Easy Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe

This easy dark chocolate bark recipe is perfect for holiday gift-giving, or just as a simple homemade treat for yourself! When combined with dark chocolate, roasted almonds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds also make the perfect hostess gift. You won’t believe how easy and delicious this is! 

Have you ever tried to buy dark chocolate almond bark?

It can get a little pricey.

I can understand that you pay for the quality of the ingredients. However, once you realize how truly simple and quick it is to make your own homemade nut bark, with quality ingredients, I assure you, you will never buy commercial again.

The versatility of the ingredients used to make any homemade chocolate bark is what I find so practical about this recipe, as long as you respect the proportions, there are infinite variations that can be made.

For example, why not make a Christmas bark recipe by using fresh pomegranate seeds and pistachios?

Or, use dried cranberries with almonds to make a festive fruit and nut bark. If you prefer, you can also shape them into chocolate almond clusters. 

And when it’s pumpkin season, how about a fall chocolate bark?

Let me show you how this recipe for chocolate bark with nuts and seeds comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

A printable recipe card found at the bottom of this page has the specific amounts for each ingredient. This is just a summary.

• Dark Chocolate. If possible, use high-quality dark chocolate, at least 70% cacao.
• Almonds. Roasted.
• Sunflower Seeds. Adds a pleasant crunch.
• Pumpkin seeds. Unsalted.

Instructions

Let’s begin by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.

Next, let’s roast about 1 cup of almonds, ¾ cup of sunflower seeds and ½ cup of pumpkin seeds. 

Simply scatter the nuts and seeds (single layer) in a small roasting pan. Place in a preheated oven (350°F) for about 6-8 minutes. Shake the pan occasionally to prevent scorching.

Remove the nuts and seeds from the pan; give them a quick chop and allow them to cool down.

It’s time to melt the chocolate. 

Break the dark chocolate (14 ounces) into little pieces and place in a heatproof bowl, set over a pot of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.

When the chocolate is almost completely melted, remove it from heat and stir to finish melting. Note: If using a microwave, heat in 30 seconds intervals, stirring after each time increment.

Quickly stir in the room temperature nuts and seeds to combine properly together. With the help of an offset spatula, spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to about ¼-½ inch thick.

Place the chocolate bark in the fridge for only 10 minutes, this will help set the chocolate. 

The only thing left to do is break into pieces and enjoy.

..and just like that, you have made a gourmet chocolate bark.

Tips

• Make sure anything that comes into contact with the chocolate is completely dry. The slightest amount of moisture will cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy.
• Cut the chocolate into pieces. This makes it melt quickly and uniformly.
• Use total amounts of nuts and seeds as a guideline. Vary the types of nuts and/or seeds according to personal preference.
• Choose dark chocolate that has at least 70% cacao solids. 
• Work quickly when spreading the chocolate. You will notice the chocolate sets quickly.

Can I replace the almonds?

Yes, feel free to replace them with roasted hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts or even pistachios.

Can I make this bark nut-free?

Yes! Simply eliminate the almonds and replace them with the same amounts of seeds and dried fruit.

How do I roast the nuts?

Preheat the oven to 350°C. Spread the nuts and seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 6-8 minutes. Shake occasionally.

Do I need to roast the nuts and seeds?

Yes! Don’t skip this step as it releases some of the oils and adds so much flavor.

Can I chop the nuts and seeds before roasting them?

No, as they will not roast evenly. In fact, the smaller pieces might get burned. 

How to store chocolate bark?

Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to one week.

Almond treats

What’s not to love about almonds? They add such great flavor and texture to cookies, cakes, biscotti – you name it!

We also love all of our favorite edible gifts made with them. Some of our favorite almond treats include these cocoa dusted almonds, chocolate-covered almonds, sugared almonds and almond chocolate clusters. They also make a great addition to any homemade Christmas cookie box. 

Recipe origins

I first started making this candy bark based on a Bonnie Stern recipe I found in the food section of the National Post. Today, variations of this recipe can be found everywhere.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to create a year-round hostess gift – make it whenever you like, and modify it to suit the time of year.

This nutty almond bark recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!

THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

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Ciao for now,

Maria 

★★★★★ If you have made this dark chocolate bark recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

This post was originally published on October 28, 2017 and republished on October 14, 2019 with updated content. Thanks for sharing!