Leprechaun bark is the perfect candy treat to make for St Patrick’s Day! The microwave does all the hard work for you, making this a simple dessert recipe.
1Cupgreen candy melts(such as Wilton dark green color)
¼Cupgreen chocolate candies(such as M&Ms)
2Tbspgold sprinkles or coarse sanding sugar
1Tbspgold candy pearls
Instructions
Line a baking sheet (or similar) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
Add white chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl, and the green candy melts to a second microwave safe bowl
1 Pound white chocolate, 1 Cup green candy melts
Cook white chocolate on high for 1 minute and stir. Add additional time in 15 second increments if needed, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth (mine took about 1 minute 30 seconds total in a 1000W microwave)
Pour the white chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and smooth it out with a spatula so that it’s even (I try for about ¼” thick, but it doesn’t need to be precise)
Working quickly (so the white chocolate doesn’t set up), melt the candy melts per package directions (mine recommended 1 minute on the defrost setting or 50% power, but it took 2 minutes in total for me) and stir until smooth. Pour on top of the still-wet white chocolate
Use a butter knife, toothpick, or skewer to create a marbled design with the two chocolates
Add the candies and sprinkles, distributing them relatively evenly, and give them a gentle press to help them adhere into the chocolate
¼ Cup green chocolate candies, 2 Tbsp gold sprinkles or coarse sanding sugar, 1 Tbsp gold candy pearls
Refrigerate until completely set (generally about 1 hour)
Break into pieces using a rolling pin, mallet, a sharp knife, or even just your hands, and enjoy!
Notes
You can use milk, dark, or semi sweet in place of the white chocolate (though it will change the overall look). I use chips because they’re easy to melt, but any type of melting chocolate is fine (wafers, chopped up bars, etc)
If you don’t want to do colored candy melt swirl on top, add some green food coloring to the white chocolate before pouring it out to set (or do both!)
The sprinkles and candies are all swappable and adjustable to taste. Use whatever you like or your local store happens to have (or you can order from online retailers too!). Other fun options include: marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal, rainbow gummy candies, Skittles, Andes mint candies (chopped), crushed Oreos, or any other gold, green, or rainbow candies you like
I choose not to add flavoring to mine, but if you want, add ½ tsp extract to the melted chocolate before pouring. Peppermint extract is a popular choice, especially when paired with mint candies (but you can use your favorite)!
If your chocolate begins to set before you add the colored melts or decorations, you can pop it in the oven at 200°F for a few minutes to heat it back up (but I generally don’t have any issues as long as you don’t get completely sidetracked during the process)
I made this recipe using a 1000W microwave. If you have a higher or lower wattage, your cooking times may vary slightly. Just make sure to stir the chocolate regularly and keep additional time to small increments!
Store leprechaun bark in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for 2-3 days. For longer term storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week
Bark gifts well, so feel free to add pieces to cello bags with St Patrick’s themed ribbon, in a festive tin, or similar container for gifting!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, decorations added, size of pieces, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only