Create a dark chocolate almond bark adorned with the nutty goodness of sunflower and pumpkin seeds in just a few simple steps. Break a piece, indulge, and enjoy the simplicity of homemade goodness.
Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Break the dark chocolate into little pieces and place in a heatproof bowl.
Set bowl of chocolate over pot of water. Ensure water does not touch the bottom of the bowl.
Bring a pot of water to a simmer.
When chocolate is almost completely melted, remove from heat and stir to finish melting.
Combine the toasted nuts with the melted chocolate.
With the help of an offset spatula, spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to about ¼-½ inch thick.
If you are garnishing flaky sea salt, crush it lightly between your fingertips as you evenly sprinkle it over the chocolate.
Allow the chocolate to cool at room temperature until fully hardened, typically taking 2 to 4 hours.
If you need it sooner, place the chocolate bark in the fridge for only 10 minutes, this will help set the chocolate faster.
The only thing left to do is break into pieces and enjoy.
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Notes
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 with hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts or even pistachios.Can I make this bark nut free? Yes! Simply eliminate the almonds and replace with the same amounts of seeds and dried fruit.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 air tight container in a cool, dry place for up to one week.Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. *recipe lightly adapted from Bonnie Stern