Valentine’s Day Bark: A Sweet & Creative Treat
There’s something special about friendships that stand the test of time—the kind where months (or even years) can pass, yet when you reunite, it feels like no time has gone by at all. That’s exactly how I feel about my college friends.
Every year, we get together for a Galentine’s Day party, there’s not really any structure or routines we follow - it’s just about getting together and celebrating the love we have for each other. I can’t wait to lounge in comfy clothes, snack on all the treats everyone brings, and laugh until our stomachs hurt. There’s nothing quite like the effortless joy of being around people who know you so well—who have seen you at your best, your worst, and everything in between. It’s a reminder that love isn’t just about romance; deep friendships deserve to be celebrated too.
In honor of that, I’m bringing this Valentine’s Day Bark—a fun, colorful, and totally indulgent treat that’s as sweet, layered, and full of surprises as my friendships. Just like our best memories, every piece is different, but all the ingredients come together perfectly. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe—because Galentine’s Day is all about enjoying the moment, not stressing in the kitchen.
So whether you're celebrating with friends, family, a partner, or just treating yourself, this bark is the perfect way to share love, laughter, and a little bit of chocolate magic. ❤️
Ingredients:
12 oz dark or milk chocolate, melted
6 oz white chocolate, melted
1 tsp coconut oil
½ cup Valentine’s M&M’s
½ cup chocolate-covered heart-shaped pretzels
½ cup crushed Oreos
¼ cup heart-shaped candy
2 tbsp Valentine’s sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Melt the Chocolate
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt the dark/milk chocolate and ½ tsp coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
2. Create the Bark Base
Pour the melted chocolate onto the lined baking sheet, spreading it evenly (about ¼-inch thick).
3. Add the Fun & Meaning
While the chocolate is still warm, scatter the toppings across the surface:
M&M’s for pops of color and joy.
Heart-shaped pretzels for balance—love is both salty and sweet!
Crushed Oreos for depth and texture.
Heart-shaped candy as a reminder to celebrate love in all forms.
Sprinkles for a touch of whimsy and fun.
4. Optional: Add White Chocolate Drizzle
Melt the white chocolate with the remaining ½ tsp coconut oil, then drizzle it over the bark for a marbled, artistic effect.
5. Set & Break
Let the bark cool at room temperature for 1 hour or in the fridge for 30 minutes until fully set.
Once hardened, break it into pieces—just like love, every piece is beautifully unique!
Make it A Creative Date Night
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Make it A Creative Date Night |
Painting Your Valentine’s Candles
There’s something so meaningful about a candle—it represents warmth, light, and the time we share with those we love. To match the theme of devotion and connection, try painting candles with hearts in different shades of red to symbolize the many forms of love.
What You’ll Need:
Plain white or cream-colored pillar candles
Acrylic paint in various shades of red (burgundy, crimson, rose, scarlet)
Paintbrushes or sponges
A small palette or plate for blending colors
Optional: gold or white paint pens for delicate accents
How to Paint Your Candles:
Use a dry brush technique to create soft, blended heart shapes. Start with a base heart in a lighter red, then add depth with darker tones around the edges.
For a minimalist look, paint small, simple hearts around the candle in different sizes.
If you love details, add gold or white accents to make the designs pop.
Let the paint fully dry before handling (about 30 minutes to an hour).
Packaging the Candles:
Wrap the candle in clear cellophane and tie it with a satin ribbon in red, pink, or gold.
Attach a small handwritten note or tag with a sweet message, like “A light to remind you of my love” or “Love shines brightest when shared.”
Packaging Your Valentine’s Day Bark
Once your chocolate bark has set and been broken into beautiful, unique pieces, it’s time to wrap it up with love!
What You’ll Need:
Small gift boxes, clear treat bags, or mason jars
Decorative parchment paper or tissue paper
Ribbons in Valentine’s colors (red, pink, gold)
Gift tags or handwritten notes
How to Package:
Place bark pieces in treat bags or small gift boxes lined with parchment paper.
Tie the bag or box with a festive ribbon to add a special touch.
Attach a handwritten tag with a message like “Handmade with love” or “A little sweetness, just for you.”