

Melt White Chocolate: Melt white chocolate as before, then drizzle it over the bark in zigzag patterns.

Phase 07

Apply Optional Toppings: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and festive sprinkles over the white chocolate drizzle if desired.

Phase 08

Set the Bark: Allow the bark to set at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.

Phase 09

Break and Store: Break or cut the bark into pieces and package in cellophane bags or store in an airtight container.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk and soy; may contain traces of nuts depending on chocolate brand.
  • Marshmallows may contain gelatin; verify packaging for specific allergens.

Nutrient content (each portion)

This data is offered as a general guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Protein: 2 g