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  1. Food and Cooking
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  3. Cowboy Bark

Cowboy Bark

This is the sweet and salty snack of my dreams!

By Ree DrummondPublished: Oct 9, 2025
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pioneer woman cowboy bark recipe
Stacy K. Allen
Yields:
10 - 12 serving(s)
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
5 hrs

When it comes to snacks, I’ve always believed the best ones are a little bit salty, a little bit sweet, and just the right amount of crunchy—and this cowboy bark hits all those notes and then some! It’s a fun, no-bake treat that combines all the flavors cowboys (and cowgirls!) love: Rich chocolate, salty potato chips, sweet peanut butter candies, and even a little heat from a grated jalapeño. Yep, jalapeño! It gives the bark a subtle kick that takes it from ordinary to downright addictive.

The beauty of this recipe is in how simple it is. You melt some semisweet chocolate, spread it over a bed of crunchy kettle chips, then top it with trail mix and candy for that perfect blend of textures. Once it’s set, just break it into big, rustic pieces—it’s meant to be a little wild, after all!

This cowboy bark is great for game day snacking alongside some crock-pot buffalo chicken dip and cheesesteak nachos. Don't forget to wash it all down with a zesty michelada or a glass of tropical punch for the kids!

Can you make cowboy bark without the jalapeño?

Absolutely! The jalapeño adds a fun twist, but if spice isn’t your thing, just skip it. The bark will still be deliciously sweet, salty, and crunchy.

How long does cowboy bark take to set?

It usually sets in about an hour at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to speed things up.

How should you store leftover Cowboy Bark?

Store the cowboy bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep it away from heat so the chocolate and candies don’t melt!

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Ingredients

  • 1

    jalapeño

  • 16 oz.

    semisweet chocolate, chopped

  • 3 cups

    salted potato chips

  • 1 cup

    trail mix

  • 1/3 cup

    candy-coated peanut butter candies (such as Reese’s Pieces)

Directions

    1. Step 1Place the jalapeño on a dish and freeze thoroughly, 3 hours or overnight. 
    2. Step 2Bring 2 inches of water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Place a heatproof bowl over (but not in) the simmering water. Add the chocolate and melt, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes.
    3. Step 3Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread the potato chips in a single layer on the sheet pan. Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the chips, covering as much surface as possible. Use a spatula to gently spread the chocolate.
    4. Step 4Using a zester, grate the jalapeño over the chocolate, adding as much or as little as you like.
    5. Step 5Sprinkle the trail mix and peanut butter candies over the top. Set the sheet pan aside and let set, at least 1 hour. Break into shards for serving.
Love this recipe? Try one of these next!
  • Frozen Yogurt Bark
  • Christmas Bark
  • Spiderweb Bark
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