No, Mr Grinch, it’s not just because you’re green that this Grinch bark is so delicious! Grinch bark is one of my favorite holiday treats because it’s easy to make, requiring only a microwave and 4 ingredients, but there are lots of additional ways to customize too!
What is Grinch Bark?
Grinch bark is a festive holiday sweet treat inspired by the popular (it has an amazing 100% critic score) Christmas character from How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
This Christmas bark is made of a layer of white chocolate topped with another layer of colored candy melts or chocolate that is dyed green.
Decorate the top with red heart sprinkles, along with some green regular sprinkles or green M&Ms candy. Of course, you can customize it with other toppings as you like too!
Grinch desserts like this Christmas bark capture his signature green color and whimsical holiday theme. Since you only need a microwave to make it (and it can be made in advance), plus a few simple ingredients, this chocolate bark is an easy addition to Christmas parties!
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Grinch Bark Ingredients
- Two 11-oz bags white chocolate chips (or white candy melt wafers)
- Neon green food coloring (about 32 drops)
- Yellow food coloring (about 16 drops)
- Green Christmas sprinkles (you can get a green sprinkle mix that also has hearts)
- Red heart shaped sprinkles
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Instead of the second bag of white chocolate, you can swap in vibrant green candy melts if you can find them (or want to order them online) and then you don’t need to mess with food coloring
- You can also use a different chocolate as the base layer instead of white if you like, but I think it looks best with white overall (otherwise I get Andes mint vibes from it)!
- Plus if you have leftover white candy melts, you can use them to make my patriotic Fourth of July Bark!
- Use any green sprinkles you like (or a mix of various shapes and colors, preferably a green mix). Some mixes have hearts in them, so you could combine two into one!
- Another good addition would be green (and/or a few red) M&Ms candies, or some crushed up candy canes if you want to add a minty twist!
Instructions For How to Make Grinch Bark
- Line a cookie sheet or similar with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- Add one bag of white chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. If you use white candy melts, follow the package directions, as they may differ
- Pour the white melted candy onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, and smooth it into a thin, even layer with a spatula
- Repeat the same melting process with the second bag of white chocolate chips. Once melted, stir in about 32 drops of neon green food coloring and 12 drops of yellow, and mix until well blended (or just substitute your melted green candy melts). Work in smaller amounts of color progressively and adjust until you get a shade you like, as different brands of chocolate and coloring may yield different results
- Pour the green chocolate over top of the white, smoothing it evenly over the top. If your chocolate gets too thick with the coloring in it, you can add about 1 tsp coconut oil to smooth it back out
- While the chocolate is still wet, add sprinkles and some red candy hearts across the top as desired (I don’t really measure, just throw them on until I like the look)
- Place the pan in the fridge for at least an hour, or until set (the freezer for about 30 minutes works, or you can leave it at room temperature for 2-3 hours, depending on humidity)
- Break into pieces using your hands, a sharp knife, or similar, and enjoy!
- Reindeer Bark
- Mint Chocolate Bark
What to Serve With Grinch Bark
Grinch bark is a sweet and festive treat that pairs well with a variety of Grinch and Christmas-themed snacks and beverages. Here are some of my favorite pairing suggestions:
Hot Chocolate or Eggnog
Serve Grinch bark alongside hot chocolate or eggnog for a cozy and sweet combination. The creamy drinks complement the sweetness of the bark, and you can even garnish the drinks with crushed candy cane for a festive touch!
To really go all in on the Grinch theme, make my Grinch Hot Chocolate to serve with your bark!
Christmas Cookies
Pair Grinch bark with a variety of Christmas cookies, such as sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or shortbread cookies. This adds a nice contrast in texture and flavor, so you can fill up your cookie tray or dessert platter with lots of different goodies!
My Air Fryer Sugar Cookies, Air Fryer Gingerbread, or Air Fryer Shortbread are some great options!
Popcorn Mix
Create a holiday snack mix by combining Grinch bark with popcorn, pretzels, and red and green M&Ms. The sweet and salty mix is a hit at parties and movie nights!
You could also do a similar crunchy and sweet snack mix like my Christmas Puppy Chow, and customize it with Grinch-themed add-ins!
Fruit Platter
For a lighter option, serve Grinch bark with a fruit platter featuring strawberries, green grapes, and apple slices. The fresh fruit can help balance the sweetness of the bark!
Festive Drinks
Grinch bark pairs well with festive cocktails like a Cranberry Mimosa or Grinch Mimosa, Christmas Punch like my White Christmas Punch, or a more themed drink like Grinch Punch!
The vibrant colors and flavors complement the look and taste of the bark!
Cheese Board
Add a twist by including Grinch bark on a holiday cheese board! The sweet and salty combination of cheese, crackers, nuts, and bark can be a fun and delicious pairing.
Recipe FAQs
How Do I Make Grinch Bark Green?
To achieve the signature green color of Grinch bark, you can use neon green food coloring mixed into melted white chocolate or candy melts. Gel food coloring works best as it doesn’t alter the texture of the chocolate.
Alternatively, you can purchase vibrant green colored candy melts, which are already correctly colored. If using those, simply melt and pour!
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead Of White Chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark or milk chocolate, but only on the base layer or it will not give the bright green color typically associated with Grinch bark.
Make sure to add the green layer of chocolate on top, and add green sprinkles or other green decorations to keep the festive theme!
How Long Does It Take For Grinch Bark To Set?
Grinch bark usually takes about 60 minutes to set at room temperature, though temperature and humidity can play a factor in exactly how long it takes.
If you are in a hurry, you can place it in the refrigerator or freezer for quicker setting.
Can I Make Grinch Bark Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Grinch bark can be made up to a week in advance.
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain freshness until you’re ready to serve it.
What Toppings Can I Use For Grinch Bark?
Popular toppings include red heart sprinkles, crushed candy canes, holiday-themed sprinkles, or red and green M&Ms.
You can get creative with the toppings to match your holiday theme!
Is Grinch Bark Suitable For Kids?
Yes, Grinch bark is a kid-friendly treat that’s easy to make and fun for children to help decorate.
It’s also great for holiday parties and gift giving!
Can I Make Grinch Bark Vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of Grinch bark by using dairy-free white chocolate and ensuring that all toppings are vegan-friendly. Look for plant-based candy melts and sprinkles.
It should be naturally gluten free as well, though make sure your ingredients are certified gluten free, including your chosen decorations.
Recipe Pro Tips
- The trickiest part of the whole Grinch bark recipe is getting the green color just right. Just add a few drops at a time, stir well, and repeat until you get a shade you’re happy with – there’s no wrong color if you like it!
Storage Tips
- Store Christmas Grinch bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks!
- You can tell if chocolate has gone bad if it gets dull, develops white or grayish streaks known as bloom, and smells or tastes sour or otherwise “off”
- Grinch Oreo Balls
Final Thoughts
This Grinch chocolate bark is such an easy recipe to make, but it’s equally fun and delicious to enjoy! Both kids and adults love it, and it looks great on your cookie tray alongside other holiday favorites.
Candy bark is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet cravings this Christmas season, since it takes just a few minutes to put together, is highly customizable, and it’s tasty too.
Whip up a batch for Grinch movie night, or any time you’re entertaining this holiday season!
Easy Christmas Grinch Bark Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet (or similar)
- Parchment paper (or silicone baking mat)
- Spatula (or spoon)
Ingredients
- 2 11-ounce bags white chocolate chips or candy melts (or one bag white, one bag vibrant green – see notes)
- 32 drops neon green food coloring (omit if using green chocolate)
- 16 drops yellow food coloring (omit if using green chocolate)
- 3 Tbsp green Christmas sprinkles (amount approximate)
- 12 red heart-shaped sprinkles (or get a Christmas mix with hearts in it)
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet or similar with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- Add one bag of white chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. If you use white candy melts, follow the package directions, as they may differ2 11-ounce bags white chocolate chips or candy melts
- Pour the white melted candy onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, and smooth it into a thin, even layer with a spatula
- Repeat the same melting process with the second bag of white chocolate chips. Once melted, stir in about 32 drops of neon green food coloring and 12 drops of yellow, and mix until well blended (or just substitute your melted green candy melts). Work in smaller amounts of color progressively and adjust until you get a shade you like, as different brands of chocolate and coloring may yield different results32 drops neon green food coloring, 16 drops yellow food coloring
- Pour the green chocolate over top of the white, smoothing it evenly over the top. If your chocolate gets too thick with the coloring in it, you can add about 1 tsp warmed coconut oil to smooth it back out
- While the chocolate is still wet, add sprinkles and some red candy hearts across the top as desired (I don’t really measure, just throw them on until I like the look)3 Tbsp green Christmas sprinkles, 12 red heart-shaped sprinkles
- Place the pan in the fridge for at least an hour, or until set (the freezer for about 30 minutes works, or you can leave it at room temperature for 2-3 hours, depending on humidity)
- Break into pieces using your hands, a sharp knife, or similar, and enjoy!
Notes
- Instead of the second bag of white chocolate, you can swap in vibrant green colored candy melts if you can find them (or want to order them online) and then you don’t need to mess with food coloring
- You can also use a different chocolate as the base layer instead of white if you like, but I think it looks best with white overall (otherwise I get Andes mint vibes from it)!
- Use any green sprinkles you like (or a mix of various shapes and colors, preferably a green mix). Some mixes have hearts in them, so you could combine two into one!
- Another good addition would be green (and/or a few red) M&Ms candies, or some crushed up candy canes if you want to add a minty twist!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, decorative toppings added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
