An easy white chocolate bark recipe that can be adapted for any holiday or any occasion. Includes a long list of variations that make this recipe so versatile. I also answer the question is white chocolate really chocolate?

white chocolate bark recipe in parchment paper in baking dish

Valentine’s Day.

Some of us love it, and some of us don’t. The lovers will enjoy this recipe, and even if you fall in the category of non-lovers, making this white chocolate bark recipe is an easy thing to do. It makes a great gift, and when you give it away, it will make you smile.

I promise.

Is white chocolate really chocolate?

The answer to that question is “no…not really.” White chocolate ingredients are cocoa butter, milk products, sugar, and sometimes vanilla. It also contains lecithin, which is an emulsifier. You might think that having cocoa butter as an ingredient qualifies it as chocolate…but that’s not the case. Without getting into all the confusing details, cocoa solids must be present in order for chocolate to be really chocolate, and there are no cocoa solids to be found in white chocolate.

Is white chocolate still wonderful? My answer to that is an enthusiastic “yes!”

Ingredient Notes

Any form of white chocolate can be used to make this bark. I like to use 4 oz. bars, but white chocolate chips can also be used. Another option is candy melts or wafers.
Recommended brands of white chocolate: Baker’s, Ghirardelli, and Lindt. I have also used the generic Kroger brand and it worked well.
I used Oreo Thins, but any version of Oreo cookies can be used.
Almond bark can be substituted for the white chocolate. They are not the same thing, but they do the same job. (See the FAQs.)

How to Make

Carefully break 12 to 15 thin Oreo cookies into pieces. Set aside.
Line a 9 x 13 inch microwave safe baking dish with parchment paper.
Place the 16 oz. of white chocolate in the pan.
In one minute increments, heat the chocolate in the microwave, stirring well in between.
The white chocolate should be melted and easily spread to the sides of the pan.
Evenly distribute the oreo pieces on the melted chocolate. Try to avoid crumbs.
Add the M&M’s.
Add sprinkles (if desired.)
With a spatula, gently press the cookies, M&M’s, and sprinkles into the chocolate.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until hardened.
Remove from pan and break into pieces.

TIPS

The easiest way to melt the white chocolate is in the microwave, but it can also be melted in a double boiler on the stove. If you don’t have a 9 x 13 baking dish that is microwave-safe, use a bowl to warm the chocolate, and after it’s melted, simply pour it onto the parchment paper.
The melting time will vary depending on the strength of your microwave, and what form of white chocolate you use. Chips and wafers take less time than bars.
When finished, the white chocolate bark hardens very quickly, especially if it’s placed in the refrigerator.
For a rustic look, simply break the bark into pieces with your hands. For a neater edge, run a chef’s knife under hot water, and score the bark with the knife, and then break into pieces.

Variations

This list of variations is long, and really fun. The toppings for white chocolate bark can be customized for any occasion, and any holiday.

Sweet & salty white chocolate bark add:
- mini pretzels
- salted peanuts
- salted, roasted almonds
- salted mixed nuts
- pistachios
Christmas white chocolate bark add:
- crushed peppermint candies
- red & green M&M’s
- festive sprinkles
- mint oreos
Festive combination for Thanksgiving or Christmas:
- chopped dried cranberries
- roasted chopped walnuts or pecans
- pretzel sticks
Swirled chocolate bark:
- Melt 10 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Do the same with 6 oz. of white chocolate. Pour the dark chocolate into your parchment paper filled baking dish, and spread with a spatula. Lightly drizzle the white chocolate on top of the dark chocolate. Swirl the two chocolates together with a table knife. Cool, harden, and cut.
Layered chocolate bark:
- Melt 8 oz. of semi sweet, milk, or dark chocolate in the parchment paper filled baking dish. Refrigerate to harden. In a separate bowl, melt 8 oz. of white chocolate. Pour the white chocolate over the dark chocolate in the pan, and spread to the edges. Add toppings of your choice.
Rocky Road bark:
- sliced or chopped almWhite Chocolate Peppermint Barksliced or chopped almonds
- mini marshmallows
White Chocolate Peppermint Bark: stir crushed hard peppermint candy and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the melted chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Make sure that the white chocolate is pure, and that the package says it’s gluten free. Substitute gluten free Oreo cookies for the regular variety.

Store this white chocolate bark in an airtight container at room temperature, or it can be placed in the refrigerator.

No. Almond bark is a mix of vegetable fats and sugar, with flavoring and coloring thrown in. It works well for dipping because it melts nicely and hardens quickly. Almond bark and white chocolate are interchangeable.

white chocolate bark in cellophane bag with valentines tag

This white chocolate bark makes the perfect sweet treat for someone special. Just five pieces packaged in a cellophane bag, with a festive tag attached, will definitely make your friends and family happy! Even if you don’t normally celebrate Valentine’s Day, these white chocolate bark treats are such an easy task, and I guarantee you will feel happy too.

Valentine’s Day Gift Tags

Get the free printable Valentine’s Day gift tags pictured with the treat bags by filling out the short form below. Enjoy!

SHOP + SOURCE

Click the links below to be taken directly to the product listing. Every effort has been made to provide sources for the items found in this post. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.

*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

9 x 13 Pyrex baking dish
parchment paper
red spatula
white chocolate bars
Valentine’s M&M’s
heart sprinkles
clear cellophane bags
red & white twine
pink & white twine
red plaid towel (similar)

DON’T FORGET TO sAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

Related Valentine’s Desserts