Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightfully simple treat that’s both fancy enough to impress guests and easy to whip up on a whim, you’re in the right spot! This Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe is honestly one of my all-time favorites because it combines rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and sweet-tart dried fruit into a perfectly balanced snack. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, a casual gathering, or just that afternoon craving, stick with me—I’ll share all my tips and tricks to help you nail it every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, you’ll want to gather some good-quality chocolate and your favorite nuts and dried fruits. The mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate balances rich and sweet notes, while the nuts and fruit add just the right crunch and chewiness. Here are a few shopping tips to make your bark next-level delicious.

• 72% Cocoa Dark Chocolate: Look for finely chopped bars or chop your own from good-quality chocolate to get that deep, rich cocoa flavor without too much bitterness.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Adds sweetness and smooth melting texture—great to balance the dark chocolate.
• Ground Cinnamon (Optional): Adds a warm, cozy flavor—perfect if you want a hint of spice without overpowering the chocolate.
• Roasted Almonds: Toasted nuts bring out a lovely aroma and crunch; raw almonds can be used but roasting lightly enhances flavor.
• Dried Cherries: Tart and chewy, these contrast beautifully with the sweet, rich chocolate.
• Peppermint Extract (Optional): If you want a festive twist, adding this can transform your bark into a holiday classic.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Adds crunch and a refreshing minty bite—perfect for seasonal variations.
• Unsalted Shelled Pistachios: These give a pop of green color and buttery nuttiness that I absolutely adore.
• Dried Cranberries: Another fruity option with bright tartness to cut through the chocolate sweetness.
• Toffee Bits: A sweet, buttery crunch that melts just slightly when baked or set—totally addictive!

Variations

This is one of those recipes where your creativity can truly shine. I love switching things up depending on what’s in season or what I’m in the mood for. Feel free to make it your own and surprise yourself with new flavor combos!

• Nut-Free Variation: I’ve made this using roasted pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds instead of almonds or pistachios, and it’s just as crunchy and delicious.
• Spicy Twist: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the melted chocolate gives a surprising and delightful kick—perfect if you like a little heat.
• Holiday Peppermint: Swapping cinnamon for peppermint extract and topping with crushed candy canes instantly makes it Christmas ready.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free dark chocolate to make this recipe safe for dairy-intolerant friends—it still melts beautifully.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan Like a Pro

Start by lining a 9×9-inch pan with two layers of parchment paper so they overlap on the edges—these will act as handles to lift your bark out later. Trust me, this little step makes cutting and serving way easier and cleaner!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Gently

Fill a saucepan about a third full with water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Place a heatproof bowl snugly on top of the pan—make sure it doesn’t touch the water to avoid scorching. Add your chopped dark and semi-sweet chocolate to the bowl, along with cinnamon if you’re using it, and gently stir occasionally with a silicone spatula until smooth. If you’re going peppermint style, swap cinnamon for peppermint extract here instead. Patience is key—you’ll want silky, lump-free chocolate.

Step 3: Pour and Top Your Bark

Remove your bowl carefully—no steam or water should drip into the chocolate as it can seize up. Pour the melted chocolate evenly into your prepared pan. Now comes the fun part: sprinkle your chosen nuts and dried fruits (and any extras like sea salt or toffee bits) over the top while the chocolate is still soft. Don’t be shy here—the toppings make all the difference.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Set your pan aside at room temperature for about 3 hours, or until the chocolate bark is firm and set. This part takes patience, but you’ll be rewarded with perfectly hardened bark that snaps cleanly. When ready, use the parchment paper handles to lift the bark out, and slice into roughly 3-inch pieces with a large, sharp knife.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this bark, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before it sets adds that perfect sweet-salty balance. Sometimes I like dusting lightly with crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a pop of color and a tangy twist—totally optional but sure to impress!

Side Dishes

This chocolate bark pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For gatherings, I like to serve it alongside cheese platters or fresh fruit—something fresh to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my fun traditions is breaking the bark into uneven chunks and arranging them in a glass jar wrapped with festive ribbon as gifts. You can also layer different flavored barks in a clear box to create a stunning edible gift set that friends adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover bark in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight. It stays fresh and snappy for about two weeks—perfect for nibbling over time or last-minute guests.

Freezing

Want to stash some for later? Wrap pieces individually in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you defrost them in the fridge, they retain their crunch and flavor remarkably well.

Reheating

This bark really doesn’t need reheating since it’s a snack you eat as is, but if you want to soften pieces for recipes, gently warm them in short bursts in the microwave, checking frequently to avoid melting completely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe brings together simple ingredients into something magical and shareable. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy for the crunchy, sweet, and slightly tart bites. It’s one of those recipes where even beginners can look like pros, and you’ll enjoy customizing it with your favorite mix-ins. So grab your chocolate, pick your toppings, and treat yourself—you won’t regret it!

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