Chocolate, Caramel, vegan marshmallows, barley tea & Bacon Bark

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines delightful flavors and textures, you’ve come to the right place! This Chocolate, Caramel, vegan marshmallows, barley tea & Bacon Bark is a dessert that never fails to impress. It’s a perfect balance of rich chocolate, gooey vegan marshmallows infused with barley tea, and a hint of salty crunch from the bacon. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight indulgence or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

What makes this bark so special? It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. You’ll find yourself reaching for just a few simple ingredients to create something truly magical in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this delightful bark ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and salty combination.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This bark can be made in advance, making it perfect for parties or impromptu gatherings.
• Decadent Flavor: The blend of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy bacon creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on your preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple and wholesome ingredients is half the fun! They come together beautifully to create the layers of flavor in this dessert.

For the Base

• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Marshmallow Layer

• 2 cups mini vegan marshmallows
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon barley tea

For the Caramel Layer

• 25 wrapped caramels (unwrapped)

For Topping

• 2 strips of crisply cooked bacon (crumbled)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
• Swap the Sweetener: Use dairy-free chocolate or different types of caramels to suit your taste.
• Try Different Teas: Experiment with herbal teas instead of barley tea for unique flavors.
• Go Fruitful: Add dried fruits like cranberries or cherries between layers for added sweetness.

How to Make Chocolate, Caramel, vegan marshmallows, barley tea & Bacon Bark

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. Creating flaps that hang over the edges will make removing the bark much easier later on!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, heat your semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until they are melted and smooth. Be careful not to scorch them! This melting step is crucial as it forms the delicious base layer of our bark.

Step 3: First Chocolate Layer

Once melted, pour about half of your chocolate into the prepared pan. Smooth it evenly with a silicone spatula and place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes until set.

Step 4: Make Vegan Marshmallows Mixture

While waiting for the chocolate layer to harden, combine mini vegan marshmallows and butter in another microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for about 45 seconds. Stir well and return to microwave if needed. When melted and gooey, add barley tea and mix until smooth and elastic. This layer will give our bark that delightful chewiness.

Step 5: Spread Marshmallow Layer

Working quickly after melting your marshmallows, pour this sticky mixture onto your set chocolate layer. Use that trusty spatula again to spread it evenly.

Step 6: Freeze Again

Return your creation back to the freezer for another 15 minutes so that everything can set properly before we add more layers.

Step 7: Melt Caramels

Place unwrapped caramels into a bowl and heat them up in short bursts—about 45 seconds followed by stirring until smooth. The caramel adds such an indulgent sweetness that complements everything else perfectly!

Step 8: Pour Caramel Over Marshmallow

Quickly pour your melted caramel over the marshmallow layer; spread it evenly before it begins setting!

Step 9: Top with Remaining Chocolate

Pour any remaining melted chocolate over your caramel layer. Smooth it out gently while sprinkling crumbled bacon on top—it adds such an unexpected crunch!

Step 10: Final Freeze

Freeze everything one last time for about 15-30 minutes or until fully set.

Step 11: Cut Into Pieces

When you’re ready to serve, pull on those parchment flaps gently to lift out your bark from the pan. Carefully cut into pieces with a sharp knife.

Step 12: Store Properly

Make sure to keep any leftovers refrigerated since they will soften at room temperature!

Enjoy making this delightful treat! It’s bound to become a cherished recipe you’ll share with friends and family for years to come.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate, Caramel, Vegan Marshmallows, Barley Tea & Bacon Bark

Creating this delectable bark is a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results!

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your chocolate bark heavily depends on the quality of the chocolate chips. Opting for semi-sweet or dark chocolate with minimal additives will enhance the overall taste.
• Work Quickly with Melting Ingredients: When melting vegan marshmallows and caramel, they can set quickly. To ensure a smooth layer, have everything prepped and ready to go before starting the melting process.
• Keep Your Pans Cold: Placing your layers in the freezer helps them set faster and keeps them from mixing together. This way, you’ll maintain distinct layers of chocolate, marshmallow, and caramel.
• Cut While Cold: For clean cuts, make sure your bark is fully set and cold before slicing it into pieces. A sharp knife will help achieve neat edges.
• Store Properly: To maintain freshness and texture, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents the bark from becoming too soft at room temperature.

How to Serve Chocolate, Caramel, Vegan Marshmallows, Barley Tea & Bacon Bark

This delicious bark can be enjoyed in various ways that add to its appeal! Here are some presentation ideas:

Garnishes

• Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the sweet-salty flavor profile of the bark.
• Chopped Nuts: Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts provides an extra crunchy texture that complements the soft marshmallows.
• Drizzle of Nut Butter: A light drizzle of almond or cashew butter over the top before serving can add a creamy richness that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up the decadent bark and provide a burst of freshness with seasonal fruits.
• Vegan Ice Cream: Serve alongside your favorite vegan ice cream for a delightful combination of textures and flavors; think chocolate chip or vanilla bean!
• Tea Infusion: Brewed barley tea or any herbal tea can complement this dessert beautifully. The warm beverage helps balance out the sweetness while enhancing flavors.
• Nutty Granola: A bowl of nutty granola allows for a crunchy contrast when enjoyed alongside pieces of this bark—perfect for breakfast or as a snack!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with this indulgent treat! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chocolate, Caramel, vegan marshmallows, barley tea & Bacon Bark is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand. Here’s how to store and preserve this delightful dessert.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover bark in an airtight container.
• Store it in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and prevent it from softening too much at room temperature.
• Enjoy leftovers within a week for the best taste and freshness.

Freezing

• Wrap the bark tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
• You can freeze it for up to three months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this bark! It’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
• If you prefer a softer texture, let it sit out for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might arise while making or enjoying this recipe.

Can I use different types of chocolate for the Chocolate, Caramel, vegan marshmallows, barley tea & Bacon Bark?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or even white chocolate if that’s your preference. Just ensure they are vegan-friendly options!

How do I make my own vegan marshmallows for the Chocolate, Caramel, vegan marshmallows, barley tea & Bacon Bark?

You can make your own vegan marshmallows using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas), sugar, and agar-agar. There are many recipes available online that guide you through the process!

Can I substitute bacon in this recipe?

Yes! If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, consider using coconut bacon or crumbled roasted nuts for that crunchy texture without the bacon.

How long does it take to set the Chocolate, Caramel, vegan marshmallows, barley tea & Bacon Bark?

The total time required is about an hour with freezing intervals included. Each layer generally takes around 15 minutes to set properly.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate, Caramel, vegan marshmallows, barley tea & Bacon Bark is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that combines flavors in a way that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. I hope you enjoy making this decadent treat as much as I do! Share it with friends or keep it all to yourself—you deserve every bite. Happy baking!