Pioneer Woman Halloween Bark Recipe

This crunchy, sweet Pioneer Woman Halloween Bark is made with a graham cracker base, creamy almond bark, and a mountain of festive candy, all ready in under an hour. The most satisfying part is snapping the chilled, candy-studded sheet into jagged, bite-sized shards that look like colorful chaos. I love making this every October because it allows me to use up leftover candy while creating a centerpiece that looks way harder than it actually is.

Why This Version Works

What sets this specific bark recipe apart is the graham cracker foundation. Most barks are just solid chocolate, which can be overly sweet and waxy, but laying down a sheet of graham crackers first adds a toasty, crisp texture that cuts through the rich coating. It also gives the bark more structure, meaning it holds up better in gift bags without melting instantly in your hands.

I learned the hard way that you need to work fast once the almond bark is melted. The first time I made this, I waited too long to add the toppings, and the coating had already started to set, leaving my candy corn and eyes sliding right off. Now, I have all my bowls of candy prepped and open before I even melt the chocolate.

Pioneer Woman Halloween Bark Ingredients

For the Base:

• 16 whole graham crackers (enough to line a standard baking sheet)
• 24 oz white almond bark (or vanilla candy coating)

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup pretzels, broken into pieces
• 1 cup Oreos, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces
• 1/2 cup candy corn
• 2 tbsp Halloween sprinkles (orange, black, and purple)
• Candy eyeballs (optional)

How To Make Pioneer Woman Halloween Bark

1. Prep the Pan: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the whole graham crackers in a single layer, breaking them if necessary to fit the edges so the entire bottom is covered.
2. Melt the Bark: Break the almond bark into squares and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring vigorously between each, until completely smooth and lump-free.
3. Spread the Coating: Pour the melted almond bark directly over the graham crackers. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly all the way to the edges, ensuring every cracker is coated.
4. Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle the broken pretzels, chopped Oreos, Reese’s Pieces, and candy corn over the wet coating. Gently press the larger pieces down with your hand to ensure they stick.
5. Chill and Break: Top with sprinkles and candy eyeballs. Place the baking sheet in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to set, then remove and break the bark into jagged pieces by hand.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overheat: Almond bark burns easily. If you microwave it too long without stirring, it will seize and become clumpy. Stir every 30 seconds faithfully.
• Press It Down: After sprinkling your heavy toppings like pretzels and Oreos, give them a gentle pat with your clean hand. This anchors them into the white chocolate so they don’t fall off when you break the bark later.
• Graham Cracker Fit: Don’t worry if the graham crackers don’t fit perfectly. You can snap them to fill gaps; the melted bark will act as glue and hold everything together once chilled.
• Color Variations: For a “Monster” look, you can swirl in melted green or purple candy melts with a toothpick before adding toppings.

What To Serve With Halloween Bark

This sweet treat pairs perfectly with a salty snack mix or popcorn to balance the sugar overload on a party table. For a drink pairing, serve it alongside hot apple cider or a warm mug of cocoa to cut through the richness of the white chocolate.

How To Store

Store the broken bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can keep it in the fridge, but it is best served at room temperature for the best crunch.

FAQs

• Can I use white chocolate chips instead of almond bark? Yes, but white chocolate chips are softer and melt faster in your hands. You may need to temper them or keep the bark refrigerated if you swap them in.
• Why is my almond bark not melting smoothly? You likely overheated it or got a drop of water in the bowl. Unfortunately, if water gets in, the coating seizes and cannot be fixed; you will need to start fresh with a dry bowl.
• Can I freeze this bark? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving to prevent condensation from making the candy toppings sticky.
• Do I have to use graham crackers? No, you can make this without the base, but the graham crackers provide the signature Pioneer Woman crunch and stability that makes this recipe unique.
• Is almond bark gluten-free? Many brands are gluten-free, but check the package. However, graham crackers and pretzels usually contain gluten, so you would need to use gluten-free versions of those ingredients.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 48g
• Protein: 2g

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Maple Walnut Blondies Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe