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For this recipe, choose high-quality dark chocolate. Look for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. This gives the bark a rich flavor. I like to use chocolate that is finely chopped. This helps it melt evenly. You can find great options at any grocery store or specialty shop. Nuts and dried fruit add texture and taste to the bark. I usually use a mix of nuts like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. Chop them roughly for a good crunch. For dried fruit, cranberries, apricots, or cherries work best. Chop them coarsely to spread evenly. You need a few extra ingredients for the best flavor. Flaky sea salt is key; it brings out the chocolate's richness. I use about two tablespoons, but you can adjust to your liking. Coconut oil is optional but helps the chocolate shine. Just one tablespoon will do. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure it covers the whole bottom. The paper helps lift the bark easily later. It should hang over the edges a bit. This makes it simple to remove the bark once it has set. Take a microwave-safe bowl. Add the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil if you want a glossy finish. Heat it in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Stir well each time, until it is smooth. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes total. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer that method. Let the melted chocolate cool for about 5 minutes. This helps the toppings stick better. Pour the chocolate onto your lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Next, sprinkle the mixed nuts and dried fruit on top. Press them down lightly with a spoon. This helps them stick well. Finally, sprinkle the flaky sea salt over everything. Adjust the salt to your taste. A mix of sweet and salty makes the best flavor! Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Let it chill for 1-2 hours or until it hardens. Once set, lift the bark out using the parchment paper. Break it into pieces of any size you like. For a nice touch, arrange the bark on a decorative plate. You can also wrap it in clear cellophane for gifts. Sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top just before serving for a pop of flavor! To achieve a glossy finish, I recommend using coconut oil. Adding just one tablespoon to your chocolate helps it shine. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together. Stir until smooth, then cool slightly before spreading. This step makes your bark look more appealing. Finding the right balance between sweet and salty is key. Use flaky sea salt generously but not too much. The ideal amount enhances the chocolate's deep flavor. I suggest starting with two tablespoons, then adjust to your taste. Mixed nuts and dried fruits add sweetness, so keep that in mind. A beautiful presentation makes your bark even more enjoyable. Once it has set, break it into uneven pieces for a rustic look. You can arrange them on a decorative plate. For gifting, wrap them in clear cellophane with a ribbon. A sprinkle of extra sea salt right before serving adds a lovely touch. {{image_4}} You can switch up the chocolate to suit your taste. If you love milk chocolate, use it instead of dark chocolate. It will give a sweeter flavor. You can also try white chocolate for a creamy twist. Just remember, white chocolate lacks cocoa solids. This means it won't have the same rich flavor as dark chocolate. Toppings can really change the bark. Consider using different nuts like cashews or macadamia nuts. These add a unique crunch. You can also switch the dried fruit. Try using raisins or figs for a different taste. For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of chili flakes. This can make your bark exciting and bold. Making this bark vegan is easy! Start by using dark chocolate that has no milk. Look for labels that say "dairy-free." Instead of nuts, use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. These add great texture. You can also skip the coconut oil if you want. Your bark will still turn out delicious and crunchy! To keep your dark chocolate sea salt bark fresh, store it properly. First, let the bark cool completely before you store it. This helps avoid moisture buildup. Next, place it in an airtight container. This will prevent air from making the bark stale. You can also layer pieces of bark with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking together. Store your bark in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard works well. Avoid areas near heat or direct sunlight. If you live in a warm climate, the fridge is a good option. Just remember to wrap it well to stop it from absorbing other smells. When stored properly, dark chocolate sea salt bark lasts about two weeks. If you keep it in the fridge, it can last up to three weeks. However, for the best taste and texture, enjoy your bark within the first two weeks. After that, it may lose some of its crunch and flavor. I recommend using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. This chocolate has a rich flavor that balances well with the sweet toppings. The higher cocoa content gives a stronger taste and a nice snap when you break the bark. Yes, you can use different salts like kosher salt or Himalayan salt. However, flaky sea salt adds a lovely crunch and burst of flavor. Choose a salt that you enjoy for the best results. To make this bark nut-free, simply skip the mixed nuts. You can replace them with more dried fruit or seeds. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds work great as a crunchy substitute. You can find pre-made dark chocolate sea salt bark at specialty stores, online retailers, or gourmet shops. Look for brands that use high-quality chocolate and minimal additives. Dark chocolate offers several health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals. It may improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. Plus, it can boost mood and cognitive function due to its flavonoids. Enjoy it in moderation! This post explored dark chocolate sea salt bark, from ingredient choices to storage tips. You learned about selecting dark chocolate, tasty toppings, and easy steps for making bark. We also covered ways to enhance your bark's appearance and flavor. Remember, you can personalize your recipe and store your treats for later enjoyment. Enjoy making this sweet and salty treat, knowing it's simple and fun!

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bark

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this indulgent dark chocolate sea salt bark! This easy recipe combines rich dark chocolate, crunchy mixed nuts, and chewy dried fruit, all topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty balance. In just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious treat that's ideal for sharing or gifting. Click through to discover how to make this delightful bark at home!
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Ingredients
  

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

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

1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, apricots, or cherries), coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons flaky sea salt

1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for a glossy finish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the entire bottom and extends beyond the edges. This will make it easier to lift the bark out once it’s hardened.

    Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, combine the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring vigorously after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted (typically 1-2 minutes total).

      Cool the Chocolate: Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly for about 5 minutes, which will help with setting the toppings later on.

        Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to meticulously spread it into an even layer, maintaining a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

          Add Toppings: Sprinkle the roughly chopped mixed nuts and dried fruit evenly across the melted chocolate. Lightly press them down with the back of a spoon to ensure they adhere to the surface.

            Final Touch of Salt: Generously sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the top of the bark. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference; a proper balance of sweet and salty makes for the best flavor!

              Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the bark chill for 1-2 hours, or until it has completely hardened to a crisp.

                Break into Pieces: Once fully set, carefully lift the bark from the baking sheet using the parchment paper. Break it apart into pieces of your desired size and shape.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 2 hrs 10 min | Servings: About 12 pieces

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the bark on a decorative plate, or gift it in a clear cellophane wrap tied with a ribbon. For an extra pop, sprinkle a pinch of additional sea salt on the top just before serving!