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- Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) - Mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans) - Dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, apricots) For this bark, I recommend using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. This gives a rich taste and smooth texture. You can find it in most grocery stores. Look for brands that you trust. The mixed nuts add crunch and flavor. I like a blend of almonds, cashews, and pecans. Each nut brings its own taste and texture. You can use a single type if you prefer. Dried fruits add sweetness and chewiness. Cranberries, cherries, and apricots are great choices. They balance the rich chocolate. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste. - Pumpkin seeds - Sea salt - Additional toppings (coconut flakes, chia seeds) For extra crunch, consider adding pumpkin seeds. They give a nice contrast to the nuts. Sea salt is important as it enhances the chocolate flavor. Just a pinch will do! You can also get creative with toppings. Coconut flakes add a tropical twist. Chia seeds give a nice texture and are healthy too. These additions can make your bark unique. For the full recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. To melt your dark chocolate, you can use two methods: the double boiler or the microwave. - Double boiler method: Place finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set this bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir the chocolate constantly until it melts. This method gives you smooth and velvety chocolate. - Microwave method: Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time. This method is quicker but requires close attention to avoid burning the chocolate. Next, prepare your baking tray for pouring the chocolate. - Lining with parchment paper: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit your tray. Place it inside, letting the edges hang over a bit. This helps lift the bark out after it sets. - Size considerations for the tray: Use a tray that is around 9x13 inches. This size helps create a nice thickness for your bark. Now it's time to assemble your delicious treat. - Pouring and spreading chocolate evenly: Once the chocolate is melted, pour it onto the lined tray. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Aim for a uniform thickness for the best texture. - Adding toppings and pressing in: While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle your mixed nuts, dried fruits, and pumpkin seeds on top. Press these toppings gently into the chocolate to help them stick. Finally, let your bark set properly before breaking it apart. - Setting time in refrigerator: Place the tray in the refrigerator. Chill for about 1 to 2 hours. This time is key for a good snap. - Cutting into pieces: Once the chocolate is firm, lift the bark out using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board. Break it into irregular pieces for a rustic look. Now you have a beautiful Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark to enjoy! For the complete process, check the Full Recipe. To get the best texture for your bark, always start with high-quality chocolate. The cocoa content should be 70% or higher. This ensures a rich flavor and smooth melt. For a smooth melt, I recommend using a double boiler. This method lets the chocolate melt gently without burning. If you prefer a faster way, use the microwave. Heat the chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the heat even and avoids clumps. Balancing sweet and salty is key to great bark. The dark chocolate is rich, while sea salt adds a nice contrast. You can also try flavored salts, like smoked or garlic salt, for unique twists. Just a pinch can make a big difference in taste. When gifting your bark, think about how it looks. Arrange the pieces on a pretty platter. A sprinkle of extra sea salt on top adds flair. You can also wrap the bark in clear bags tied with ribbons. This makes a simple, yet lovely gift. {{image_4}} You can add a twist to your bark. For a spicy kick, try adding chili flakes. This will give your dark chocolate a warm bite. If you want something festive, use peppermint or orange zest. Both add a bright flavor that pairs well with dark chocolate. If you follow a vegan diet, you can still enjoy this treat. Just use dairy-free chocolate. It melts just as well and tastes great. For those with nut allergies, you can make nut-free bark. Replace nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They add a nice crunch without the nuts. Texture matters in this bark. You can add crispy rice or puffed quinoa for a light crunch. They make each bite fun and interesting. You can also mix in different nuts. Try walnuts or hazelnuts for a new flavor profile. Each kind of nut offers a unique taste that compliments the dark chocolate. Store your Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark at room temperature for a soft bite. If you prefer a firmer texture, keep it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. Just make sure the lid seals tight to keep moisture out. This tasty treat lasts about two weeks at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, it can last up to a month. Look for signs that it has gone bad. If the chocolate looks dull or has white spots, it's best to toss it. A strange smell or taste also means it’s time to say goodbye. For the full recipe, check out the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark recipe section! Making Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark is quick! The prep time is only 15 minutes. After that, you need to chill it for about 1 to 2 hours. So, the total time is around 2 hours and 15 minutes. This timing is perfect for a sweet treat or a last-minute gift! Yes, you can use milk chocolate. However, it will change the flavor. Milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. It has less cocoa and more sugar than dark chocolate. This means it won’t have the same rich taste. If you're looking for health benefits, dark chocolate is better. It has antioxidants and less sugar. You can pair this bark with many drinks! A rich coffee brings out the chocolate flavor well. A glass of red wine also works nicely. For dessert pairings, try some vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad. The sweet and salty mix is very tasty. You can find high-quality dark chocolate in many places. Look for brands like Ghirardelli, Valrhona, or Lindt. These brands offer great taste and quality. Local specialty stores often carry gourmet chocolate too. Online shops like Amazon or specialty chocolate websites are also good options. If you want to change the sweetness, it’s easy! You can add less chocolate or include less dried fruit. If you prefer more sweetness, try adding a bit of honey or maple syrup. Just remember, a small amount goes a long way! Adjust to taste as you mix. In this blog post, we explored making Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark. We covered key ingredients like dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits. I provided step-by-step instructions for melting chocolate and assembling the bark. You found tips for perfect texture and flavor, plus fun variations. Remember to store it well to keep it fresh. Now, you have the tools to create a tasty treat. Enjoy your homemade bark and get creative with it!

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark

Indulge in the rich flavors of Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark with this easy recipe! Made with smooth dark chocolate, crunchy mixed nuts, and sweet dried fruits, this delightful treat is perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Follow our simple steps to create a beautiful bark that's sure to impress. Click through to discover how to whip up this delicious snack and bring a touch of sweet joy to your day!

Ingredients
  

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

1 cup mixed nuts (a blend of almonds, cashews, and pecans)

1/2 cup dried fruits (your choice of cranberries, cherries, or apricots)

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

A pinch of sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Melt the Chocolate: Place the finely chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof mixing bowl. To melt, use a double boiler method: set the bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Alternatively, for a quicker method, melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval until fully melted and velvety.

    Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a baking tray (approximately 9x13 inches) with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang slightly for easy lifting later. This will help you remove the bark effortlessly once set.

      Spread the Chocolate: Once the chocolate is smoothly melted, pour it onto the prepared baking tray. Using a spatula, spread the chocolate evenly across the surface, ensuring a uniform thickness for optimal texture.

        Add Toppings: While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the mixed nuts, dried fruits, and pumpkin seeds generously over the surface. Gently press them into the chocolate to help them adhere nicely.

          Sprinkle Sea Salt: With a light hand, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt across the top of the bark. This will enhance the sweetness of the chocolate and add a delightful contrast of flavor.

            Chill to Set: Place the baking tray in the refrigerator and chill for approximately 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate has completely firmed up. Be patient – this is crucial for a perfect snap!

              Break into Pieces: Once the chocolate has set, carefully lift the parchment paper out of the tray and transfer it to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife or your hands to break the chocolate into irregular pieces for a rustic finish.

                Store: Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for a softer bite or in the fridge for a firmer texture, depending on your preference.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, arrange the chocolate pieces on a decorative platter and garnish with a sprinkle of extra sea salt. Gift them in clear bags tied with a ribbon for a delightful homemade treat!