If you’re a fan of sweet-and-salty snacks, brace yourself—these Candied Bacon & Chocolate Pretzel Bark Sandwiches are about to become your new obsession. Imagine layers of rich chocolate studded with crunchy pretzels and chopped nuts, sandwiched around shards of smoky, caramelized bacon. It’s a flavor explosion that combines indulgence and crunch in the most satisfying way. Serve them at your next party or stash them in the fridge for whenever the craving strikes.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a brilliant mashup of candy bark, salty snacks, and bacon bliss. The candied bacon provides a smoky-sweet kick that pairs perfectly with the bittersweet chocolate, while pretzels add crunch and a savory contrast. Best of all? These decadent bark sandwiches are easy to make, no special tools needed, and totally customizable with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup chopped pretzels
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Chocolate: Dark or milk chocolate works too—use your favorite!
- Nuts: Pecans or almonds add great texture, but leave them out for nut-free versions.
- Pretzels: Mini twists or rods both work—just chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Bacon: Make sure it’s thick-cut so it holds up during baking and layering.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar and maple syrup until blended.
- Lay bacon strips on baking sheet and brush generously with the sugar mixture.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until bacon is crispy and caramelized. Let cool and harden.
- Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in chopped pretzels and optional nuts.
- Pour half of the chocolate mixture onto a parchment-lined sheet and spread evenly.
- Break candied bacon into pieces and sprinkle evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Top with the remaining chocolate mixture, spreading gently to cover the bacon.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until fully set.
- Once hardened, cut into sandwich-style squares or bars.
- Enjoy cold or room temperature—these store beautifully!
Tips for Success
- Use a serrated knife to cut the bark cleanly once set.
- Let the bacon cool completely before layering to keep the bark crisp.
- Don’t overbake the bacon—you want it crisp but not burnt.
- Line everything with parchment to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These bark sandwiches are indulgent enough to serve solo, but they pair beautifully with:
- A platter of Easy Coconut Macaroons
- A candy tray that includes S’mores Bark
- A cozy night in with Edible Cookie Dough
- A healthy balance from No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Or go fully over-the-top with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- For the crispiest texture, serve cold or slightly chilled.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession
- These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Are My Favorite Snack to Keep on Hand
- This S’mores Bark Is My Favorite No-Campfire Treat for Anytime Cravings
- These Easy Coconut Macaroons Are My Favorite 3-Ingredient Treat
- This Edible Cookie Dough Is My Favorite No-Bake Treat for Late-Night Cravings
Final Thoughts
These Candied Bacon & Chocolate Pretzel Bark Sandwiches are the ultimate sweet meets salty snack—with crunch, richness, and that irresistible smoky-sweet bacon kick. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or as a stash-in-the-fridge reward for surviving a long day. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked.
Did you make them?
Tag @chefmaniac and show us your bark sandwich masterpiece! Don’t forget to follow for more creative dessert mashups that surprise and satisfy.
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