Description
The Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Whiskey & Bacon Bark is a gourmet treat blending rich dark chocolate, gooey caramel infused with whiskey, fluffy mini marshmallows, and crispy bacon bits, topped with sea salt flakes. This unique bark offers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and boozy flavors combined with delightful crunchy and chewy textures, ideal for festive gatherings, gifting, or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz high-quality dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon whiskey (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (about 4–5 strips of bacon)
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
Optional Variations
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans or almonds (for nutty twist)
- Pinch of cayenne or chili powder (for a spicy kick)
- Vanilla extract or coffee instead of whiskey (for alcohol-free version)
- Dairy-free chocolate, caramel, marshmallows, and smoked tempeh instead of bacon (for vegan version)
- 1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries (for fruity bursts)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Cook the bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into small bits. Measure out chocolate, caramel sauce, whiskey, and mini marshmallows so everything is ready for assembly.
- Melt the Chocolate: Gently melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to achieve a smooth, glossy texture without scorching.
- Mix Whiskey into Caramel: Warm the caramel sauce slightly and stir in the whiskey thoroughly to create a boozy caramel layer that adds depth to the bark.
- Layer the Bark: Pour half of the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread evenly. Drizzle the whiskey-caramel mixture over the chocolate layer. Sprinkle mini marshmallows and bacon bits evenly on top. Cover partially by drizzling or spreading the remaining melted chocolate over the toppings.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle sea salt flakes evenly over the top to enhance the flavor contrast. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the bark is firm.
- Break and Serve: Once set, remove the bark from the baking sheet and break into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a sharp knife. Serve immediately or store properly for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate and fresh bacon for best flavor and texture.
- Melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently to prevent graininess.
- Distribute bacon bits evenly for a smoky bite in every piece.
- Refrigerate thoroughly to ensure the bark hardens properly and flavors meld.
- Adjust the amount of sea salt flakes to enhance or soften flavor contrasts as preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (bacon cooking + chocolate melting)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1 oz)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: chocolate bark, caramel bark, whiskey bark, bacon bark, marshmallow bark, sweet and smoky snack, gourmet bark, homemade gift, gluten free dessert
