As the holidays approach, creating delicious treats becomes a joyful tradition in many households. This dark chocolate almond bark is the perfect blend of rich flavors and crunchy textures, making it an irresistible addition to any festive spread. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or gifting it to friends, this simple yet indulgent recipe is sure to brighten the season. Gather your ingredients and get ready to make a holiday favorite that everyone will adore!
Steps
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with either wax paper or parchment paper and set it aside. Make sure there’s enough room in your refrigerator to accommodate the sheet later.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a double boiler or by heating in the microwave in 20-second bursts. Stir the mixture in between intervals until it becomes smooth.
- Add the roasted, unsalted almonds to the melted chocolate and stir to ensure that each almond is well-coated.
- Pour the chocolate-almond mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to your desired thickness. Optionally, sprinkle additional almonds on top for extra crunch.
- Refrigerate the sheet until the chocolate is firm, which should take about 20 minutes. Once firm, let it reach room temperature to prevent fingerprints, then separate the chocolate from the paper and break it into pieces. Enjoy your homemade chocolate almond bark!
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate chips (use vegan chocolate chips if desired)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- 1 cup unsalted, roasted almonds
FAQ
- Is almond bark vegan?
- Not all almond bark is vegan. To ensure your almond bark is vegan, use vegan-friendly chocolate chips. The recipe provided is vegan-friendly and also gluten-free.
- What is chocolate almond bark?
- Chocolate almond bark is a candy made from a sheet of chocolate filled with roasted almonds, which is then broken into smaller pieces for easy enjoyment.
- How do you make chocolate almond bark?
- Begin by melting chocolate and coconut oil using a double boiler or microwave. Mix in roasted almonds, pour the mixture onto a lined baking sheet, and spread evenly. Optionally, top with additional almonds, then refrigerate until firm before breaking into pieces.
- Can almond bark be customized?
- Yes, you can customize almond bark with various add-ins and toppings like dried fruits, seeds, and different types of chocolate to create flavors such as cranberry, s’mores, or peppermint.
- How should I store almond bark?
- Store almond bark in an airtight container at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer for up to one month.
Tips
- Use Vegan Chocolate Chips for Vegan Bark: If you’re aiming for a vegan treat, ensure you select vegan chocolate chips. This simple swap will keep your almond bark vegan-friendly without compromising on taste.
- Incorporate Coconut Oil for Smoothness: While optional, adding a bit of coconut oil to your chocolate helps achieve a smooth, glossy finish, enhancing the overall texture of your almond bark.
- Sprinkle Extra Almonds for Crunch: To add an extra layer of texture and visual appeal, sprinkle additional roasted almonds on top of your chocolate mixture before chilling. This step isn’t necessary, but it does elevate the presentation and crunch factor.
- Refrigerate and Return to Room Temperature Before Cutting: After refrigerating your bark until firm, allow it to come back to room temperature before breaking or cutting it into pieces. This helps avoid fingerprints and ensures clean breaks, resulting in a more professional-looking finish.
Equipment
- Double Boiler – If you prefer using the double boiler method to melt chocolate instead of a microwave.
- Parchment Paper or Wax Paper – For lining the baking sheet.
- Medium Baking Sheet – If you don’t already have one suitable for making bark.
- Glass Mixing Bowls – Ideal for melting chocolate and mixing ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula – Useful for spreading the chocolate mixture evenly.
