Making Chocolate Bark with Dried Fruit and Nuts is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. This treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, gifting to friends, or adding a special touch to any gathering. Let’s dive into how you can create your own delicious batch of this delightful confection.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it’s so customizable and simple. You get to choose your favorite types of chocolate, dried fruits, and nuts, making each batch unique. It requires no baking, just a little melting and spreading. Plus, it’s a visually stunning treat that looks like you spent hours creating it, when in reality, it comes together in under an hour. The combination of rich chocolate, chewy dried fruit, and crunchy nuts creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. It's also a great option for homemade holiday gifts.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make your own Chocolate Bark with Dried Fruit and Nuts:
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 ounces milk chocolate chips (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup pistachios, shelled
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Place the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips (if using) in a heat-safe bowl. You can melt the chocolate using one of two methods:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat!
- Double Boiler: Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the chocolate from sticking and make it easy to remove later.
Step 3: Spread the Chocolate
Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or knife to spread it into an even layer, about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 4: Add Toppings
While the chocolate is still melted, sprinkle the dried cranberries, dried apricots, almonds, pecans, and pistachios evenly over the chocolate. Gently press the toppings into the chocolate to ensure they adhere.
Step 5: Add Sea Salt (Optional)
If you like a sweet and salty flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the bark.
Step 6: Chill and Harden
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
Step 7: Break into Pieces
Once the chocolate has hardened, remove it from the refrigerator. Gently peel the parchment paper away from the bark. Break the bark into irregular pieces using your hands or a knife.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate Bark with Dried Fruit and Nuts makes a fantastic standalone treat. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dried fruit and the satisfying crunch of the nuts.
For a sophisticated touch, serve the chocolate bark alongside a cheese board. The sweetness of the bark complements the savory notes of various cheeses, creating a delightful contrast.
This homemade chocolate bark is perfect for gifting during the holidays or any special occasion. Package the bark in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious present. The combination of chocolate, dried fruit, and nuts makes it an ideal snack for any party.
Storage and Reheating
To keep your Chocolate Bark with Dried Fruit and Nuts fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Reheating isn't typically necessary, as the bark is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If the bark softens slightly at room temperature, simply pop it back into the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
Key Details
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 12-16 pieces
- Equipment:
- Heat-safe bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Spatula or knife
Chocolate Bark with Dried Fruit and Nuts
Ingredients
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 ounces milk chocolate chips optional, for added sweetness
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup dried apricots chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup pistachios shelled
- Pinch of sea salt optional
Instructions
- Place the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips (if using) in a heat-safe bowl. You can melt the chocolate using one of two methods: Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat! Double Boiler: Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the chocolate from sticking and make it easy to remove later.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or knife to spread it into an even layer, about 1/4 inch thick.
- While the chocolate is still melted, sprinkle the dried cranberries, dried apricots, almonds, pecans, and pistachios evenly over the chocolate. Gently press the toppings into the chocolate to ensure they adhere.
- If you like a sweet and salty flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the bark.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
- Once the chocolate has hardened, remove it from the refrigerator. Gently peel the parchment paper away from the bark. Break the bark into irregular pieces using your hands or a knife.
