Gourmet Chocolate Bark
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This gourmet chocolate bark recipe is a game-changer when it comes to homemade treats. Picture rich and velvety dark chocolate loaded with crunchy pistachios and sprinkled with a hint of sea salt. It’s like a party in your mouth! Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a festive holiday treat or just want to jazz up your dessert game. Best of all, it comes together in a breeze, so you can enjoy the deliciousness in no time. Say goodbye to boring old cookies and hello to this mouthwatering chocolate bark extravaganza!!
Need a sweet treat for the office, a teacher gift, or a New Year’s Eve party? Look no further! This dark chocolate Christmas bark is loaded with pistachios and sprinkled with sea salt, creating a gourmet sensation. And the best part? It takes less than 5 minutes to make (excluding cooling time). Get ready to impress with this irresistible and surprisingly healthy candy! You might also enjoy our White Chocolate Peppermint Bark.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To create this chocolate pistachio bark, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 10-ounce bag of dark chocolate chips: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips with at least 70% cocoa content. The rich and intense flavor of dark chocolate provides the perfect base for this indulgent treat.
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios: Choose shelled pistachios for convenience. These delightful nuts add a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty flavor to the bark. You’ll need half a cup, which will be divided for mixing into the chocolate and garnishing the top.
- Coarsely ground sea salt: The finishing touch elevates the flavor profile of this gourmet chocolate bark. Sprinkle a pinch of coarsely ground sea salt over the bark, which not only adds a hint of saltiness but also beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the chocolate and the crunch of the pistachios.
How To Make
This gourmet chocolate bark recipe is a game-changer when it comes to homemade treats. Picture rich and velvety dark chocolate loaded with crunchy pistachios and sprinkled with a hint of sea salt. It’s like a party in your mouth! Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a festive holiday treat or just want to jazz up your dessert game. Best of all, it comes together in a breeze, so you can enjoy the deliciousness in no time. Say goodbye to boring old cookies and hello to this mouthwatering chocolate bark extravaganza!!
Need a sweet treat for the office, a teacher gift, or a New Year’s Eve party? Look no further! This dark chocolate Christmas bark is loaded with pistachios and sprinkled with sea salt, creating a gourmet sensation. And the best part? It takes less than 5 minutes to make (excluding cooling time). Get ready to impress with this irresistible and surprisingly healthy candy!
Ingredients
To create this chocolate pistachio bark, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 10-ounce bag of dark chocolate chips: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips with at least 70% cocoa content. The rich and intense flavor of dark chocolate provides the perfect base for this indulgent treat.
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios: Choose shelled pistachios for convenience. These delightful nuts add a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty flavor to the bark. You’ll need half a cup, which will be divided for mixing into the chocolate and garnishing the top.
- Coarsely ground sea salt: The finishing touch elevates the flavor profile of this gourmet chocolate bark. Sprinkle a pinch of coarsely ground sea salt over the bark, which not only adds a hint of saltiness but also beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the chocolate and the crunch of the pistachios.
How To Make
To begin, prepare a sheet pan by lining it with wax paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the chocolate bark from sticking and make it easier to remove once it has hardened.
Next, take the shelled pistachios and place them in a ziplock bag. Use a kitchen mallet or a rolling pin to crush the pistachios into smaller pieces. Set them aside for later.
Kitchen Tip: To save time, buy pre-shelled pistachios. To save money, buy pistachios with the shell on and remove them yourself.
Grab a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl and add the dark chocolate chips to it. Microwave the bowl for 90 seconds and then give it a good stir. Continue microwaving the chocolate in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Kitchen Tip: To save a little money, use bricks of chocolate that are widely available this time of year. Use a knife to break it up into smaller chunks so it melts quicker.
Once the chocolate is melted, it’s time to incorporate the crushed pistachios. Stir them into the melted chocolate, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout.
Now, pour the chocolate and pistachio mixture onto the prepared wax paper or silicone mat on the sheet pan. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer, making sure it’s not too thick or too thin.
For the finishing touch, sprinkle the coarsely ground sea salt on top of the chocolate bark. The sea salt adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate and the nuttiness of the pistachios.
Allow the chocolate bark to cool and harden completely. This can take some time, so be patient. Once it has hardened, you can break it into pieces of your desired size. The irregular shards add a rustic charm to the bark.
And there you have it! Your homemade chocolate bark is ready to be enjoyed. Indulge in the rich flavors and satisfying crunch of this delightful treat. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or as a thoughtful gift for any occasion.
Kitchen Tip: If you want thick pieces don’t spread the chocolate too much, for thinner pieces spread the chocolate out thinly.
Substitutions and Additions
Don’t worry if you don’t care for pistachios. Try these ideas instead:
- cashews
- almonds
- walnuts
- dried fruit
- seeds
- shredded coconut
- toffee nougats
- mini chocolate chips
- butterscotch chips
- M & M’s
- crushed candy canes
- white chocolate rather than dark chocolate
Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for good-quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. This will result in richer and more flavorful chocolate bark. Also, choose fresh and high-quality pistachios for the best taste and texture.
- Pre-crush the pistachios: Crushing the pistachios before adding them to the melted chocolate ensures they will be evenly distributed throughout the bark. It also makes it easier to incorporate them into the chocolate mixture.
- Microwave in short intervals: When melting the chocolate in the microwave, use short intervals (around 15 seconds) to prevent overheating and burning. Stir the chocolate well after each interval to ensure even melting.
- Be careful not to introduce moisture: Moisture can cause chocolate to seize or become grainy. Make sure all utensils and bowls are completely dry before working with the chocolate. Also, avoid getting any water or steam into the chocolate while melting.
- Customize the toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! In addition to sea salt, you can add other ingredients like dried fruit, crushed cookies, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of caramel. Experiment with different flavors and textures to create your own unique chocolate bark.
- Let it cool completely: Allow the chocolate bark to cool and harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator until it is completely firm. This will ensure that it breaks into clean, neat pieces.
- Break it with purpose: To achieve beautiful and rustic pieces, use your hands or a knife to break the hardened bark into irregular shards. This adds visual appeal and makes each piece unique.
FAQ
While the recipe calls for dark chocolate, you can certainly use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste. Keep in mind that milk chocolate may result in a softer bark and may require more time to cool and harden.
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pistachios or prefer other nuts, feel free to substitute them with your favorite nuts like almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts. The choice of nuts is flexible and can be customized to your liking.
Yes, definitely! The recipe provides a simple combination of pistachios and sea salt, but you can get creative with additional toppings. Consider adding dried fruits, crushed cookies, pretzels, or even sprinkles to enhance the flavor and add visual appeal.
The cooling and hardening time can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen and the thickness of the bark. It typically takes around 1-2 hours at room temperature, or you can place it in the refrigerator for quicker results. Just ensure it is completely firm before breaking it into pieces.
Absolutely! Chocolate bark can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Just ensure it is properly stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and texture.
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, always check the labels of the chocolate chips and nuts you use to ensure they are certified gluten-free, especially if you have celiac disease.
Storage Instructions
To store your chocolate bark properly and maintain its freshness, follow these storage instructions:
- Place the chocolate bark pieces in an airtight container, such as a resealable plastic bag or airtight plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store the container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A pantry or cupboard is a suitable location.
- If the ambient temperature is warm or during the summer months, it’s advisable to store the chocolate bark in the refrigerator. This helps prevent melting and maintains its texture.
- Label the container with the date of preparation to keep track of its freshness. Chocolate bark is best consumed within a couple of weeks for optimal taste and quality.
By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your homemade chocolate bark for an extended period, savoring its deliciousness whenever you desire a sweet treat.
More Holiday Recipes
Gourmet Chocolate Bark Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios divided
- coarsely ground sea salt
Instructions
- Prep the pistachios. Place pistachios into a ziplock bag and crush them with a kitchen mallet or rolling pin. Set aside.
- Melt the chocolate and add the pistachios. In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips and microwave for 90 seconds. Stir. Continue to microwave in 15-second increments until the chocolate is melted. Stir most of the pistachios into melted chocolate. Reserve some to sprinkle on top of the finished product.
- Spread the chocolate and let it cool. Spread the chocolate mixture onto wax paper with a spatula. Sprinkle coarsely ground sea salt and the rest of the crushed pistachios. Let cool until hardened, then break into pieces.
