Decadent Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark

$For this delightful treat, you will need: - 8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped - 1 cup roasted almonds, coarsely chopped - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries - 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) - Sea salt, for sprinkling These ingredients create a great mix of flavors and textures. The chocolate gives a rich taste. The nuts add crunch, while the fruits bring a bit of sweetness. The sea salt ties it all together. Dark chocolate is not just tasty; it’s also good for you! It has less sugar than milk chocolate. This means you can enjoy the sweet without the extra guilt. Dark chocolate is also full of antioxidants. These help keep your body healthy. Eating dark chocolate may even boost your mood. It can make you feel happy and satisfied. You can make this bark your own! Here are some fun add-ins: - Chopped walnuts or pecans - Dried mango or apricots - Coconut flakes - A sprinkle of cinnamon Feel free to mix and match these ingredients. This way, you can create a bark that fits your taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to prepare a baking sheet. Use parchment paper or a silicone mat. This helps the chocolate not stick. Lay it flat on your counter. Once you have it ready, you can move on to melting the chocolate. Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add the chopped dark chocolate. Use chocolate that has 70% cocoa or higher for the best taste. Microwave it in 30-second intervals. After each interval, take it out and stir. This helps the chocolate melt evenly. Be careful not to overheat; burnt chocolate is hard to fix! Once the chocolate is smooth and melted, pour it onto the baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds on top. Press down gently to make sure they stick. Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the bark. This adds a nice contrast to the sweet chocolate. Now, put the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the chocolate set. After it is firm, break it into pieces or cut it into squares. Enjoy your tasty treat! To get the best texture, focus on melting the chocolate right. Use a microwave and heat in small bursts. Stir often to avoid hot spots. If you overheat the chocolate, it may seize and become grainy. Aim for a smooth and glossy finish. Spread it evenly on the baking sheet. A thickness of about 1/4 inch works best. This thickness helps it break nicely into pieces. Store your bark in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place. If you live in a warm area, the fridge is a good choice. Just be careful to wrap it well. If not, the chocolate may get white spots, called bloom. These spots do not affect taste but look less appealing. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze the bark. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap first. This dark chocolate bark makes a stunning treat for any event. You can serve it on a fancy platter. For gifts, wrap individual pieces in cellophane with ribbons. This adds a nice touch. It pairs well with coffee or tea. You can also serve it as a dessert after dinner. Add a scoop of ice cream on the side for a fun twist. Enjoy sharing this simple and tasty treat with friends and family! Pro Tips Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for rich flavor and smooth melting. Mix and Match Toppings: Feel free to substitute or add other toppings like dried fruits, nuts, or seeds to customize your bark. Temperature Control: If the chocolate seizes when melting, add a small amount of coconut oil to help it smooth out again. Store Properly: Keep the bark in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and prevent melting. {{image_2}} If you want a nut-free version, skip the almonds. You can add more seeds instead. Try using sunflower seeds or chia seeds for crunch. You can also use more dried fruit, like raisins or apricots. This keeps the bark tasty and safe for those with nut allergies. To make your bark even more exciting, think about adding spices. A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper can add warmth. A dash of vanilla extract gives a sweet twist. You can even try a hint of espresso powder for a rich flavor. Each of these adds a new taste to your bark. Seasonal changes can inspire your bark. For fall, use pumpkin spice and dried apples. In winter, consider adding peppermint extract and crushed candy canes. Summer brings fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries. Each season offers a chance to mix up the flavors and keep your bark fun and fresh. After making your dark chocolate sea salt bark, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Place parchment paper between layers to stop sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Avoid places with high humidity, as this can cause the bark to lose its crunch. Homemade dark chocolate bark can last about two weeks if stored properly. The key is to keep it sealed tight. After two weeks, the taste and texture might change. You can still eat it, but it may not be as enjoyable. If you want to keep your bark longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This can extend its shelf life to about three months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge. This helps keep the texture nice. To make this bark vegan, choose dairy-free dark chocolate. Look for brands that use no milk. Follow the same steps for melting and assembling. Use your favorite nuts and dried fruits that fit a vegan diet. Almonds, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds are great choices. The best dark chocolate has at least 70% cocoa. Higher cocoa content gives a rich flavor. Look for brands with natural ingredients and no added fillers. Quality chocolate makes your bark taste amazing. Check for fair trade or organic options for a better choice. Yes, you can swap nuts and seeds for other toppings. Try dried fruits like apricots or figs. You can also use crushed cookies or cereal for crunch. Get creative with spices like cinnamon or chili for a twist. The key is to choose toppings that you enjoy! Dark chocolate sea salt bark is simple to make and fun to customize. We covered essential ingredients, the benefits of dark chocolate, and many add-ins for your unique twist. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you melt and assemble your bark. Don't forget the tips for the best texture and storage options for your treats. You can even explore variations, like nut-free or seasonal flavors, to keep things exciting. Now, get creative in the kitchen and enjoy your delicious dark chocolate bark!$

Decadent Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark

A delightful treat combining dark chocolate, nuts, and a touch of sea salt.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
1 cup roasted almonds, coarsely chopped
0.5 cup dried cranberries (or cherries)
0.25 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
to taste sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Begin by preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chopped dark chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
Once melted, pour the chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it evenly, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
While the chocolate is still warm and soft, sprinkle the chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds evenly over the surface. Press down gently to ensure they stick.
Finish by sprinkling a generous pinch of sea salt over the top, enhancing the flavor and giving it that delightful contrast.
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
Once set, remove the bark from the refrigerator and break it into irregular pieces or cut it into squares, as desired.

Notes

Serve the bark on a decorative platter or in a gift box for a lovely presentation. Consider wrapping individual pieces in cellophane tied with a ribbon for an elegant treat!

Keyword bark, chocolate, dessert, snack