Chocolate Almond Bark
Sometimes all you need is a sweet bite-size snack that will give you enough energy to finish off the day in the best way possible and I found that this Chocolate Almond Bark can do just that!
Bark is easy to make, quick and nutritious when you add the right ingredients to it. In this recipe we used simple ingredients such as dark chocolate, almonds, coconut and cranberries, but you can change it up as you wish. It’s also the perfect thought-out Christmas gift idea for friends.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Dark Chocolate – Melted and lightly cooled
- Almonds – Roasted
- Shredded coconut – Unsweetened
- Dried cranberries
How to Roast Nuts
Place nuts in a single layer on an ungreased baking / cookie sheet. Bake 5 to 8 minutes in a pre-heated 350F oven, or until they are golden brown, remove immediately from pan to cool.
What is bain-marie?
It is basically a fancy french term for a hot water bath. To do this, place a pot with water on the burner and a plate on top with the ingredient that needs to be melted or heated.
If you are melting chocolate be sure that the water in the pot does not touch the bottom of the dish. Heat the water to a slow boil and stir the chocolate until completely melted and smooth.
How To Harden Chocolate Bark
The first method to make sure that your chocolate will harden is by tempering the chocolate so that it will cool and set at room temperature. The second method is by refrigerating your bark for at least 1 hour before breaking it into pieces and serving it.
How To Make It
Chop the chocolate into small pieces.
In a medium bowl melt a little more than half the chocolate over a Bain Marie. When the chocolate has completely melted take it off the heat and add the remaining chocolate, stir until smooth and completely melted, let it cool slightly.
Add the almonds, coconut and dried cranberries to the bowl and mix everything together.
Pour the mix on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and spread it with a spatula or a spoon on an even layer.
Refrigerate the bark for 3-4 hours or overnight.
How To Temper Chocolate
To temper chocolate, break 2/3 of the amount of chocolate you have into a dry metal bowl and place the bowl on a Bain Marie. Let the chocolate melt stirring frequently and checking with a thermometer that the temperature doesn’t exceed 120F for dark chocolate and 105F for milk or white chocolate.
When the chocolate has melted, take the bowl off the heat and make sure that no water gets into contact with the chocolate. Slowly stir in chunks of the remaining chopped chocolate and let it melt before adding more.
Let the chocolate cool to about 82F and then place it back on the heat. Reheat the dark chocolate between 88F and 91F and milk and white chocolate between 85F and 87F.
Take it off the heat and on a piece of parchment paper check if the chocolate is in temper by spreading a little bit with an offset spatula. If it looks dull, re-temper the chocolate, If it dries quickly with a glossy finish the chocolate is in temper.
What Toppings Can You Add to Bark?
I decided to add simple ingredients such as shredded coconut, dried cranberries and toasted almonds to my bark, but you can add anything you want to it. You can make it very decadent and rich or keep it on the healthier side. There are so many kinds of nuts and dried fruits you could add! Be as creative as you want!
Some combinations of bark that you might like:
- Toasted Pistachios + chocolate chips + dried apricots
- Toasted Pecans + dried cherries + Bourbon
- Peanuts + dried apples + pretzels
- Cashews + Coconut flakes + caramel
- Caramel + sea salt + toasted hazelnuts
An amazing homemade chocolate bark is also the peppermint bark. For this one you’ll need crushed candy canes, peppermint extract and you can use either a mix of milk and white chocolate or just use white chocolate for a change. Add some sprinkles to make your bark even more festive!
How Long Does Homemade Bark Last?
Homemade Chocolate Almond Bark will last about 5 days at room temperature and about 2-3 weeks if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to freeze Chocolate Bark
To freeze it, break the bark into pieces and wrap them in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag and they will last for about 6 months in the freezer.
I hope you try this Chocolate Almond Bark and let me know how you like it. Enjoy!
More Delicious Chocolate Recipes
Chocolate Almond Bark
Ingredients
- 7 ounces Dark chocolate (good quality chopped)
- ½ cup Almonds
- ¼ cup Unsweetened coconut
- ¼ cup Dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a medium bowl melt a little more than half the chocolate over a Bain Marie. When the chocolate has completely melted take it off the heat and add the remaining chocolate, stir until smooth and completely melted, let it cool slightly.
- Add the almonds, coconut and dried cranberries to the bowl and mix everything together.
- Pour the mix on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and spread it with a spatula or a spoon. Refrigerate the bark for 3-4 hours or until firm. Overnight is best. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Today is Taste Creations Week! Please check out these other delicious Chocolate Recipes from my Food Blogger Friends.
- Terri from Our Good Life –  Mocha Vietnamese Coffee
- Nikki from Tikkido – Chocolate Explosion Cupcakes
- Lauren from Mom Home Guide – Quick and Decadent Chocolate Mug Cake