Ritz Cracker Christmas Bark: A Sweet-and-Salty Holiday Treat Everyone Loves

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, foolproof, and perfect for gifting or entertaining. It uses pantry staples, requires minimal effort, and delivers big flavor with a festive look that fits right into the holiday season.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ritz crackers
Create the salty, buttery base that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Butter
Forms the base of the caramel layer and adds rich flavor.

Brown sugar
Melts into a smooth caramel that coats the crackers.

Chocolate chips
Melt into a glossy, rich topping that ties everything together.

White chocolate chips (optional)
Add contrast and extra sweetness for drizzling.

Holiday sprinkles
Provide festive color and crunch.

Crushed peppermint candies (optional)
Add a refreshing holiday twist and extra texture.

Chopped nuts (optional)
Add crunch and depth of flavor.

Directions

Begin by preheating the oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single, tight layer across the pan, covering it completely.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil briefly until thickened and smooth. Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the crackers, spreading gently with a spatula.

Place the pan in the oven and bake until the caramel is bubbling. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer. Let them sit for a minute, then spread into a smooth chocolate layer.

If using white chocolate, drizzle it over the melted chocolate. Finish by sprinkling holiday sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or nuts on top. Allow the bark to cool completely until firm, then break into pieces and serve.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

Serves 12–15
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 55 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for longer storage. This treat does not require reheating. For gifting, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Variations and Customizations

Peppermint Chocolate Bark
Use crushed candy canes for classic holiday flavor.

Dark Chocolate Ritz Bark
Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate for richer taste.

Peanut Butter Bark
Drizzle melted peanut butter over the chocolate layer.

Toffee-Style Bark
Cook the caramel slightly longer for deeper flavor.

Nutty Christmas Bark
Add pecans or almonds for extra crunch.

White Chocolate Lover’s Bark
Use only white chocolate for a sweeter version.

Salted Caramel Bark
Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Red and Green Candy Bark
Use festive candies for extra holiday color.

Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free buttery crackers.

Spiced Holiday Bark
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the caramel layer.

FAQs

Does this bark taste very salty?

No, the saltiness balances the sweetness perfectly.

Can I use other crackers?

Yes, but Ritz crackers provide the best buttery flavor.

Why did my caramel separate?

Stir constantly and avoid overheating.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for making several days in advance.

Should I refrigerate the bark?

Refrigeration helps it set faster but is not required.

Can I freeze Christmas bark?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to two months.

What chocolate works best?

Milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate all work well.

Can kids help make this?

Yes, especially with decorating the topping.

How do I get clean breaks?

Let it fully cool before breaking into pieces.

Is this good for gifting?

Yes, it packages beautifully and travels well.

Conclusion

Ritz Cracker Christmas Bark is the ultimate holiday treat—simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for sharing. With its crunchy cracker base, rich caramel layer, and smooth chocolate topping, it delivers sweet-and-salty perfection in every bite. Whether you’re making it for gifting, parties, or cozy nights at home, this festive bark is guaranteed to become a cherished holiday tradition.

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