For the ultimate holiday treat, this Grinch pretzel bark is simple, classic, and festive – everything you need for a no-fuss candy this Christmas season!

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Top down view of prepared Grinch pretzel bark with holiday decorations around it.

About Grinch Pretzel Bark

In preparation for Grinchmas, you’ll need the perfect Grinch-themed treat, and this grinch pretzel bark is simple, classic, and festive – everything you need for a no-fuss snacking candy!

As fans of pretzel bark already know, the salty pretzels are the perfect contrast to the sweet chocolate. Plus, with all the grinch-themed colors and sprinkles, it’s perfectly festive for holiday parties or movie nights.

Because no matter what your plans are this holiday season, this pretzel bark is sure to bring all the Whoville cheer!

Top down close up view of pieces of Grinch bark with festive and heart sprinkles.

What’s in pretzel bark?

To make pretzel bark, you only need three key ingredients:

  • Pretzels – This makes up the base of the bark and helps make it feel like a firm candy.
  • Chocolate – Whether it’s from melted chocolate chips or candy melts, this fills in the spaces between the pretzels and gives the pretzel bark flavor and color.
  • Decorations – A totally optional ingredient, but it’s also what makes this dessert fun to make and eat. The decorations can be as simple as festive sprinkles (like this recipe) or other flavor additions like nuts or chopped candy.
Top down side view of prepared Grinch bark.

What type of candy melts should you use?

Candy melts (also called melting wafters) are pretty common – you can find them in the baking supply area, and they’re small, flat disks, typically sold by the bag – but I do think there are significant differences in quality depending on the brand of candy melts you buy.

Wilton is by far the most common brand of candy melt, and they are sold in a variety of colors. This makes them a popular pick, since you can buy the exact color you need and can get right to crafting your festive treats. Wilton makes things simple and easy.

This recipe recommends using Wilton candy melts (or other brands that come in different colors) because it makes things simpler.

However, I’ve not been impressed with the quality of Wilton candy melts and typically look for alternatives. If given the choice, I would highly recommend picking up Ghirardelli brand candy melts and using oil-based food coloring to get the look that you want. These are my favorite candy melts to work with due to the superior quality and taste. You could also use their bar chocolate or chocolate chips.

Stacked pieces of Grinch bark, photographed from the side to show chocolate and pretzels.

How long is pretzel bark good for?

Once it’s prepared, pretzel bark can be stored in a sealed container on the counter or in the refrigerator for up to one to two weeks.

Can you freeze pretzel bark?

Yes, you totally can!

Once prepared, pretzel bark can be stored in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months.

Notes & tips for grinch pretzel bark

  • If you’re willing to sacrifice some of the grinch-themed color, you can substitute the candy melts for any flavor of chocolate chips that you’d like. And if you go this route, don’t worry – you’ll still have the sprinkles to give this candy some holiday flare.
  • This recipe can be easily customized to match any occasion or holiday – have fun with it!
Holding a single piece of Grinch bark with red and green swirls of chocolate and heart sprinkles.

Other fun candy recipes

More great recipes for Christmas

How to make grinch pretzel bark

This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.

Step 1 – Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, then arrange the mini pretzels in a tightly-packed single layer on top.

Step 2 – Melt the red and green candy melts per package instructions, then pour the melted red candy on top of the pretzels. Next, drizzle the melted green candy over the red in decorative patterns (you can also drag a butter knife or toothpick through the candy to create swirls). Finish by adding festive and heart-shaped sprinkles on top of the wet candy.

Step 3 – Allow the candy to cool completely, then break it into serving-sized pieces.

Step 4 – Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Details

Top down view of prepared Grinch pretzel bark with holiday decorations around it.
5 from 1 vote

Grinch Pretzel Bark

20 mins prep + 1 hr Cooling Time
175 kcal
Yields: 12 servings
For the ultimate holiday treat, this Grinch pretzel bark is simple, classic, and festive – everything you need for a no-fuss candy this Christmas season!

Ingredients 

Instructions

  • Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, extending pieces over sides for easy handling. If using foil, spray with cooking spray.
  • Working from the middle, lay mini pretzels on the baking sheet in a tightly packed single layer. Set baking dish aside for now.
    2 cups mini pretzels
  • Place red candy melts and green candy melts in individual microwave-safe bowls. Heat each in the microwave for 30 seconds on 50% power, then stir. Continue to heat for 15 second intervals, mixing in between, until all candy has completely melted.
    12 ounces red candy melts, 12 ounces green candy melts
  • To decorate, pour melted red candy on top of pretzels, spreading it out into an even layer. Drizzle the melted green candy on top of the red in a decorative pattern. If desired, use a butter knife or toothpick to drag through the colors, creating swirl designs. Finish by topping the wet candy with holiday and heart-shaped sprinkles.
    Christmas sprinkles, heart sprinkles
  • Refrigerate pretzel bark for at least 1 hour or until set.
  • Once firm, break the pretzel bark into serving-sized pieces.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 194mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

I do my best to provide nutrition information, but please keep in mind that I’m not a certified nutritionist. Any nutritional information discussed or disclosed in this post should only be seen as my best amateur estimates of the correct values.

Author: Chrisy