Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark Simple Sweet Treat

by Amelia on January 9, 2025

Are you ready for a delicious treat? My Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark is simple to make and perfect for any occasion. You’ll enjoy the rich flavor of dark chocolate paired with the crunch of mixed nuts and the sweetness of dried fruit. It’s quick, easy, and can be customized just how you like. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this yummy bark!

$- 8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped - 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans), roughly chopped - 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries, chopped if large - 1 tablespoon sea salt, or to taste - Optional: 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest The main ingredients create a rich and tasty treat. Dark chocolate gives the bark its deep flavor. Choose chocolate that has at least 70% cocoa for the best results. The mixed nuts add a nice crunch and some healthy fats. You can use any combination of nuts you like. Dried cranberries or cherries bring sweetness and a bit of tartness. You can enhance your bark by adding sea salt. This gives a nice contrast to the sweet chocolate. If you love citrus, try adding fresh orange zest. It adds a bright flavor that pairs well with the chocolate. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a delightful snack. This easy recipe lets you be creative, too! You can swap nuts and fruits based on what you have at home. {{ingredient_image_2}} To melt the chocolate, you have two great methods. - Using a double boiler method: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the pot. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate to the bowl. Stir it often with a spatula until the chocolate melts and is smooth. - Alternative microwave method: Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until it melts evenly. Using parchment paper is key for this recipe. It keeps the chocolate from sticking. It also makes it easy to lift the bark off later. - Recommended baking sheet size: Choose a baking sheet that is about 9x12 inches. This size works well for spreading the chocolate evenly. Once the chocolate is melted, it's time to mix in the fun stuff. - Adding nuts and cranberries to melted chocolate: Stir in the roughly chopped mixed nuts and dried cranberries. If you like, you can add fresh orange zest for a bright flavor. - Techniques for spreading the mixture evenly: Carefully pour the mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure to reach all the edges and fill any gaps. Timing is important for adding the sea salt. - Timing for adding sea salt: While the chocolate mixture is still warm, sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top. This helps it stick well. - Recommended chilling time: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for about 30-45 minutes. It should feel firm when ready. Now comes the fun part—breaking the bark! - Removing the bark from parchment paper: Once it is set, lift the parchment paper off the baking sheet. - Techniques for breaking into pieces: Use your hands to break the bark into irregular pieces. You can make them as big or small as you like! To melt chocolate evenly, use a double boiler. This method helps prevent burning. If you choose the microwave, heat in 30-second bursts. Stir after each interval for even melting. For a smooth finish, be sure to mix well. Any lumps will affect the look and taste. Try using different nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work well. You can also swap dried cranberries for cherries. For a twist, add a pinch of spice. Chilli or cinnamon can give it a kick. Fresh orange zest adds a bright flavor too. When serving, break bark into fun shapes. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Arrange pieces on a platter for a beautiful display. For gifts, wrap in clear cellophane. Tie with a ribbon for a nice touch. This treat makes a great gift for friends and family. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: The quality of chocolate greatly affects the taste of your bark. Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich flavor. Chop Ingredients Evenly: Ensure that your nuts and dried fruits are chopped into similar sizes to promote even distribution in the bark. Experiment with Toppings: Don't hesitate to add other toppings like sea salt flakes, coconut flakes, or even crushed peppermint for a festive touch! Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store your chocolate bark in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. {{image_4}} You can make dark chocolate sea salt bark even more fun by adding spices. Try a pinch of chili for a kick. A dash of cinnamon can add warmth and sweetness. You can also switch up the chocolate. Use milk chocolate for a sweeter treat or white chocolate for a creamy twist. Each choice changes the bark's taste and feel. For those who need gluten-free options, this bark is naturally safe. Just make sure your nuts and chocolate are free from gluten. If you want a sugar-free treat, choose sugar-free chocolate. You can also use a sugar substitute that fits your taste. These changes keep the bark tasty while fitting your diet. You can transform this bark for the holidays. Add festive toppings like crushed candy canes for Christmas. Use pumpkin spice for a fall twist. Dried fruits can be swapped out too. Think about dried apricots for a bright summer treat. Let your creativity shine with seasonal flavors to make it special! - Store your dark chocolate sea salt bark in an airtight container. - Use a container that keeps out air and moisture. - Keep the container at room temperature, away from heat and light. - Your bark stays fresh for about one week. - Look for a dull finish or white spots as signs of spoilage. - If it smells off or has a strange taste, it's best to toss it. Dark chocolate sea salt bark takes about 30 to 45 minutes to set. You should place it in the refrigerator for the best results. Once it feels firm to the touch, it's ready. This makes it a quick treat to prepare. Yes, you can use milk chocolate. However, keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. This may change the taste of your bark. Dark chocolate adds a richer flavor and pairs well with sea salt. Dark chocolate has health benefits. It contains antioxidants and may improve heart health. However, it still has sugar and fat. The nuts and dried fruits also add fiber and nutrients. Enjoy it in moderation for a sweet treat. You can make dark chocolate sea salt bark in advance. It stays fresh in an airtight container for up to a week. Just make sure it is fully cooled and set before storing. This makes it a great option for parties or gifts. You can find dark chocolate sea salt bark at many stores. Look in the candy aisles or gourmet sections. Some bakeries may also sell it. If you want a specific brand, check online retailers for more options. This blog post covered how to make delicious dark chocolate sea salt bark. We explored key ingredients, like dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits. I shared clear steps for melting, mixing, and cooling the bark. You learned tips for perfecting the recipe and ideas for variations and storage. Making this treat is fun and easy. Customize it to fit your taste or needs. Enjoy your tasty creation and share it with others!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor Combination: The deep, intense taste of dark chocolate combined with the crunch of mixed nuts and the sweetness of dried fruit creates a delightful flavor experience.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute treats or indulgences.
Customizable: You can easily swap out nuts or fruits based on your preferences, allowing for endless variations.
Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in a cute box or jar, this bark makes for an excellent homemade gift for friends and family!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped

– 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans), roughly chopped

– 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries, chopped if large

Optional Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon sea salt, or to taste

– Optional: 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest

The main ingredients create a rich and tasty treat. Dark chocolate gives the bark its deep flavor. Choose chocolate that has at least 70% cocoa for the best results. The mixed nuts add a nice crunch and some healthy fats. You can use any combination of nuts you like. Dried cranberries or cherries bring sweetness and a bit of tartness.

You can enhance your bark by adding sea salt. This gives a nice contrast to the sweet chocolate. If you love citrus, try adding fresh orange zest. It adds a bright flavor that pairs well with the chocolate.

Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a delightful snack. This easy recipe lets you be creative, too! You can swap nuts and fruits based on what you have at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melting the Chocolate

To melt the chocolate, you have two great methods.

– Using a double boiler method: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the pot. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate to the bowl. Stir it often with a spatula until the chocolate melts and is smooth.

– Alternative microwave method: Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until it melts evenly.

Preparing the Baking Sheet

Using parchment paper is key for this recipe. It keeps the chocolate from sticking. It also makes it easy to lift the bark off later.

– Recommended baking sheet size: Choose a baking sheet that is about 9×12 inches. This size works well for spreading the chocolate evenly.

Combining Ingredients and Spreading

Once the chocolate is melted, it’s time to mix in the fun stuff.

– Adding nuts and cranberries to melted chocolate: Stir in the roughly chopped mixed nuts and dried cranberries. If you like, you can add fresh orange zest for a bright flavor.

– Techniques for spreading the mixture evenly: Carefully pour the mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure to reach all the edges and fill any gaps.

Adding Sea Salt and Chilling

Timing is important for adding the sea salt.

– Timing for adding sea salt: While the chocolate mixture is still warm, sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top. This helps it stick well.

– Recommended chilling time: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for about 30-45 minutes. It should feel firm when ready.

Breaking the Bark and Serving

Now comes the fun part—breaking the bark!

– Removing the bark from parchment paper: Once it is set, lift the parchment paper off the baking sheet.

– Techniques for breaking into pieces: Use your hands to break the bark into irregular pieces. You can make them as big or small as you like!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Chocolate Bark

To melt chocolate evenly, use a double boiler. This method helps prevent burning. If you choose the microwave, heat in 30-second bursts. Stir after each interval for even melting. For a smooth finish, be sure to mix well. Any lumps will affect the look and taste.

Customization Ideas

Try using different nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work well. You can also swap dried cranberries for cherries. For a twist, add a pinch of spice. Chilli or cinnamon can give it a kick. Fresh orange zest adds a bright flavor too.

Presentation Suggestions

When serving, break bark into fun shapes. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Arrange pieces on a platter for a beautiful display. For gifts, wrap in clear cellophane. Tie with a ribbon for a nice touch. This treat makes a great gift for friends and family.

Pro Tips

Use Quality Chocolate: The quality of chocolate greatly affects the taste of your bark. Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich flavor.
Chop Ingredients Evenly: Ensure that your nuts and dried fruits are chopped into similar sizes to promote even distribution in the bark.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to add other toppings like sea salt flakes, coconut flakes, or even crushed peppermint for a festive touch!
Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store your chocolate bark in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can make dark chocolate sea salt bark even more fun by adding spices. Try a pinch of chili for a kick. A dash of cinnamon can add warmth and sweetness. You can also switch up the chocolate. Use milk chocolate for a sweeter treat or white chocolate for a creamy twist. Each choice changes the bark’s taste and feel.

Dietary Adaptations

For those who need gluten-free options, this bark is naturally safe. Just make sure your nuts and chocolate are free from gluten. If you want a sugar-free treat, choose sugar-free chocolate. You can also use a sugar substitute that fits your taste. These changes keep the bark tasty while fitting your diet.

Seasonal Variations

You can transform this bark for the holidays. Add festive toppings like crushed candy canes for Christmas. Use pumpkin spice for a fall twist. Dried fruits can be swapped out too. Think about dried apricots for a bright summer treat. Let your creativity shine with seasonal flavors to make it special!

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

– Store your dark chocolate sea salt bark in an airtight container.

– Use a container that keeps out air and moisture.

– Keep the container at room temperature, away from heat and light.

Shelf Life

– Your bark stays fresh for about one week.

– Look for a dull finish or white spots as signs of spoilage.

– If it smells off or has a strange taste, it’s best to toss it.

FAQs

How long does it take for dark chocolate sea salt bark to set?

Dark chocolate sea salt bark takes about 30 to 45 minutes to set. You should place it in the refrigerator for the best results. Once it feels firm to the touch, it’s ready. This makes it a quick treat to prepare.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate. However, keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. This may change the taste of your bark. Dark chocolate adds a richer flavor and pairs well with sea salt.

Is dark chocolate sea salt bark healthy?

Dark chocolate has health benefits. It contains antioxidants and may improve heart health. However, it still has sugar and fat. The nuts and dried fruits also add fiber and nutrients. Enjoy it in moderation for a sweet treat.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can make dark chocolate sea salt bark in advance. It stays fresh in an airtight container for up to a week. Just make sure it is fully cooled and set before storing. This makes it a great option for parties or gifts.

Where can I buy dark chocolate sea salt bark?

You can find dark chocolate sea salt bark at many stores. Look in the candy aisles or gourmet sections. Some bakeries may also sell it. If you want a specific brand, check online retailers for more options.

This blog post covered how to make delicious dark chocolate sea salt bark. We explored key ingredients, like dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits. I shared clear steps for melting, mixing, and cooling the bark. You learned tips for perfecting the recipe and ideas for variations and storage.

Making this treat is fun and easy. Customize it to fit your taste or needs. Enjoy your tasty creation and share it with other

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark

A deliciously sweet and salty treat made with dark chocolate, mixed nuts, and dried fruits.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped
0.5 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans), roughly chopped
0.25 cup dried cranberries or cherries, chopped if large
1 tablespoon sea salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest (optional)

Instructions

Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Line a baking sheet measuring approximately 9x12 inches with parchment paper.
With the melted chocolate still warm, add the roughly chopped mixed nuts and dried cranberries into the bowl, stirring gently to coat.
Pour the chocolate mixture onto the lined baking sheet and spread it into an even layer, about 1/4 inch thick.
Sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the surface while the chocolate is still warm, adding any extra nuts or cranberries if desired.
Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for about 30-45 minutes until firm.
Once set, lift the parchment paper from the baking sheet and break the bark into irregular pieces.
Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Keyword bark, chocolate, dessert, snack