Brittle Bark Story
Diane Krulac was a busy single mother back in 1992, traveling for a growing software business. When the preschool bake sale committee called and asked her to make 6 cakes for the annual fund raiser, she knew she needed an alternative that would sell as well as homemade cakes, but that could be made ahead of time in small batches. Candy sounded like a great idea! After trial and error (many) she perfected her peanut brittle recipe to create an original one that was thin, crispy, creamy, and not too sugary sweet. She tried it on family and friends and their immediate reaction was, “I want more!”.
Diane started Brittle Bark Company in October 2003 selling at craft shows and eventually to other stores across the country. “Simply the Best” are the words heard as customers experienced the many varieties of Brittle Bark. Using the highest quality ingredients, Brittle Bark is still hand made a single batch at a time all year round.
After being selected as the “Snack of the Day” by Rachael Ray on her nationally syndicated show, Brittle Bark opened a retail store in 2008 in downtown Mechanicsburg, PA. Featuring 15+ varieties of Brittle Bark year-round, people came to taste and purchase different varieties for themselves and family and friends.
Diane began to see how handmade chocolates could satisfy her customers’ growing interest in specialty sweets. She went back to school to become a Chocolatier, and chocolate began to play a bigger role. In thinking about chocolate and the unique flavors that she wanted to create, it reminded her of the many creeks in Pennsylvania where each has a “personality” yet together they create a powerful waterway. The many flavors provided by different types of chocolate -both on the national and international level – and the interesting fruits, spices and spirits create unique chocolate experience for her customer’s enjoyment.
2017: Cocoa Creek Chocolates is born. Each creation is a celebration of the bean from a Cacao tree! Collections available now include:
- Americana: yummy American favorites covered in chocolate: pretzels, cookies, grahams, marshmallows…
- Bon Bon: chocolate enrobed centers including creams, caramel, fruits, and nuts…
- Truffles: chocolate ganache centers in subtle or exotic flavors hand crafted using chocolates from around the world…
- Spirited Truffle: chocolate ganache centers that pair the flavor notes of a chocolate with a lively spirit (wine, whiskey bourbon, beer…) and then enhance the flavor with an appropriate fruit, herb, spice, and/or sea salt. These hand decorated, beautiful jewels are complex and rich in flavor…
Enjoy giving Brittle Bark and Cocoa Creek Chocolates and the standing ovation you will receive from family and friends as you delight them with this divine indulgence!
Our Store
Our store is a very special confectionery shoppe where you will find unusual handmade sweets including 10 or more seasonal varieties of Brittle Bark, Sweet Jubilee Fudge, Chocolate covered pretzels and cookies, and award winning handmade chocolates from chocolatiers located in California, Massachusetts, Vermont and of course several from Pennsylvania. Come see and taste what is new in our Chocolate Gallery. You may find fresh dipped chocolate covered cherries, kiwi, or pineapple. On special occasions we will have chocolate dipped strawberries and caramel apples en-robed in chocolate. If you are looking for something unique, how about chocolate covered bacon? Have something you would like us to make? Just ask and we will see if we can do it. We also have new items arriving all the time so stop by often to check out what is new and delicious. Many of our products will be in limited supply since we are committed to offering handmade, fresh products; we apologize if we run out and cannot get more.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Brittle Bark – stop by to purchase special gifts or a treat for yourself and enjoy some free samples.
Telephone: (717) 697-6950
To Order By Fax:
(717) 731-9081 24 hours a day
Brittle Bark Company
33 West Main St.
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-1064
Winter Store Hours January 2 – March 10
Tuesday 10 AM – 5PM
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday 10 AM – 5 PM
Friday 10 AM – 5PM
Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM
Extended Holiday Hours:
Check back November 1st