White Chocolate Pretzel Bark (Easy Holiday No-Bake Dessert)

If you’re looking for a simple, festive treat that comes together with minimal effort, this White Chocolate Pretzel Bark is it. Sweet, crunchy, and beautiful, this no-bake dessert is made with broken pretzels, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, and smooth melted white chocolate. Once cooled, it’s broken into rustic pieces and enjoyed by the handful.

This recipe is perfect for the busy holiday season when you want something homemade without turning on the oven. Whether you’re making treats for Christmas parties, or packaging edible gifts for friends and neighbors, this holiday bark recipe is always a hit.

White Chocolate Pretzel Bark broken into pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet with dried cranberries and nuts

Whether you’re planning a holiday party, game-day spread, after-school snack, or a quick weekend treat, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing appetizer that kids and adults both love. Plus, it comes together faster than you’d expect.

If you love this sweet and salty White Chocolate Pretzel Bark, you’ll definitely want to try a few of my other favorite homemade treats next. My Brown Butter Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies are rich, cozy, and perfect for holiday baking, while my easy no-bake Rice Krispie Treats are a family favorite when you need something quick and festive.

Scroll down for the recipe card, followed by detailed step-by-step instructions (with photos). 

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

White Chocolate Pretzel Bark Recipe

White chocolate bark setting on a baking sheet with pretzels, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts evenly distributed

White Chocolate Pretzel Bark with Cranberries & Nuts

Yield: 12-16
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Cool Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This white chocolate pretzel bark is the perfect sweet-and-salty treat for holidays, gifting, or easy entertaining. Crunchy pretzels, chopped nuts, and tart dried cranberries are layered together and coated in smooth melted white chocolate. Once cooled, the bark is broken into rustic pieces that are irresistible to snack on and beautiful to serve.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz high-quality white chocolate (chips or chopped bars)
  • 2 cups mini pretzels, roughly broken
  • ¾ cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, or a mix)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan
    Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure the parchment extends slightly over the edges. This will prevent sticking and make it easy to lift the bark off once it’s set.
  2. Add the pretzels
    Place the pretzels in a large bowl and gently break them into bite-sized pieces using your hands. Spread the broken pretzels evenly across the prepared baking sheet in a single, loose layer.
  3. Add the toppings
    Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the pretzels, followed by the dried cranberries. Try to distribute everything evenly so each piece of bark has a mix of sweet and crunchy toppings.
  4. Melt the white chocolate
    Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. If using a microwave, heat in 20–30 second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Take care not to overheat, as white chocolate can scorch easily.
  5. Pour the chocolate
    Slowly pour the melted white chocolate over the pretzel mixture, starting in the center and working outward to cover as much of the surface as possible. Make sure to slowly drizzle the chocolate out to avoid moving the pretzel mix.
  6. Once all the white chocolate is drizzled on top, tap the bottom of the pan against the counter to help the melted chocolate evenly spread.
  7. Cool and set
    Allow the bark to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, or place it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes, until the chocolate is completely firm.
  8. Break and serve
    Once set, lift the bark from the pan and break it into irregular pieces. Serve immediately or store for later.

Notes

  • Nut swaps: Use only one nut or mix several—pecans add richness, almonds add crunch, and walnuts bring a slightly earthy flavor.
  • Extra flavor ideas: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before the chocolate sets.
  • Storage: Store bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
  • Gifting tip: Package pieces in clear treat bags tied with twine for an easy homemade gift.
  • Nutrition Information
    Yield 16 Serving Size 1
    Amount Per Serving Calories 334Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 5gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 5mgSodium 432mgCarbohydrates 47gFiber 2gSugar 20gProtein 7g

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    Why You’ll Love This White Chocolate Pretzel Bark

    • No-bake dessert: Perfect when oven space is limited
    • Sweet & salty: Creamy white chocolate paired with crunchy pretzels
    • Customizable: Use your favorite nuts or dried fruit
    • Perfect for gifting: Break into pieces and package beautifully
    • Great make-ahead treat: Stores well for days

    This bark has everything you want in a Christmas bark recipe, festive colors, great texture, and crowd-pleasing flavor.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this bark:

    • White chocolate
    • Pretzels, roughly broken
    • Chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, or a mix)
    • Dried cranberries

    That’s it! Simple pantry staples come together to make something special.

    White Chocolate Pretzel Bark Christmas candy cooling on a baking sheet, made with pretzels, cranberries, and chopped nuts

    How to Make White Chocolate Pretzel Bark

    1. Prepare the pan

    Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure the parchment extends slightly over the edges. This will prevent sticking and make it easy to lift the bark off once it’s set.

    2. Add the pretzels

    Place the pretzels in a large bowl and gently break them into bite-sized pieces using your hands. Spread the broken pretzels evenly across the prepared baking sheet in a single, loose layer.

    Ingredients for White Chocolate Pretzel Bark including broken pretzels, dried cranberries, and white chocolate blocks

    To avoid getting pretzel crumbs on the pan, I like to break the pretzels in a small strainer and shake the crumbs out before adding to the pan.

    3. Add the toppings

    Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the pretzels, followed by the dried cranberries. Try to distribute everything evenly so each piece of bark has a mix of sweet and crunchy toppings.

    White chocolate bark setting on a baking sheet with pretzels, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts evenly distributed

    4. Melt the white chocolate

    Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. If using a microwave, heat in 20–30 second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Take care not to overheat, as white chocolate can scorch easily.

    white chocolate melting in a pot on the stove.

    If you’re new to working with white chocolate, this guide on how to melt white chocolate properly is helpful.

    5. Pour the chocolate

    Slowly pour the melted white chocolate over the pretzel mixture, starting in the center and working outward to cover as much of the surface as possible. Make sure to slowly drizzle the chocolate out to avoid moving the pretzel mix.

    Once all the white chocolate is drizzled on top, tap the bottom of the pan against the counter to help the melted chocolate evenly spread.

    White chocolate cranberry bark made with pretzels and nuts, a festive no-bake Christmas dessert

    6. Cool and set

    Allow the bark to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, or place it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes, until the chocolate is completely firm.

    Homemade white chocolate bark candy broken into pieces with pretzels, cranberries, and nuts

    7. Break and serve

    Once set, lift the bark from the pan and break it into irregular pieces. Serve immediately or store for later.

    This entire process takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time, making it one of the easiest holiday desserts you can make.

    Close-up of White Chocolate Pretzel Bark pieces showing layers of white chocolate, pretzels, cranberries, and nuts

    Tips for the Best Holiday Bark Recipe

    • Use real white chocolate: Look for cocoa butter on the ingredient list for best flavor and texture.
    • Don’t overheat the chocolate: White chocolate scorches easily, melt slowly.

    Make It Festive: Holiday Variations

    This White Chocolate Pretzel Bark is easy to customize for the season:

    • Peppermint bark: Add crushed candy canes
    • Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle dark or milk chocolate on top
    • Christmas sprinkles: Perfect for kid-friendly treats
    • Cranberry orange: Add orange zest to the white chocolate

    These variations make it easy to create multiple flavors from one base recipe.

    How to Store & Gift Pretzel Bark

    • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
    • Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks
    • Freeze for longer storage (great for make-ahead holiday prep)

    For gifting, place bark pieces in clear treat bags or tins lined with parchment paper and tie with ribbon or twine.

    White chocolate cranberry bark made with pretzels and nuts, a festive no-bake Christmas dessert

    FAQ: White Chocolate Pretzel Bark

    Can I use white chocolate chips?

    Yes, but high-quality white chocolate bars or melting wafers work best. Some chips contain stabilizers that make melting more difficult.

    What nuts work best in pretzel bark?

    Pecans, almonds, and walnuts all work well. You can use one type or a mix depending on what you have.

    Is this a true no-bake dessert?

    Yes! There’s no oven required, making this an easy no-bake dessert for holidays or anytime.

    Can I make this Christmas bark ahead of time?

    Absolutely. This bark stores well and is perfect for making several days in advance.

    Can I make this nut-free?

    Yes — simply omit the nuts and add extra pretzels or dried fruit instead.

    White Chocolate Pretzel Bark broken into pieces on a festive plate, made with white chocolate, pretzels, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts.

    Pin, Comment & Share

    This White Chocolate Pretzel Bark is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making year after year. It’s quick, festive, and incredibly versatile, everything a holiday treat should be. Whether you’re adding it to a Christmas dessert spread or wrapping it up as a homemade gift, this bark is guaranteed to disappear fast.

    If you love easy, seasonal recipes like this one, be sure to save it for later and share it with someone who loves a good sweet-and-salty treat.

    Homemade white chocolate pretzel bark broken into pieces and arranged on a baking sheet and festive holiday plate. This easy no-bake dessert is made with melted white chocolate, crunchy pretzels, dried cranberries, and nuts. Perfect for Christmas treats, holiday dessert trays, and edible gifts, this simple pretzel bark recipe is ideal for quick holiday baking and family-friendly Christmas desserts.

    Similar Posts

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *