Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark

$- 8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped - 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts), roughly chopped - 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries - 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional) - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for a smoother melt) When picking dark chocolate, aim for a bar that has at least 70% cocoa. This gives you a rich flavor. Look for bars with few ingredients. The best options contain cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and sugar. Avoid chocolate with added fillers or artificial flavors. A smooth texture and a nice shine show quality. You can customize your bark with different nuts and fruits. Try using pistachios or pecans for a unique twist. Dried apricots or blueberries can add a sweet touch. You can also experiment with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! First, gather your dark chocolate. I like using chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher. Chop it into small pieces for even melting. Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. If you want a smoother texture, add a tablespoon of coconut oil. Heat the bowl in the microwave. Do it in 30-second bursts. Stir the chocolate after each interval. Keep going until it is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. While the chocolate melts, prepare your toppings. Grab your mixed nuts and chop them roughly. You can use almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. If you want a toasty flavor, lightly toast the nuts in a dry skillet. Chop your dried cranberries or cherries too. If you like coconut, shred some and set it aside. Once the chocolate is melted, mix in the chopped nuts and dried fruit. Stir well until everything is coated in chocolate. Now, it is time to spread the chocolate. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the chocolate mixture onto the sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, about 1/4 inch thick. After that, sprinkle sea salt over the top. You can adjust the salt to fit your taste. Now, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 1-2 hours until it hardens. Once set, remove the bark from the parchment. Break it into irregular pieces for a rustic look. Enjoy your treat! To melt chocolate well, start with a microwave-safe bowl. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces. This helps it melt evenly. If you want a smoother texture, add coconut oil. Heat the mixture in 30-second bursts. Stir after each burst until it is fully melted. Be careful not to overheat. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy. After melting, pour the chocolate onto a lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate into a flat layer. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. To get an even spread, work quickly. If the chocolate starts to cool, it may become harder to spread. You can also lift and tilt the baking sheet slightly to help. Feel free to get creative with your bark! You can mix in different nuts or dried fruits. Almonds and walnuts work well, but try pistachios or cashews too. Adding spices like cinnamon or cayenne can give a unique twist. Want a sweeter taste? Drizzle melted white chocolate on top after spreading the dark chocolate. Experiment with flavors to make it your own! {{image_2}} You can swap out the sugar in dark chocolate bark. Try using maple syrup or agave nectar. These sweeteners add a new flavor and keep the bark sweet. You can also add honey for a touch of natural sweetness. If you want a fun twist, try adding a little espresso powder. It enhances the chocolate taste. To make this bark vegan, choose dark chocolate that has no milk. Look for labels that say "dairy-free." You can use coconut oil for a smoother texture. This option keeps your treat rich without using dairy. Substitute nuts with seeds if you prefer. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds work well too. You can change the flavors of your bark with the seasons. In fall, add pumpkin spice or candy corn for a festive touch. For winter, consider crushed peppermint candies or gingerbread spices. In spring, try fresh fruit bits like strawberries or dried mango. In summer, add zesty lime zest or citrus flavors for a refreshing twist. To keep your dark chocolate sea salt bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This prevents the bark from sticking together. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as this can cause moisture to form. When stored properly, dark chocolate sea salt bark lasts about two weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the bark tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy later, let it thaw at room temperature before eating. For gifts, consider using decorative tins or jars. Layer pieces of bark with parchment paper for a pretty presentation. You can also tie a ribbon around the jar or tin for a special touch. This makes a lovely gift for friends or family. Adding a personal note with serving suggestions can make it even more thoughtful. The best chocolate for bark is dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher. This gives the bark a rich flavor and nice texture. Look for brands with few ingredients for quality. Avoid chocolates with added oils or fillers. The higher cocoa content means less sugar, which balances well with the sea salt. Yes, you can add many toppings to your dark chocolate bark. Try using mixed nuts like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries add a sweet touch. Shredded coconut can give a nice chew too. Get creative! You can even try spices or seeds for extra flavor. Dark chocolate sea salt bark can last up to two weeks if stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature. You learned how to make dark chocolate sea salt bark step by step. We covered the best ingredients and tips for choosing quality chocolate. You now know how to mix in nuts or fruits and even customize flavors. Proper storage and shelf life are also key to enjoying your bark later. As you experiment with variations, remember that the fun comes from making it your own. Enjoy sharing your tasty treats with friends and family!$

Indulge in the rich flavors of Decadent Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark with this easy recipe! In just a few simple steps, you can create a delightful treat packed with dark chocolate, mixed nuts, and a hint of sea salt. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, this delicious bark is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

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

1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts), roughly chopped

1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries

1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for a smoother melt)

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil (if using). Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.

Prepare the Toppings: While the chocolate melts, chop the mixed nuts and dried fruit. You can lightly toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for extra flavor, if desired.

Combine Ingredients: Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the chopped nuts, dried cranberries, and shredded coconut (if using). Mix until all the ingredients are well coated in chocolate.

Spread on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the chocolate mixture onto the sheet and spread it into an even layer, about 1/4 inch thick.

Sprinkle Sea Salt: Evenly sprinkle the sea salt over the chocolate mixture before it sets. Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preference.

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

Break into Pieces: Once set, remove the bark from the parchment paper and break it into irregular pieces. This gives it a rustic and homemade appearance.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve at room temperature or store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 10 servings (depending on size of pieces)