Have you tried Cowboy Bark?
If you haven’t, don’t even start. It’s so addictively good.
Which is why I’m not sure why I made my own bark that’s every bit as good as the real deal.
Having the ability to make bulk quantities is dangerous since I can down a bag of the Trader Joe’s version in a day if I let myself. Six servings in one little 9-ounce bag? No way.
Now I have an endless supply in my cupboard, and I stashed some in the freezer, and I gave plenty away.
The bark only takes about 5 minutes to make, making it the perfect fast, easy, and extremely satisfying treat.
It’s just melted chocolate, topped with a mixture of toffee bits, peanuts, almonds, pretzels, Oreos, and a sprinkling of sea salt.
Sounds simple enough, but there’s something about the combination that’s just irresistible. Salty-and-sweet treats can do no wrong.
And the bark is a texture lover’s dream. The smooth, rich chocolate that melts in your mouth is in contrast with crunchy and salty peanuts and almonds and crispy pretzels. The sweet buttery toffee bits and crunchy Oreos provides so many flavor combinations in every bite. The more you eat, the more you want.
For the chocolate, I used a mixture of Trader Joe’s chocolate bars. I used equal parts of the 72% Pound Plus, Dark Chocolate, and Milk Chocolate bars. I have a well-stocked pantry of chocolate and can manifest bulk quantities of chocolate in any percentage from 60 to 90% at the drop of a hat.
For authenticity, if you’re only using one chocolate, I’d use TJ’s Dark Chocolate bar or your favorite dark chocolate. Definitely not milk, and don’t go too dark so that it’s bitter. A nice, middle of the road dark chocolate is best.
For the toppings, if you don’t have all of them on hand, mix and match based on what you do have.
I went a little heavier-handed than the Trader does with the quantity of nuts, pretzels, and toffee bits. The more, the merrier.
For the cookies, use Chocolate Jo-Jo’s or chocolate-filled Oreos for maximum authenticity, but traditional Oreos are fine. It’s cookies for candy-making. There are no wrong choices.
The batch makes about 4 times what you’d get in one $3.69 9-ounce bag. For me, it’s definitely cheaper to make than to buy because I already have all those things on hand.
You’ve been warned. This stuff is crazy good.
Best use of 5 minutes ever.
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Cowboy Bark: Trader Joe's Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dark chocolate, 1 pound; I used equal parts TJ’s 72% Pound Plus, Dark Chocolate, and Milk Chocolate Bars; if only using one, select a favorite dark chocolate
- about 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels
- 8 chocolate-stuffed Oreos, roughly chopped (or use TJ’s Chocolate Jo-Jo’s; regular Oreos may be substituted)
- ⅓ cup toffee bits
- ⅓ cup coarsely chopped peanuts, I used roasted lightly salted
- ⅓ cup coarsely chopped almonds, I used roasted lightly salted
- sea salt for sprinkling, to taste
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper; set aside. Before beginning to melt the chocolate, have all the ingredients chopped, prepped, and ready to go so that they’re ready to be added while the chocolate is hot and melty. I use my Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor to grind the nuts in seconds rather than hand-chopping, but I hand-chop the cookies.
- Coarsely chop the chocolate or break into chunks to encourage smooth melting.
- Place chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high power to melt, about 2 to 3 minutes, stopping every 15 seconds to check and stir until mixture can be stirred smooth. Be careful not to scorch it; or use a double boiler.
- Pour melted chocolate onto parchment and with a spatula or offset knife, smooth into a large rectangle, about 10×15-inches, and about 1/8-inch thick; just eyeball.
- Evenly sprinkle with pretzels, Oreos, toffee bits, peanuts, almonds, and sea salt to taste.
- Allow chocolate to set up for at least 1 hour at room temp, or in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- After chocolate has set, break into pieces or chop with a knife. Bark will keep airtight at room temp for many weeks and in the fridge or freezer for many months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I’ve never tried the Trader Joes version but I bet anything homemade is even better! This looks delicious!
omg Trader Joes cowboy bark is so addicting! I don’t know that I would ever try to make it myself, however — that would make things too easy hahaha
Averie, may I move into your pantry?? It sounds like a chocoholic’s dream! I can only trust myself to stock a few varieties of their small 3-pack chocolate bars in my “pantry” (aka two drawers and a shelf in the dining room). Anything more than that and I’d skip lunch and dinner every day because I was gorging on so much chocolate! And somehow, despite my huge love affair with TJ’s, I haven’t seen their cowboy bark. Such a shame… Or not, seeing as you’ve replicated it and made it even better! You can never have too many toppings, especially of the sweet-and-salty variety. ;)
Gorgeous bark, love the salty-sweet flavors. Pinned!
I feel like I need to go for a run just looking at the pics! Incredible andI love sweet and salty! Craving and pinning…. and craving!
Have a great weekend!
LOL. I know that feeling!
I’m so sad that there are no Trader Joes in Canada…although that might be a good thing for my waistline! Your bark looks incredible, Averie. I love the salty sweet combo of ingredients on top. My pantry needs a good cleaning out – I should toss all of my left over ingredients overtop of melted chocolate to make bark! Thanks for the inspiration :)
It’s the PERFECT pantry cleanout stuff, for sure! Have fun de-cluttering :)
Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this! So excited I can make it at home. Love anything sweet and salty!
Wow, this bark looks insanely gorgeous! I’ve never had cowboy bark before but I’m loving the sound of these sweet and salty treats! Between the toffee bits, peanuts, almonds and Oreos – oh ma gosh and of course the sea salt! The fact that they are so easy to make is just icing on the bark! Pinning!
Thanks for pinning!
Love this! This looks amazingly good, perfect for the next road trip :)
Please pack me in your suitcase on your next European road trip :)
Totally addictive!
Rhetorical question, right? I can eat a bag in one sitting easily. Have you tried their holiday version? Sooooo good. It’s similar, but with their mini PB cups! Buy tons of it at X-Mas.
Thanks for sharing!
You know, I haven’t tried the holiday version but now I will defi try it and stock up!
How perfect! I’ve never had this bark, but it sounds amazing! I want to make it but I am kinda afraid to, haha! Pinned! : )
Thanks for pinning!
I have to admit, I have never made bark. However that is all about to change! This cowboy bark is my tastebud’s dream come true! Salty, sweet, plenty of texture, loving it! Pinned!
Oh my goodness I nearly jumped with excitement when I saw this pop up in my Pinterest feed! I am OBSESSED with Trader Joe’s cowboy bark! And I love how easy your recipe is! Plus anything homemade is healthier than store bought right? So eating half this batch in one sitting must be acceptable :)
When I make this I’m going to try adding peanut butter chips and maybe some caramel sauce!
Thanks for the great recipe :)
Totally acceptable, for sure :)
Just seeing all your pictures is making me want to whip up my own batch immediately! All the flavors and textures sound incredible.
This looks so good! I love love LOVE the combo of salty and sweet! Great idea! I have to tell you… I love your blog!! You have the most delicious looking recipes!! Seriously, so yummy!!
Thanks for the sweet compliments, Cailee!