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- 12 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped - 1 cup dried cranberries - 1 cup sliced almonds - 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for melting) - 1/2 cup white chocolate (for drizzling) - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Cranberry Almond Holiday Bark is a simple yet festive treat. The main ingredients blend rich dark chocolate with tart cranberries and crunchy almonds. The dark chocolate gives a deep flavor. The dried cranberries add a sweet and tangy bite. The sliced almonds provide a nice crunch, making each bite delightful. If you want to make melting easier, you can use coconut oil. It helps the chocolate melt smoothly, making it easier to mix. The optional white chocolate drizzle adds a pretty touch and sweet flavor. It’s perfect for the holidays. For seasoning, a touch of sea salt enhances the chocolate's richness. Cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice. Mixing these ingredients together creates a treat that feels festive and comforting. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Swap out nuts or fruits if you prefer. This recipe is flexible and perfect for holiday fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure it is flat and smooth. This step helps the bark release easily once it sets. You can melt the dark chocolate using two methods: - Microwave method: Place the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir well between each interval until smooth. - Double boiler method: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the heatproof bowl on top, making sure it doesn't touch the water. Stir the chocolate until it melts completely. Once your chocolate is melted, it’s time to add flavor: - Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and half of the sea salt. This mix gives the bark a warm spice note. - Now, gently fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1 cup of sliced almonds. Ensure they get evenly mixed throughout the chocolate. Pour the chocolate mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into a layer about 1/4 inch thick. Next, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Chill for 30-45 minutes, or until the chocolate sets and feels firm. For an optional drizzle, melt 1/2 cup of white chocolate using the same method as before. Once melted, drizzle it over the hardened dark chocolate bark. After that, take the bark out of the fridge. Break it into pieces with your hands. For the final touch, sprinkle the remaining sea salt over the top. To melt chocolate well, avoid overheating it. Chocolate can burn easily. Use short bursts of heat. In a microwave, heat for 30 seconds. Stir after each round. If it’s not smooth yet, heat again. You can also use a double boiler. Place a bowl over simmering water. This method helps keep the heat gentle. You can change the nuts and fruits in your bark. Try walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. You can also add dried cherries or apricots for a twist. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less chocolate. If you like spice, add more cinnamon or try nutmeg. Experiment to find your favorite blend! For gifting, wrap your bark in clear cellophane. Tie it with a festive ribbon. This makes it look special. At gatherings, serve the bark on a nice platter. You can break it into fun shapes, too. This adds a personal touch. Your guests will love the look and taste! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your bark heavily depends on the chocolate you use. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich taste. Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to swap out cranberries and almonds for your favorite dried fruits or nuts, such as apricots or walnuts, to suit your taste. Keep It Cool: To ensure your bark sets properly, chill it in the refrigerator instead of the freezer, which can cause it to become too brittle. Presentation Matters: For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of edible glitter or crushed peppermint on top before serving, especially during the holiday season. {{image_2}} You can easily make this treat suit different diets. If you want a vegan-friendly option, use dairy-free dark chocolate. Many brands offer great choices that still taste amazing. For those who need gluten-free snacks, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check your chocolate and other add-ins to be sure. Adding spices can bring new life to your bark. Try a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for warmth. These spices pair well with the sweetness of cranberries. If you prefer a sweeter taste, use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate. This change makes the bark rich and creamy, perfect for those who love a sweeter treat. Feel free to get creative with your bark. You can add other dried fruits like cherries or apricots for extra flavor. These fruits add a chewy texture and vibrant color. Another fun idea is to mix in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They give a nice crunch and boost the nutrition of your bark. To keep your cranberry almond holiday bark fresh and tasty, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture away and maintains its crunch. You can use a plastic container or a glass jar with a tight lid. - Use parchment paper: Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. - Keep it cool: Store the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid sunlight and heat. For optimal freshness, your bark will last about two weeks when stored properly. If you notice changes, check for signs of spoilage. - Look for white spots: This is called bloom and can happen if the chocolate gets warm. - Smell test: If it smells off or stale, it's time to toss it out. If you want to save your bark for later, you can freeze it. Freezing keeps it fresh for up to three months. - Wrap it well: Use plastic wrap or foil to cover the bark tightly. - Use a freezer bag: Place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, just remove it from the freezer and leave it at room temperature for about an hour. Enjoy your festive treat whenever you like! Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate. Milk chocolate adds creaminess and sweetness. White chocolate gives a rich, sweet flavor. Both can work well with cranberries and almonds. Just keep in mind that using milk or white chocolate might change the taste a bit. It won’t have the same strong cocoa flavor. The bark usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to set in the fridge. This time allows the chocolate to become firm and easy to break. Make sure to check it after 30 minutes. If it’s still soft, give it a little more time. You want it to be hard but not too hard to break. You can add more ingredients! Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also mix in dried fruits like apricots or cherries. Just be careful not to add too much. Too many ingredients can make it hard to set. Stick to about one cup total for best results. This blog covered how to make delicious chocolate bark. You learned about key ingredients, like dark chocolate, cranberries, and almonds. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to customize your bark. Feel free to explore storage options and common questions. Chocolate bark is versatile, fun, and sure to impress. Enjoy making it or gifting it to friends. You’ll create a tasty treat that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Cranberry Almond Holiday Bark

A festive chocolate bark with cranberries and almonds, perfect for the holidays.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for melting)
  • 0.5 cup white chocolate (optional for drizzling)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it is flat and smooth.
  • Melt the Dark Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil if using. Melt in a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler on the stove.
  • Mix in Flavors: Once melted, stir in the cinnamon and half of the sea salt into the chocolate for added flavor.
  • Add Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and sliced almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chocolate.
  • Spread the Mixture: Pour the chocolate mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes, or until the chocolate is set and firm.
  • Optional Drizzle: In a small bowl, melt the white chocolate using the same method as the dark chocolate. Once melted, drizzle it over the hardened dark chocolate bark for a decorative touch.
  • Break into Pieces: Once fully set, remove from the fridge and break the bark into pieces.
  • Season and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining sea salt over the top for a finishing touch before serving.

Notes

Optional white chocolate drizzle adds a decorative touch.
Keyword almonds, chocolate bark, cranberries, holiday treats