Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark has honestly saved me more times than I can count. Anyone else ever get that late-night sugar craving where nothing in the pantry hits quite right? I used to grab a handful of random snacks but always left feeling disappointed. One night, I wanted something actually satisfying but not a full-on baking project. That’s when I tried my hand at this easy, impossible-to-mess-up treat. Let me just tell you, it’s become my go-to fix (and straight-up crowd-pleaser at every holiday gathering). If you’re hunting for a quick win dessert that tastes like magic and looks way fancier than it is, hang tight. Let’s jump right into the details.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark
Making Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark is kind of my favorite lazy-day hack. You don’t need anything fancy. Grab a big ol’ bar of good dark chocolate (yes, the kind you actually like eating), and some creamy peanut butter. I sometimes use the cheap store-brand and it comes out perfect. Toss in some sea salt if you’re extra like me.
Melt the chocolate. Microwave works, just set it for 30 seconds, stir, then 10-second bursts until it’s smooth. Or, if you don’t trust your microwave (I get it), do it over a simmering pot with a heat-safe bowl on top. Once it’s glossy, spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Now, dollop the peanut butter on top. Swirl it around with a toothpick or the end of a spoon—doesn’t need to look perfect. In fact, the messier, the better. Sprinkle on a little flaky salt or crushed nuts if you want some crunch.
Chill in the fridge for about twenty minutes (absolute agony waiting, trust me), then break it into pieces. That’s literally it. You’ve just made Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark that would impress a five-star restaurant. Every time I serve it, someone assumes it’s store-bought. Not even kidding. 
“I brought this Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark to my neighbor’s block party and people *actually* thought I bought it from a gourmet shop. Easiest win ever.” – Janice M.
Chocolate Bark Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous (or just bored with the same-old), you can shake this Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark up a ton of ways. Sometimes I use white chocolate in zig-zags for a fancy look. Or, add chopped dried cranberries or apricots—honestly, anything stuck in the back of your pantry is fair game.
My brother loves it when I throw in some crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet combo. Smoked almonds? Wow. Lucky Charms marshmallows? Weird but, yeah, my kids went nuts for that. If you need to make it dairy-free, swap in vegan chocolate chips.
Basically, play with it. You really can’t mess this up unless you burn the chocolate… and even then, it’s usually still good, just a bit intense. That’s the joy of bark: total freedom, little consequence. 
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
No way around it—this stuff is decadent. But here’s the good news: using dark chocolate and natural peanut butter can lean up the nutrition big time. For a typical serving (maybe two squares, I don’t judge), you’re looking at around 120-150 calories. Add-ins like nuts or dried fruit can bump it up, but still way lighter than most rich desserts.
You’ll get a little protein from the peanut butter, some healthy fat, and just enough sugar to cut the cravings. It’s gluten-free as long as your bark toppings are, too. I like knowing exactly what’s in my treats for once. Of course, if you’re aiming for super low-sugar, check out SkinnyTaste’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark (Low Sugar) for tweaks.
If you’re counting macros, this doesn’t blow up your day. Just, uh… portion control is not my strong suit. Oops.
Photos of Peanut Butter Chocolate Bark
Okay, I’m definitely not a pro photographer. I just use my phone, usually while yelling at my kids to stop eating the bark before I snap the shot. Still, the swirls of melted peanut butter in the glossy dark chocolate… It looks like something out of a bakery window.
There are hundreds of ways to make it pretty, but the absolute best part is the rustic, broken look. Each piece is a little different. If you want yours to look extra sharp, score it with a knife right before it sets then snap along the lines after chilling. Most days I just break it up, toss it in a bowl, and watch everyone devour it.
Oh and pro tip? If you want an Insta-worthy shine, let it sit at room temp a bit before eating. No weird fridge condensation. Just smooth, crackly, perfect bark.
More Holiday Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
Honestly, this bark is a total win year-round, but it really shines during holidays. Especially when you’re short on oven space (hello, Thanksgiving chaos). Here’s what’s worked best for me when I want to add a few more treats to the spread:
- Serve the bark with mugs of hot cocoa for an easy winter snack.
- Break it into small pieces and use on top of ice cream (fancy without the effort).
- Pack it up in cellophane bags for the world’s lowest-effort homemade gift.
- Try a bark platter with white, milk, and dark chocolate versions for color and variety.
Make sure to check out The Rose Table’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark for more inspo, too. She has some next-level presentation ideas if you want something party-worthy.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: Totally! Use what you like, just know it’ll be sweeter.
Q: Does this Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark need to stay in the fridge?
A: Not unless your kitchen is hot. Otherwise, a sealed container on the counter works for about a week (if it lasts that long).
Q: Can I make this with crunchy peanut butter?
A: For sure, it adds extra texture that some people love.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yep, just make sure your chocolate and add-ins don’t have hidden gluten.
Q: Can kids help make this?
A: Absolutely, it’s basically foolproof and kids love swirling the peanut butter.
The Easiest Treat You’ll Probably Make All Year
So there you have it. All the secrets for making Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark at home—and a few ways to make it totally your own. I promise, no one’s ever disappointed with a plate of this stuff. Still curious? Try the version from Skinnytaste for a lighter spin. Looking for extra flair? The Rose Table has you covered.
Go whip up a batch and watch it vanish (or stash a few pieces for yourself, honestly). Simple, quick, and crazy delicious. I call that a win every time.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark
Ingredients
Method
- Microwave the dark chocolate for 30 seconds, stir, and then continue to heat in 10-second bursts until smooth.
- Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over a simmering pot until glossy.
- Spread the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Dollop the peanut butter on top and swirl with a toothpick or spoon.
- Sprinkle with flaky salt or crushed nuts if desired.
- Chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes to set.
- Once set, break the bark into pieces and serve.
- Store in a sealed container for up to a week.
