Do you remember those wacky Garbage Pail Kids? I have a confession – they kind of freaked me out when I was a kid. It was 1985, I was all about Cabbage Patch Kids, and the Garbage Pail Kids felt…threatening. Now, of course, I appreciate their dark humor.
For years, I’ve wanted to make a “Garbage Pail Brittle” for Halloween, something that captures that chaotic spirit. I envisioned a brittle packed with pretzels, potato chips, and Rice Krispies—all that salty, crunchy goodness playing off the sweet caramel and chocolate. This Halloween Crack Bark Candy is the delicious result!
Why You’ll Love This Halloween Treat
This Halloween Crack Bark Candy isn’t your average brittle. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors—salty, sweet, crunchy, and smooth all at once. The pretzel base gives it a satisfying snap, while the peanuts add a nutty richness. And let’s not forget the smooth dark chocolate topping that brings everything together. It’s the perfect festive treat that’s easy to make and even easier to devour!
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Halloween Crack Bark Candy
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 20-24 pieces
Description
This Halloween Crack Bark Candy is a symphony of salty, sweet, crunchy, and smooth. A pretzel base gives a satisfying snap, peanuts add richness, and the dark chocolate topping brings it all together. It’s easy to make and dangerously addictive!
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or golden syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup broken-up chunks of thin salted pretzels
- 3/4 cup roasted salted peanuts
- 3/4 to 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prep the pan and ingredients: Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients.
- Cook the sugar mixture: Combine sugar, corn syrup (or golden syrup), and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until it reaches 300-305°F (149-152°C).
- Add butter, baking soda, and mix-ins: Remove from heat and stir in butter, baking soda, peanuts, and pretzels.
- Spread and top with chocolate: Pour mixture onto the prepared pan, spread thinly, and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
- Spread chocolate and cool: After 5 minutes, spread the melted chocolate evenly and freeze for 20 minutes.
- Break and enjoy: Break the cooled bark into pieces.
Notes
This brittle is incredibly versatile. Experiment with different types of nuts or seeds, or try adding dried fruit or spices. For a festive touch, consider adding colorful sprinkles or drizzling melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate. Remember to work quickly when spreading the brittle, as it sets fast.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this addictive Halloween Crack Bark Candy:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or golden syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup broken-up chunks of thin salted pretzels
- 3/4 cup roasted salted peanuts
- 3/4 to 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Ingredients
Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper. Having a nonstick baking mat is helpful too. Get all your ingredients measured out and ready to go—this recipe moves fast!
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup (or golden syrup), and water. Stir just until the sugar is moistened. Clip on a candy thermometer and cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 300-305°F (149-152°C). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water; it should separate into hard, brittle threads.
Step 3: Add the Butter, Baking Soda, and Mix-Ins
Remove the sugar mixture from the heat and quickly stir in the butter until it melts. Then, add the baking soda, peanuts, and pretzels, stirring until everything is well-coated.
Step 4: Spread and Top with Chocolate
Quickly pour the mixture onto your prepared pan. Use a spatula or two forks to spread it as thin as possible—work quickly! Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot brittle and let it rest for about 5 minutes to soften.
Step 5: Spread the Chocolate and Cool
Once the chocolate chips are soft, spread them evenly over the brittle using a spatula. For quick cooling (because who wants to wait?), pop the pan into the freezer for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Break and Enjoy!
Once the chocolate is firm and the brittle is cold, it’s time to break it into pieces. Lift sections onto the rim of the baking sheet and use something heavy (like a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan) to break it into chunks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Smart Tips & Tricks
- For a nut-free version, simply replace the peanuts with more pretzels. You can find other great nut-free recipes on our Desserts page.
- While I haven’t tried it myself, you could experiment with replacing the water with up to 1/2 cup of beer for a more grown-up flavor.
- Avoid breaking the brittle with your hands—the warmth can melt the chocolate and make a mess.
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped candied ginger to the brittle mixture for a warm, spicy twist.
- Festive Sprinkles: Sprinkle holiday-themed sprinkles over the melted chocolate before it sets for an extra touch of fun.
- Sweet and Salty: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate for a beautiful contrast and an added layer of sweetness. Check out some other great dessert ideas on our Dessert page!
What kind of chocolate do you use for Christmas crack?
While this recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for Christmas crack. Feel free to get creative and try different combinations!
What is the best candy to give out during Halloween?
The best Halloween candy is a matter of personal preference, but popular choices include chocolate bars, gummy candies, and anything with a festive Halloween theme.
How to make Halloween chocolate bark?
Making Halloween chocolate bark is super easy! Simply melt your favorite chocolate, spread it thinly on a baking sheet, and decorate with Halloween-themed candies and sprinkles. Let it set, then break into pieces.
How to check Halloween candy for drugs?
While tampering with Halloween candy is rare, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Carefully inspect each piece of candy for any signs of tampering, such as tears in the packaging or unusual appearance. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to Serve
This Halloween Crack Bark Candy is perfect for parties, spooky movie nights, or simply as an after-dinner treat. Serve it on a festive platter or package it in individual treat bags for a fun and easy Halloween giveaway. Check out our other party ideas for even more inspiration, like these amazing pumpkin spice cookies.
That’s a Wrap
This Halloween Crack Bark Candy is dangerously addictive—you’ve been warned! But it’s also incredibly easy to make and perfect for sharing. So gather your ingredients, get cracking (literally!), and enjoy this spooky sweet treat. Don’t forget to check out our other recipes for more delicious inspiration, like this fantastic chocolate cake.
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