Chocolate Malt Bark is such an easy holiday dessert recipe with only 4 ingredients!
It’s interesting to me how the most random memories stick with us forever, while others go to some mystery vault in the back of our brains. I couldn’t tell you about most of my 5th grade experience, but I distinctly remember it being the first time I tried malted milk balls. For some reason, that moment stands out as if it were some kind of defining life experience. It’s so random when I think about it. I mean, I have zero recollection of trying Butterfingers for the first time.
I was in science class. The purpose of the lesson? Beats me. Teacher’s name? No idea. I remember she had fabulous late 80s/early 90s bangs. I do remember that as part of her lesson, she gave us each a few malted milk balls and said to let the candy slowly dissolve in our mouths instead of biting into them. We were supposed to pay attention to the changes happening and describe them to her.
It was a smart way to keep our attention, teacher with big bangs. I was like, “I LOVE SCIENCE!” What do you think the purpose of the lesson was? I’m not really sure; that was probably the last time I paid attention in science class (kidding).
Surprisingly, this is the first time I’ve ever made chocolate bark. Chocolate + malt has been a favorite dessert combination of mine for awhile now, one that I’ve used in several recipes such as these truffles and this layer cake. This is the easiest recipe I’ve creating using this flavor combo. It has only 4 ingredients. It can be cut down to 3 ingredients if you omit the malted milk powder, but I like adding it to enhance the flavor of the candy. That’s up to you. This is a great candy to serve at holiday parties.
Chocolate Malt Bark
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- optional: 1/4 cup malted milk powder, see note
- 1 1/2 cups malted milk balls, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat. Set aside.
- Place the bittersweet and semisweet chocolate in a large heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir frequently until the chocolate has completely melted, then remove from the heat.
- If using, slowly stir in the malted milk powder. Once added, stir vigorously for approximately 30 seconds to remove any lumps and dissolve the powder.
- Allow the chocolate to sit for 5 minutes, stirring periodically, so it thickens back up just slightly. Pour the chocolate slowly onto the parchment paper, and spread to approximately 9x10 inches. Sprinkle the chopped malted milk balls on top.
- Allow the chocolate to set for 60-90 minutes (you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to speed up the process).
- Carefully peel the parchment paper away from the chocolate bark and place it on a large cutting board. Cut into individual servings. Store in an airtight container for up for 2 weeks.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Malted milk balls are my husband’s favorite candy–He’d spend summers on his grandparents’ farm, and his grandpa always had them around. If we go to the movies and get our own bags of candy, that’s what he always goes for. He’d absolutely love this candy bark.
I’m forever intrigued by the very same thing. Why do I remember some things and not others? Some have associations with movies, music and food. Those are my favorite. :) I am somewhat afraid of making any kind of bark. I have no idea why. Your site your posts however endless inspiration on what to try next. <3
Nothing sounds better to me today. Amazing photos too:)
Gorgeous! Love the action shots and the bark sounds delicious :)
The malt in here is the dang best!! Love this!
If I had malted milk balls left over from Halloween, I would make this right now!
Isn’t it funny how we remember some first tastes?! Love this bark and the malt flavours!
Bark is such a great thing to make because it’s easy, versatile and always a hit. Memories are very weird. Most of mine from school are bad. I can tell you something terrible about each year from kindergarten to high school. Instead of doing that, I do remember the first time I had coconut. Before I was allergic to chocolate I tried a Mounds at my Granny’s house thinking it was like all other candies. I hated it. I was like what is this terrible impostor candy??? Of course now I love coconut.
Seriously? You are making it really hard for me to stay away from sugar, lady! Gorgeous!!! And those malted milk balls are one of favorite guilty pleasures…looking forward to trying these!
Now this is a bark I can get behind. Love easy treats like this for holiday parties.
I’m with you on random memories – weird what sticks! Love this-naturally I would, malt balls are a favorite of mine.
oh my gawd, I love malted milk balls!!! LOVE that you made chocolate malt bark!!! Beautiful and delicious!
Oh my gosh!! These are just stunning!
GAH! Your photos slay me. I definitely want a piece or two of this bark!
Your photos are so dreamy, and I love the deep dark moody look of the bark.