Decadent Dark Chocolate Nut & Fruit Bark
Indulge your sweet tooth with this luscious Decadent Dark Chocolate Nut & Fruit Bark! This recipe, inspired by Ina Garten, combines the rich depths of high-quality dark and bittersweet chocolate with a delightful medley of crunchy roasted salted nuts and chewy dried fruits. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an elegant treat for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home. Customize it with your choice of nuts and dried fruits for a personal touch. Get ready to savor this delicious creation!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
very good dark chocolate
9 1/2 ounces (finely chopped)
very good bittersweet chocolate
8 ounces (finely chopped)
whole roasted salted cashews
1 cup (or almonds or roasted nuts of choice)
chopped dried apricot
1 cup
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (or other dried fruit)
Instructions
1
Begin by melting the dark and bittersweet chocolates together. Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, allowing the chocolate to melt gently. Alternatively, if using a microwave, heat the chocolates in a bowl for 1 minute, stirring well, then continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until fully melted and smooth.
2
While the chocolate is melting, prepare your sheet pan. Line it with parchment paper, and using a ruler and pencil, draw a 9 x 10-inch rectangle on the paper. Turn the paper over so the pencil mark is facing down on the baking sheet.
3
Once the chocolate is melted, carefully pour it onto the parchment-lined sheet pan and spread it evenly within the drawn rectangle.
4
Sprinkle the roasted cashews, chopped apricots, and dried cranberries generously over the melted chocolate. Press down lightly to ensure that the toppings adhere to the chocolate.
5
Allow the chocolate bark to set at room temperature for about 2 hours or until firm. For quicker setting, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
6
After it is set, remove the chocolate from the pan and break or cut it into 1 x 3-inch pieces. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Dark Chocolate Nut & Fruit Bark?
It is a rich and elegant dessert made by spreading melted dark and bittersweet chocolate on parchment paper and topping it with roasted nuts and chewy dried fruits.
What types of chocolate are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 9.5 ounces of high-quality dark chocolate and 8 ounces of bittersweet chocolate, both finely chopped.
Who inspired this chocolate bark recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the cooking style of Ina Garten.
What nuts are recommended for this bark?
The recipe specifically uses whole roasted salted cashews, but you can also use almonds or any roasted nuts of your choice.
Which dried fruits are included in the ingredients?
It features 1 cup of chopped dried apricots and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe produces approximately 24 servings.
How do I melt the chocolate using a double boiler?
Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and allow the chocolate to melt gently, stirring occasionally.
Can I melt the chocolate in a microwave?
Yes, heat the chocolate for 1 minute, stir well, then continue in 30-second intervals until it is fully melted and smooth.
What size should I draw the rectangle on the parchment paper?
Using a ruler and pencil, draw a 9 x 10-inch rectangle on the parchment paper as a guide.
Why should I turn the parchment paper over after drawing the rectangle?
Turning the paper over ensures that the pencil marks do not transfer onto your chocolate.
How do I ensure the toppings stay on the bark?
After sprinkling the nuts and fruit, press down lightly to ensure they adhere to the melted chocolate.
How long does the chocolate take to set at room temperature?
It typically takes about 2 hours to set at room temperature until firm.
Is there a way to make the chocolate set faster?
Yes, you can place the sheet pan in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes to speed up the setting process.
How should the bark be sliced or broken?
Once firm, remove the chocolate from the pan and break or cut it into 1 x 3-inch pieces.
At what temperature should the bark be served?
The bark is best served at room temperature.
Can I substitute the dried cranberries?
Yes, you can use other dried fruits of your choice as a substitute for the cranberries.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
This is considered an easy dessert recipe suitable for beginners.
Is this recipe suitable for the holidays?
Yes, it is an elegant treat often used for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
Should the nuts be salted or unsalted?
The recipe recommends using roasted salted nuts to provide a savory contrast to the sweet chocolate.
How should I prepare the chocolate bars before melting?
The chocolate should be finely chopped to ensure even and quick melting.
Can I use milk chocolate instead?
While this recipe specifies dark and bittersweet chocolate for a rich flavor, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter profile.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, you can personalize the bark with your favorite choice of nuts and dried fruits.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: dark chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, cashews, apricots, and cranberries.
What is the texture of the finished bark?
The bark offers a balance of smooth, rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and chewy fruit.
Do I need any special tools for this recipe?
You will need a sheet pan, parchment paper, a ruler, a pencil, and either a microwave or a saucepan for melting.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list (chocolate, nuts, and fruit), this recipe is naturally gluten-free, though you should check your specific chocolate labels.
Can I add a sprinkle of sea salt on top?
Yes, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a great addition to enhance the dark chocolate flavors.
Can I use roasted almonds instead of cashews?
Yes, roasted almonds are a great alternative mentioned in the recipe.
How long does it take to prepare before setting?
The preparation time involves melting and spreading, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.