People always crack a smile when they break open a package of homemade bark or brittle. Make these chocolaty, nutty, candy-studded recipes and you'll be everyone's favorite gift-giver this Christmas.
25 Barks & Brittles for Extra-Happy Holidays
Updated on Aug. 26, 2024
1/25
Grandma’s Peanut Brittle
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever my grandmother was in the kitchen, everything had to be “just so” to guarantee her time-tested results. Watching her make this peanut brittle is one of my favorite memories, and I’m glad I can pass on this delicious recipe. —Karen Grenzow, Sumas, Washington
2/25
Saltine Cracker Candy with Toasted Pecans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids and grandchildren love this saltine cracker candy recipe. The neighbor kids rush right over when they find out I have them. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
3/25
Oreos and Candy Cane Chocolate Bark
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 lbs
From the Recipe Creator:
There are incredible surprises in this festive bark, including dark chocolate, candy canes and cream-filled cookies. We keep a big supply ready for gift-giving. —Robin Turner, Lake Elsinore, California
4/25
Cinnamon Almond Brittle
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
It simply wouldn't be Christmas at our house without this old-time favorite twist on peanut brittle. No one believes how easy it is to make! —Lynette Kleinschmidt, Litchfield, Minnesota
5/25
Peanut Pretzel Toffee Bark
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
My toffee has been a traditional must-make treat for my family and friends for over 40 years. My Dad taught me to make great fudge from scratch but my toffee was his favorite candy and each time I make it, I think of him. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
6/25
Pistachio Cranberry Bark
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 1 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
I picked up this bark recipe at a Christmas sweets swap hosted by a woman in my Bible study group. My family, friends and I think it's just divine. Even my dad, who's not big on candy, loves it. —Susan Wacek, Pleasanton, California
7/25
White Chocolate Bark
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 pounds (64 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This speedy candy recipe can be varied depending on the type of fruit or nuts you have on hand. Since we have a walnut tree, I use walnuts, but pecans could also be substituted, as well as dried cherries in place of the cranberries. —Marcia Snyder, Grand Junction, Colorado
8/25
Cashew Brittle
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3/4 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
I like this quick and easy recipe because it doesn't require a candy thermometer. It also makes a wonderful gift for nut lovers on your list. —Rhonda Glenn, Prince Frederick, Maryland
9/25
Chocolate, Peanut & Pretzel Toffee Crisps
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
My "crispers" are the ultimate combination of salty and sweet. They never last long because—trust me—they're addictive! Make the recipe the way it's written or sprinkle on any treats you like. —Jennifer Butka, Livonia, Michigan
10/25
Christmas Crunch Candy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Treat family and friends to a yummy brittle for the holidays. Made with cashews and Rice Krispies, it's loaded with crispy-crunchy goodness. —Amanda McLemore, Maryville, Tennessee
11/25
Saltine Toffee
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves these salty-sweet treasures—their flavor is simply irresistible. The bark is like brittle, but better. Get ready for a new family favorite! —Laura Cox, Brewster, Massachusetts
12/25
Rich Pistachio Brittle
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fun twist on traditional brittle. Pistachios not only add wonderful taste to the rich, buttery candy, but delicious texture. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
13/25
Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee
Total Time
40 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
I don't live in the country, but I love everything about it—especially good old-fashioned home cooking! Every year, you'll find me at our county fair, entering a different contest. This easy toffee recipe is a family favorite. —Kathy Dorman, Snover, Michigan
14/25
Spiced Rum-Nut Brittle
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 1 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
Seasoned with cayenne pepper and cinnamon, this spicy microwave brittle packs its own heat and warms up holiday visitors. It also makes a superb stocking stuffer! —Terri McKitrick, Delafield, Wisconsin
15/25
Pretzel Bark Candy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
I usually make this pretzel candy as a gift, but it's also fun to share at office parties. The recipe makes a big batch and stores well. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
16/25
Matzo Toffee
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you start eating matzo toffee, you may not be able to stop! Matzo crackers are topped with buttery caramel, chocolate and slivered almonds and then baked to perfection. —Sharalyn Zander, Jacksonville, Alabama
17/25
Lime-in-the-Coconut Almond Bark
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 1 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the combination of flavors in this tropical treat, and it takes mere minutes to make. If you need something for a school or church bake sale, this will get you out of the kitchen in a flash. —Julie Beckwith, Crete, Illinois
18/25
Old-Time Butter Crunch Candy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Both my children and my grandchildren say the season wouldn't be the same without the big tray of candies and cookies I prepare. This one's the most popular part of that collection. We love the nutty pieces draped in chocolate. —Mildred Duffy, Bella Vista, Arkansas
19/25
Cinnamon Hard Candy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother taught me how to make rock candy with this hard cinnamon candy. Now I fix it for my own family and to give as gifts at Christmas. —Marganne Winter Oxley, Klamath Falls, Oregon
20/25
Nut Fruit Bark
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a sophisticated version of fruit bark. Dark chocolate turns into a rich mocha flavor with the espresso powder. If you're a fan of sweet-salty tidbits, make sure to use the sea salt. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
21/25
Chocolate Pomegranate Candies
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 1/2 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe pairs white and dark chocolate with whole, natural ingredients for an unbelievably delicious treat! These candies are perfect to give as a gift for Christmas. —Kelly Zdrowak, Orchard Park, New York
22/25
Aloha Brittle
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 pound (16 servings)
From the Recipe Creator:
A vacation to Hawaii inspired me to create this mouthwatering brittle. Coconuts, macadamia nuts and pecans make my tropical-tasting recipe deliciously different.
23/25
Cranberry Butter Crunch Bark
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
One Christmas I dreamed this recipe up when making butter crunch toffee. It is an addictive treat that disappears fast.—Heather Ferris, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
24/25
Chocolate Almond Brittle
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 1 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
Here in Kern County, there are thousands of acres of almond orchards. I like to experiment with recipes—always trying to come up with something new. This candy is the result of altering, adding and a lot of taste testing (somebody had to do it!). I think it turned out rather well. —Pat Parsons, Bakersfield, California
25/25
Chocolate-Covered Almond Butter Brickle
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 1-3/4 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
I love a soft brittle because the texture is wonderful and different. The flavors in this one remind me of a favorite candy bar. —JoAnn Belack, Bradenton, Florida
