Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark Simple and Tasty Treat

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Are you looking for a simple and tasty treat that you can whip up in no time? Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark is the perfect choice! This crunchy delight combines rich dark chocolate, mixed nuts, and dried fruit for a sweet and salty flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. Follow my easy steps to create this indulgent snack that’s great for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark

– 8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)

– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts)

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries

Optional Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon coconut oil

– Flaky sea salt, to taste

Dark chocolate is the star of this bark. Choose a brand with 70% cocoa or more for rich flavor. The mixed nuts add crunch and protein. I love using almonds, pistachios, and walnuts together.

Dried cranberries or cherries work well for a sweet touch. You can also swap them for your favorite dried fruit.

Coconut oil is great if you want a smoother bark. It helps the chocolate melt nicely. Flaky sea salt adds a perfect touch of flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your taste.

With these ingredients, you can make a treat that is both simple and tasty!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Baking Sheet

Start by lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This paper helps the bark not stick. Make sure you cover the edges well. This step keeps everything neat and easy to pull off later.

Melting the Chocolate

Next, melt the dark chocolate. You can use a double boiler or a microwave. If you use the microwave, heat it in 20-second bursts. Stir the chocolate each time until it’s smooth. You can add coconut oil for a creamier texture. This will make the bark extra nice.

Combining and Spreading Ingredients

Once the chocolate is melted, let it cool a bit. Then, stir in your mixed nuts and dried cranberries. Make sure they are well coated. Pour this mix onto the lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Aim for about a quarter-inch thickness.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Now it’s time to add the sea salt. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the salt on top. Be generous but taste as you go. If you like more salt, add a bit more.

Chilling and Serving

Put the baking sheet in the fridge for 1-2 hours. You want the chocolate to harden completely. Once it’s set, take it out and peel it off the parchment. Break the bark into pieces of your choice. Enjoy your tasty treat!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfect Texture

To make your dark chocolate sea salt bark extra smooth, consider using coconut oil. Just add one tablespoon of coconut oil to the bowl with the chocolate before melting. This will help the chocolate melt evenly and give your bark a nice, glossy finish.

When melting chocolate, avoid burning it! Use a double boiler or the microwave. If you use the microwave, melt the chocolate in short bursts of 20 seconds. Always stir after each burst. This method helps you keep the heat low and prevents burning.

Presentation Suggestions

For a beautiful presentation, arrange the bark pieces on a nice plate. You can add whole nuts and dried cranberries around the edges to make it pop. This makes it look festive and appealing!

If you want to gift your bark, use a pretty tin or box. Wrap it with a ribbon to make it special. This will show your loved ones how much you care.

Adjusting Ingredients for Preferences

Feel free to swap out the mixed nuts or dried fruits with your favorites. You can use cashews, hazelnuts, or even sunflower seeds. For the dried fruits, raisins or apricots work well too.

You can also adjust the saltiness and sweetness of the bark. If you like it sweeter, add more dried fruit or sprinkle a little more sea salt. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance!

Variations

Flavorful Additions

You can easily make this treat even better! Adding spices can give your bark a unique twist. Try adding a dash of cinnamon for warmth or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Both spices add great flavor without overpowering the chocolate.

You can also play with different types of chocolate. For a sweeter bark, use milk chocolate. If you want something richer, go for extra dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage. Each choice gives a new taste experience.

Vegan or Dairy-Free Options

If you want a vegan version, pick dark chocolate labeled as dairy-free. Brands like Enjoy Life or Lily’s often work well.

You can also swap out nuts for seeds. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds make great alternatives. They add crunch and flavor while keeping it healthy.

Seasonal Variations

Seasonal changes give you a chance to mix things up. In fall, add pumpkin spice or crushed pecans. For the winter holidays, think about including peppermint extract or crushed candy canes.

You can even use fresh fruits during spring and summer. Dried strawberries or raspberries can add a fruity twist to your bark. Make it festive for celebrations like birthdays, holidays, or just a fun night in!

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

To keep your dark chocolate sea salt bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture and air from ruining the bark. You can also use a tin for a cute touch. Just make sure it closes tightly.

Airtight Containers: Keep flavors intact and prevent moisture.

Tins: Stylish option, but ensure a tight seal.

Shelf Life

At room temperature, your bark lasts about two weeks. It should stay cool and dry. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. Then place it in a freezer-safe bag.

Room Temperature: Enjoy within two weeks.

Freezing: Keep for up to three months.

FAQs

What type of dark chocolate is best for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. Brands like Ghirardelli, Lindt, and Guittard work well. This cocoa percentage gives a rich taste and balances the sweetness of the nuts and fruit. Higher cocoa content brings bold flavors and more health benefits.

Can I use other types of nuts and fruits in the bark?

Yes, you can mix and match nuts and fruits! Try cashews, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts. For fruits, raisins, or dried apricots add nice flavors too. Each nut or fruit brings its own taste and texture, making your bark unique and fun.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing during melting?

To keep your chocolate smooth, avoid letting water get in. Use a dry bowl and tools. Melt it slowly, either in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring often. If the chocolate gets too thick, adding a little coconut oil can help keep it silky.

Is dark chocolate sea salt bark healthy?

Yes, dark chocolate has health benefits! It is full of antioxidants. Nuts add protein and healthy fats. This bark can be a tasty treat that satisfies sweet cravings while offering some nutrition. Enjoy it in moderation for the best balance!

Dark chocolate sea salt bark is simple to make. You need dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit. The process includes melting chocolate and mixing in your favorite extras. You can change the recipe to suit your taste. Add spices, switch nuts, or try different chocolates. Store it well for freshness.

In the end, enjoy this tasty treat. It’s a fun way to snack smart and share with others. Your homemade bark can impress friends and family. Now, you can confidently create your own delicious dark chocolate sea salt bark!

- 8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts) - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries - 1 tablespoon coconut oil - Flaky sea salt, to taste Dark chocolate is the star of this bark. Choose a brand with 70% cocoa or more for rich flavor. The mixed nuts add crunch and protein. I love using almonds, pistachios, and walnuts together. Dried cranberries or cherries work well for a sweet touch. You can also swap them for your favorite dried fruit. Coconut oil is great if you want a smoother bark. It helps the chocolate melt nicely. Flaky sea salt adds a perfect touch of flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. With these ingredients, you can make a treat that is both simple and tasty! Start by lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This paper helps the bark not stick. Make sure you cover the edges well. This step keeps everything neat and easy to pull off later. Next, melt the dark chocolate. You can use a double boiler or a microwave. If you use the microwave, heat it in 20-second bursts. Stir the chocolate each time until it’s smooth. You can add coconut oil for a creamier texture. This will make the bark extra nice. Once the chocolate is melted, let it cool a bit. Then, stir in your mixed nuts and dried cranberries. Make sure they are well coated. Pour this mix onto the lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Aim for about a quarter-inch thickness. Now it’s time to add the sea salt. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the salt on top. Be generous but taste as you go. If you like more salt, add a bit more. Put the baking sheet in the fridge for 1-2 hours. You want the chocolate to harden completely. Once it’s set, take it out and peel it off the parchment. Break the bark into pieces of your choice. Enjoy your tasty treat! To make your dark chocolate sea salt bark extra smooth, consider using coconut oil. Just add one tablespoon of coconut oil to the bowl with the chocolate before melting. This will help the chocolate melt evenly and give your bark a nice, glossy finish. When melting chocolate, avoid burning it! Use a double boiler or the microwave. If you use the microwave, melt the chocolate in short bursts of 20 seconds. Always stir after each burst. This method helps you keep the heat low and prevents burning. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the bark pieces on a nice plate. You can add whole nuts and dried cranberries around the edges to make it pop. This makes it look festive and appealing! If you want to gift your bark, use a pretty tin or box. Wrap it with a ribbon to make it special. This will show your loved ones how much you care. Feel free to swap out the mixed nuts or dried fruits with your favorites. You can use cashews, hazelnuts, or even sunflower seeds. For the dried fruits, raisins or apricots work well too. You can also adjust the saltiness and sweetness of the bark. If you like it sweeter, add more dried fruit or sprinkle a little more sea salt. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance! {{image_2}} You can easily make this treat even better! Adding spices can give your bark a unique twist. Try adding a dash of cinnamon for warmth or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Both spices add great flavor without overpowering the chocolate. You can also play with different types of chocolate. For a sweeter bark, use milk chocolate. If you want something richer, go for extra dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage. Each choice gives a new taste experience. If you want a vegan version, pick dark chocolate labeled as dairy-free. Brands like Enjoy Life or Lily's often work well. You can also swap out nuts for seeds. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds make great alternatives. They add crunch and flavor while keeping it healthy. Seasonal changes give you a chance to mix things up. In fall, add pumpkin spice or crushed pecans. For the winter holidays, think about including peppermint extract or crushed candy canes. You can even use fresh fruits during spring and summer. Dried strawberries or raspberries can add a fruity twist to your bark. Make it festive for celebrations like birthdays, holidays, or just a fun night in! To keep your dark chocolate sea salt bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture and air from ruining the bark. You can also use a tin for a cute touch. Just make sure it closes tightly. - Airtight Containers: Keep flavors intact and prevent moisture. - Tins: Stylish option, but ensure a tight seal. At room temperature, your bark lasts about two weeks. It should stay cool and dry. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. Then place it in a freezer-safe bag. - Room Temperature: Enjoy within two weeks. - Freezing: Keep for up to three months. For this recipe, I recommend using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. Brands like Ghirardelli, Lindt, and Guittard work well. This cocoa percentage gives a rich taste and balances the sweetness of the nuts and fruit. Higher cocoa content brings bold flavors and more health benefits. Yes, you can mix and match nuts and fruits! Try cashews, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts. For fruits, raisins, or dried apricots add nice flavors too. Each nut or fruit brings its own taste and texture, making your bark unique and fun. To keep your chocolate smooth, avoid letting water get in. Use a dry bowl and tools. Melt it slowly, either in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring often. If the chocolate gets too thick, adding a little coconut oil can help keep it silky. Yes, dark chocolate has health benefits! It is full of antioxidants. Nuts add protein and healthy fats. This bark can be a tasty treat that satisfies sweet cravings while offering some nutrition. Enjoy it in moderation for the best balance! Dark chocolate sea salt bark is simple to make. You need dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit. The process includes melting chocolate and mixing in your favorite extras. You can change the recipe to suit your taste. Add spices, switch nuts, or try different chocolates. Store it well for freshness. In the end, enjoy this tasty treat. It’s a fun way to snack smart and share with others. Your homemade bark can impress friends and family. Now, you can confidently create your own delicious dark chocolate sea salt bark!

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark

Indulge in the ultimate sweet and salty treat with this decadent dark chocolate sea salt bark! This easy recipe combines rich dark chocolate, mixed nuts, and dried cranberries for a perfect flavor explosion. Discover how to create this delightful snack in just a few simple steps. Whether it's for yourself or as a gift, this bark is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your snacking game!

Ingredients
  

8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped

1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts)

1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries

Flaky sea salt, to taste

Optional: 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for a smoother texture)

Instructions
 

Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are covered to prevent sticking. Set aside.

    Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, add the chopped dark chocolate. If using coconut oil, add it to the bowl as well. Melt the chocolate over a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until fully melted and smooth.

      Combine Ingredients: Once melted, remove the bowl from heat and let it cool for a minute. Stir in the mixed nuts and dried cranberries until they are evenly coated with chocolate.

        Spread the Mixture: Pour the chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula to about 1/4 inch thickness.

          Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt generously over the top of the chocolate while it’s still warm. Adjust to taste, based on your preference for saltiness.

            Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely hardened.

              Break into Pieces: Once set, remove the chocolate bark from the parchment paper. Break it into irregular pieces of your desired size.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Servings: About 12 pieces

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the bark pieces on a decorative plate. For an extra touch, garnish with a few whole nuts and cranberries around the edges. Enjoy as a delightful treat or gift them in a pretty tin!

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