There are some recipes that feel like a small win every single time you make them, and Easy Chocolate Bark is absolutely one of those. It’s the kind of thing you throw together when time is short but you still want something that feels thoughtful, homemade, and just a little special.
I come back to this recipe year after year, especially around the holidays, because it never asks too much of me. No mixers, no precise timing, no stress. Just good chocolate, a handful of toppings, and a quiet moment while everything sets.
Kelsey first shared this version as a simple, flexible treat, and I’ve been making it my own ever since. Some batches are neat and polished, others are messy and rustic, but every single one disappears fast.
What I love most is how forgiving it is. You can dress it up for a party, wrap it as a last-minute gift, or keep it stashed in the pantry for when a chocolate craving hits late at night.
This Easy Chocolate Bark manages to feel gourmet without being fussy, which is a rare and beautiful thing. It’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and deeply chocolatey, all in one bite.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
- Quality dark chocolate: This is the base of the bark and the main flavor, so using good chocolate makes all the difference.
- Raw nuts or seeds: These add crunch and balance the sweetness of the chocolate with a toasted, earthy flavor.
- Dried fruit: A little chewiness and gentle sweetness that breaks up the richness of the chocolate.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A light sprinkle sharpens the flavors and gives that sweet-and-salty contrast.
The beauty of this ingredient list is how short it is. Everything plays a clear role, and nothing feels unnecessary or decorative.
You likely already have most of these on hand, which makes this recipe perfect for spontaneous baking moods. Or non-baking moods, honestly.
Why This Chocolate Bark Works So Well
At its core, this recipe is about contrast. Smooth chocolate against crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruit with a touch of salt, all layered together without overthinking it.
The dark chocolate keeps things from becoming cloying, especially when paired with toasted nuts. Each bite feels balanced, not heavy, which makes it dangerously snackable.
Another reason this bark works is timing. From start to finish, you’re looking at minutes of active work, followed by a short cooling period that requires zero effort.
It’s the kind of recipe you can make while the kitchen is already busy, or even while something else is in the oven. Low attention, high reward.
How to make Easy Chocolate Bark?
Step 1 – Toast the Nuts or Seeds
If you have a few extra minutes, toasting the nuts or seeds is worth it. The heat brings out deeper flavors and adds a subtle warmth that raw nuts just don’t have.
Spread them on a baking sheet and toast until lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool briefly, then roughly chop so every piece gets a little crunch.
Step 2 – Melt the Chocolate
Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short intervals, stirring often. Patience matters here more than speed.
Once it’s mostly melted, stop heating and let the residual warmth finish the job. This keeps the chocolate smooth and glossy instead of scorched.
Step 3 – Spread the Chocolate
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the melted chocolate into the center. Use a spatula to gently spread it into an even layer.
You’re aiming for a thickness that feels generous but not bulky. Too thin and it snaps too easily, too thick and it loses that delicate bark feel.
Step 4 – Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the nuts evenly over the warm chocolate, followed by the dried fruit. Take a moment to distribute everything so each piece gets a good mix.
If you’re using flaky salt, crush it lightly between your fingers as you sprinkle. Press the toppings gently so they settle into the chocolate.
Step 5 – Let It Set
For the best texture, let the bark cool at room temperature until completely firm. This takes a little longer, but the finish is smoother.
If you’re short on time, the refrigerator works just fine. Once hardened, break the bark into pieces using your hands.
Flavor Variations You’ll Want to Try
This recipe is a blank canvas, and that’s part of the fun. Once you’ve made it once, it’s hard not to start experimenting.
Switch out the dried cranberries for cherries or apricots if you want something softer and sweeter. Candied ginger adds warmth and a subtle bite.
Pistachios and pepitas bring a pop of green that feels especially festive. Almonds and pecans lean more classic and cozy.
For something playful, crushed pretzels or candy canes add crunch and nostalgia. Just don’t overload the chocolate, or the balance gets lost.
Tips
- Use chocolate you enjoy eating on its own, because its flavor really shines here.
- Stir chocolate frequently while melting to prevent scorching.
- Toast nuts lightly to avoid bitterness.
- Press toppings gently so they don’t fall off after setting.
- Let bark cool fully before breaking for cleaner pieces.
Make It Work for Different Diets
This Easy Chocolate Bark adapts beautifully to different needs without feeling like a compromise. A few smart swaps go a long way.
For a nut-free version, seeds like pepitas or sunflower seeds give you the crunch without the allergens. The texture stays just as satisfying.
If you need a dairy-free or vegan option, simply choose a plant-based chocolate. Everything else stays exactly the same.
That flexibility is one of the reasons I keep this recipe in my back pocket. It’s inclusive without announcing itself as such.
How to Store and Gift Chocolate Bark
Once set, chocolate bark stores easily at room temperature for up to a week. Just keep it in an airtight container away from heat.
If you’re making it as a gift, break it into uneven pieces for a rustic look. Stack them in a box or bag with parchment between layers.
This bark travels well, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, and casual gatherings. It looks impressive without requiring delicate handling.
And if a few pieces mysteriously disappear before gifting, that’s just quality control. It happens.
Serving Ideas That Feel Effortless
Chocolate bark doesn’t need much, but it plays well with others. Serve it alongside coffee or tea for a simple, satisfying dessert.
I also love adding it to a holiday spread with fruit, nuts, and other small treats. It fills in gaps and adds texture to the table.
For everyday snacking, a piece or two after dinner feels just right. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming.
However you serve it, this Easy Chocolate Bark has a way of disappearing quickly. That’s usually the best sign of a good recipe.
Every time I make it, I’m reminded how something so simple can feel so complete. And honestly, that’s the kind of recipe worth keeping close.
Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe
Description
This chocolate bark recipe is SO EASY to make! Made with rich dark chocolate, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and a hint of flaky sea salt, it’s a gourmet yet wholesome treat that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for holiday gifting or a last-minute sweet craving!
ingredients
Instructions
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If desired, toast the nuts or seeds: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread nuts/seeds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast for 6–9 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Let cool, then roughly chop.
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Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until about 90% melted. Continue stirring off heat until fully smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler over simmering water.
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Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour melted chocolate onto the center and spread evenly to about ¼-inch thickness using a spatula.
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Sprinkle the toasted nuts/seeds evenly over the chocolate, followed by dried cranberries. Lightly crush the flaky sea salt between your fingers and sprinkle on top.
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Gently press toppings into the chocolate with your palms to help them adhere.
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For quick setting, refrigerate for 15 minutes. For best texture, let cool at room temperature for 2–4 hours until completely hardened.
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Once hardened, break the bark into about 25 irregular pieces by hand.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 25
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8 gg13%
- Saturated Fat 4.5 gg23%
- Trans Fat 0 gg
- Cholesterol 0 mgmg0%
- Sodium 45 mgmg2%
- Potassium 120 mgmg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 12 gg4%
- Dietary Fiber 2 gg8%
- Sugars 9 gg
- Protein 2 gg4%
- Calcium 20 mg mg
- Iron 1 mg mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make it nut-free: Use only seeds like pepitas or sunflower seeds.
- Make it vegan/dairy-free: Use certified dairy-free chocolate such as Enjoy Life brand.
- Customize it: Try swapping in dried cherries, candied ginger, coconut flakes, or crushed pretzels for variety.
- Storage tip: Avoid refrigeration if possible to prevent sugar bloom; store in a cool, dry place.
