Choco-Strawberry Delight Bark

$For this bark, you need 2 cups of dark chocolate chips. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. It also pairs well with sweet strawberries. You can choose chocolate with 60% to 70% cocoa for a balanced flavor. You will need 1 cup of dried strawberries. Dried strawberries add sweetness and chewiness. If you want a crunch, try freeze-dried strawberries instead. They give a fun texture. You can also swap strawberries for other dried fruits like cranberries or cherries. Add ½ cup of crushed almonds for a nutty touch. You can use any nuts you like, such as pecans or walnuts. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes is a must for contrast. It makes the bark taste even better. If you want a glossy finish, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil when you melt the chocolate. This little step adds shine to your bark. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by grabbing a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. It also helps the bark come off smoothly when set. Make sure the paper covers the entire surface. This simple step is key to success. Next, take a microwave-safe bowl. Add your dark chocolate chips and coconut oil if you want a shiny look. Heat the bowl in the microwave. Do this in 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir the chocolate well. Keep heating until it melts and is smooth. Watch closely to avoid burning it. Once your chocolate is melted, pour it onto the lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle your dried strawberries and crushed almonds on top. Spread them out evenly. This way, every piece has a mix of flavors. Let the bark sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows it to harden. If you’re in a hurry, pop it into the fridge. Leave it there for 10 to 15 minutes. Once fully set, break the bark into fun, rustic pieces. You can use your hands or a knife for this. Enjoy your tasty treat! To get a shiny look on your chocolate bark, use coconut oil. This oil helps melt the chocolate smoothly. Mix it in with the chocolate chips before heating. Heat in short bursts so you don’t burn the chocolate. Stir well after each interval. A glossy finish makes your bark look more appealing. After your bark has set, you can break it into pieces. Use your hands for a rustic touch. If you want neat pieces, use a knife. Tap the knife gently on the bark. This helps create clean edges. Irregular pieces look charming and add character to your treat. Serve your chocolate bark on a pretty platter. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a fancy touch. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt for flair. This adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. Consider placing some fresh strawberries around the bark. This makes your dessert look festive and inviting. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: The better the quality of your dark chocolate, the richer and more flavorful your bark will be. Opt for a brand with a high cocoa content for a more intense taste. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding dried fruit, seeds, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for contrast. Ensure Even Melting: When melting chocolate, make sure to stir frequently and avoid overheating. If chocolate seizes, add a small amount of coconut oil to restore its smoothness. Store for Freshness: To maintain the quality of the bark, keep it in an airtight container. If you're storing it for a longer time, refrigeration can help preserve its texture and flavor. {{image_4}} If you want to switch up the nuts, that’s easy! You can use any nut you like. Here are some choices: - Walnuts - Pecans - Cashews Each nut brings its own flavor and crunch. I like almonds for their light taste, but walnuts have a bold flavor. Try them out and see which one you love best! You can add flavors to the bark for a fun twist. Here are some tasty options: - A pinch of cinnamon for warmth - A splash of vanilla extract for sweetness - A few drops of peppermint extract for a minty kick These add-ins can make your bark even more special. Just remember, a little goes a long way! You can change the chocolate type to fit your mood. Here are some ideas: - Milk chocolate for a sweeter taste - White chocolate for a creamy touch - Dark chocolate for a richer flavor Mix and match these chocolates for a fun blend of tastes. You can even layer them for a cool look! Just melt and spread in the order you like. To keep your chocolate covered strawberry bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent moisture and odors from other foods. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. A cool, dry place is best. Avoid direct sunlight or heat. When stored correctly, your bark can last up to two weeks. If you want it to stay fresh longer, the fridge is a good choice. It may lose some of its crispness in the fridge, but it will still taste great! You can freeze chocolate bark for even longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This keeps out air and moisture. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours. It will be just as tasty when you take a bite! Yes, you can use milk chocolate. It will make the bark sweeter. Milk chocolate melts well and pairs nicely with strawberries. Just follow the same melting steps. You can use freeze-dried strawberries for a crunchier texture. Choose any dried fruit you like, such as cranberries or cherries. Just make sure they are not too moist. This keeps your bark from becoming soggy. To make this bark vegan, use dairy-free dark chocolate. Many brands offer great options. Replace the crushed almonds with any nuts or seeds you prefer. This keeps the recipe tasty and vegan. We explored how to make chocolate bark using dark chocolate chips and dried strawberries. I shared tips for a glossy finish and fun presentation ideas. You can even change flavors or add nuts for variety. Remember to store it right for freshness, and consider using milk chocolate if you prefer. Enjoy your chocolate bark and make it yours by trying new things!$

Choco-Strawberry Delight Bark

A delicious chocolate bark featuring dark chocolate, dried strawberries, and crushed almonds, garnished with sea salt.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups dark chocolate chips
1 cup dried strawberries
½ cup crushed almonds
to taste sea salt flakes
1 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be the surface for your chocolate bark once it’s ready to set.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and the coconut oil (if using). Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval. Continue this process until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth – watch closely to avoid overheating.
Spread the Chocolate: Once melted, pour the chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula, spread the chocolate into an even layer, aiming for a thickness of about ¼ inch.
Add Toppings: While the chocolate is still warm and pliable, evenly sprinkle the dried strawberries and crushed almonds across the surface. Make sure to distribute them for an even bite in every piece.
Garnish with Sea Salt: For a gourmet finish, delicately sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top. This will beautifully enhance the sweetness of the dark chocolate and strawberries, creating a delicious contrast.
Set the Bark: Allow the bark to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until fully hardened. If you're in a hurry, place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to speed up the setting process.
Break into Pieces: Once the bark is fully set, break it into irregularly shaped pieces for a rustic look. You can use your hands for a more casual approach or a knife for more uniform pieces.
Store Properly: Keep the chocolate bark in an airtight container at room temperature or, for longer freshness, store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delightful for up to two weeks.

Notes

For an impressive display, serve the bark on a decorative platter and consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the top before serving.

Keyword bark, chocolate, dessert, strawberries