Indulge in the perfect combination of rich, dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, and crunchy pistachios with this decadent chocolate bark recipe. It’s a delightful treat that’s both luxurious and easy to prepare, making it ideal for holidays, special occasions, or just a satisfying snack. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or enjoying it yourself, this chocolate bark is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With minimal ingredients and an easy prep process, this chocolate bark comes together in no time.
- Elegant and Versatile: It’s a stunning addition to any dessert table, and its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for gifting.
- Irresistible Flavor: The depth of dark chocolate paired with the crunch of roasted hazelnuts and pistachios creates an unforgettable flavor experience.
- Fully Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or mix up the flavors to suit any occasion or craving.
- Healthier Treat: Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, and the nuts provide healthy fats, making this dessert a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- High-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- Roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
- Roasted pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Melt the Chocolate: Begin by chopping the dark chocolate into small, uniform pieces to ensure it melts evenly. Place the chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl. You can melt the chocolate either over a double boiler or in the microwave. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the chocolate from sticking and make it easier to remove once set.
- Spread the Chocolate: Once the chocolate is melted, pour it onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it into an even layer about ¼-inch thick. Be sure to spread it as evenly as possible to ensure that all the toppings stick to the surface evenly.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the roasted hazelnuts and pistachios evenly over the melted chocolate, making sure that the nuts are well distributed across the surface. For an extra burst of flavor and contrast, lightly sprinkle some sea salt flakes over the top. The salt will complement the rich chocolate and enhance the nutty flavor of the hazelnuts and pistachios.
- Set the Bark: Allow the chocolate bark to set at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, if you want to speed up the process, you can place the bark in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the chocolate has fully hardened.
- Break Into Pieces: Once the chocolate is firm and set, break it into irregular pieces. The uneven pieces give the bark a rustic and artisanal look that’s perfect for serving or gifting.
- Serve and Enjoy: Store the chocolate bark in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you’ve made a larger batch, it can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12 pieces
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Setting Time: 2–3 hours (or 30 minutes in the refrigerator)
- Total Time: 40 minutes to 3 hours
Variations
- Dried Fruit Addition: Add a handful of dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots to the chocolate bark for a sweet and chewy contrast against the nuts.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: For a striking visual contrast, drizzle melted white chocolate over the bark after it’s set.
- Spiced Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of chili powder to the melted chocolate for a flavorful twist that pairs perfectly with the nuts.
- Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free version, try substituting with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even toasted coconut flakes.
- Mixed Chocolate Layers: For a fun and visually appealing effect, combine dark, milk, and white chocolate to create layers or a marbled pattern on the bark.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The bark will remain fresh and delicious, though the texture may change slightly if kept refrigerated.
- Freezing: If you want to keep the chocolate bark for an extended period, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- Reheating: This dessert is best enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it.
FAQs
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter bark, but dark chocolate provides a richer, more complex flavor. Choose high-quality chocolate for the best taste.
- Do I need to roast the nuts? Roasting the nuts enhances their flavor and provides a deeper, nuttier taste. However, if you prefer, you can use raw nuts, though they will have a slightly milder flavor.
- How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing? Be careful not to introduce any water into the chocolate as it melts. Ensure that the chocolate is melted over low heat and stirred gently to keep it smooth.
- Can I add spices to the chocolate? Absolutely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom are wonderful spices that pair well with both the dark chocolate and the roasted nuts. They’ll add warmth and depth to the flavor.
- What’s the best way to chop the nuts? Use a sharp knife to roughly chop the roasted hazelnuts and pistachios. You can leave some larger pieces for added texture and crunch, which gives the bark a more rustic look.
- Can I use unsalted nuts? Yes, unsalted nuts work just fine. However, the sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top enhances the overall flavor and gives a delightful contrast to the richness of the chocolate.
- How do I make the bark thinner or thicker? The thickness of the bark depends on how you spread the melted chocolate. If you prefer a thinner bark, spread the chocolate more thinly. For a thicker bark, spread it more generously on the baking sheet.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, to make this bark vegan-friendly, simply use vegan dark chocolate, which doesn’t contain dairy, and ensure the other ingredients are free from animal products.
- What other toppings pair well with this bark? You can experiment with a variety of toppings such as coconut flakes, crushed pretzels, or even candied orange peel. These will add texture, flavor, and an extra special touch to the bark.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, feel free to double the recipe to make a larger batch of bark. You’ll just need a bigger baking sheet to accommodate the extra chocolate and toppings.
Conclusion
Roasted Hazelnut & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark is a simple yet luxurious dessert that blends the smooth richness of dark chocolate with the crunchy, nutty goodness of roasted hazelnuts and pistachios. Whether you’re preparing it as a thoughtful gift, serving it at a special occasion, or enjoying it as a personal indulgence, this treat is sure to impress. With endless possibilities for customization, you can easily make this recipe your own and enjoy it all year round.
Roasted Hazelnut & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark
This rich and decadent chocolate bark combines the deep flavor of dark chocolate with the crunch of roasted hazelnuts and pistachios. It’s perfect for holiday gifts, dinner parties, or a sweet indulgence any time of year!
Ingredients
- 8 oz high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish) Optional garnish for a contrast of flavor
Instructions
- Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl.
- Melt the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer about ¼-inch thick.
- Sprinkle the roasted hazelnuts and pistachios evenly over the melted chocolate.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of sea salt flakes over the top if desired.
- Let the chocolate bark set at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until fully hardened.
- Once set, break the bark into irregular pieces and serve.
Notes
Feel free to add dried fruits, spices, or other toppings like white chocolate drizzle for variation.
Nutrition
Serving: 1piecesCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 50mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8g
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