If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s as simple to whip up as it is delicious, you’re in for a real treat with this Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe. I absolutely love how this chocolate bark comes together—quick melting, mixing, and sprinkling make it a perfect no-fuss dessert or gift. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with your favorite nuts and dried fruits, which means you can make it your own every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy and Fast: It only takes about 10 minutes of active prep, and a few simple ingredients to create something impressive.
Customizable to Your Taste: Swap nuts, dried fruits, or toppings based on what you love or what’s in season.
Great for Gifting or Snacking: Beautiful presentation and long shelf life make it ideal for sharing during holidays or parties.
No Baking Required: It’s all about careful melting and setting—no oven needed, which is fantastic for warm climates or quick fixes.

The image shows several pieces of chocolate bark, each with one thick layer of dark brown chocolate topped with whole light brown almonds and dark red dried cranberries scattered evenly. The chocolate pieces are irregular triangles and squares placed on white parchment paper inside a black fluted round pan. Around the pan are whole almonds and dried cranberries on a white marbled textured surface. In the background, a white plate holds three more pieces of chocolate bark, showing the same dark chocolate base with almonds and cranberries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chocolate Bark, chocolate bark with nuts and dried fruit, simple chocolate bark recipe, quick homemade chocolate treat, customizable chocolate bark

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, high-quality chocolate paired with crunchy nuts and tart dried fruits that bring the bark to life. I always recommend picking good-quality chocolate—your bark will thank you.

Flat lay of finely chopped dark chocolate pieces, finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate chunks, small white ceramic bowls with ground cinnamon, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes, a handful of roasted almonds, shelled unsalted pistachios, dried cherries, dried cranberries, and toffee bits, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Chocolate Bark, chocolate bark with nuts and dried fruit, simple chocolate bark recipe, quick homemade chocolate treat, customizable chocolate bark

72% cocoa dark chocolate: Using finely chopped dark chocolate gives your bark a rich, bittersweet base that pairs wonderfully with sweet add-ins.
Semi-sweet chocolate: This balances the dark chocolate’s intensity, making the bark approachable for most palates.
Ground cinnamon: An optional warming spice that adds depth; perfect if you want a subtle holiday vibe.
Roasted almonds: Toasted to bring out a nutty crunch that contrasts with the smooth chocolate.
Dried cherries: Their natural tartness brightens and complements the richness.
Dark chocolate: For double chocolate delight when making variations, like peppermint or toffee versions.
Peppermint extract: A festive addition that’s especially fabulous if you’re making holiday candy cane bark.
Crushed candy canes: Adds crunch and a refreshing minty note – great for winter celebrations.
Unsalted shelled pistachios: Their green color and buttery flavor add both beauty and taste.
Dried cranberries: Tart and chewy, balancing the sweetness of chocolate and nuts.
Toffee bits: For little bursts of buttery sweetness and texture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that the Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe invites you to make it your own. Whether you want more sweetness, a nutty crunch, or festive flair, there’s always a version to suit your mood.

Nut Swap: I once replaced almonds with toasted walnuts and my family went crazy for the deeper, woodsy flavor.
Dried Fruit Twist: This recipe shines with apricots or figs during summer—sweet and juicy contrast with dark chocolate.
Holiday Peppermint: Adding peppermint extract and crushed candy canes instantly makes it a Christmas classic, perfect for gifting.
Extra Crunch: Mixing in sea salt or toffee bits is my secret for a sweet-and-salty combo that keeps people reaching for more.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan with Parchment

This step sets you up for success. Line a 9×9-inch pan with two layers of parchment paper, letting the paper overlap the sides so you can lift the bark out easily once it’s set. This easy trick saves you from wrestling with sticky chocolate later.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Gently

Fill a saucepan about one-third full with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then place a heatproof bowl snugly over the pan, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl—this double boiler method keeps the chocolate from scorching. Add your chopped chocolate (and cinnamon if you’re using it) to the bowl, stirring occasionally with a silicone spatula until smooth and fully melted. If you’re making a peppermint version, now’s the time to stir in the peppermint extract. Trust me, careful melting makes all the difference for silky chocolate bark.

Step 3: Pour and Decorate

Remove the bowl from heat, making sure no water drips in (even a little steam can seize your chocolate). Pour the melted chocolate into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula if needed. Now comes the fun part: sprinkle your nuts, dried fruit, and any other toppings like toffee bits or crushed candy canes right on top. When I sprinkle, I like to cover every inch to make sure every bite is loaded with flavor and texture.

Step 4: Let It Set

Set your pan aside at room temperature for about 3 hours, or until the chocolate is very firm. You can also pop it in the fridge if you’re in a hurry, but be aware that fast cooling might dull that shiny finish. When firm, lift the bark out using the parchment handles and cut it into roughly 3-inch pieces with a sharp knife.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe

Use Room Temperature Chocolate: I found that chocolate melts more evenly when it’s closer to room temp—no grainy chunks here.
Dry Your Toppings: Dried fruit or nuts that are a little moist can cause your bark to seize; make sure they’re well-dried before sprinkling.
Avoid Water Contact: Even a drop of water in melted chocolate can ruin the texture—use a clean, dry bowl and utensils.
Break Cleanly with Warm Knife: If your bark cracks too jaggedly, warm your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice again for smooth edges.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe

The image shows a stack of four thick rectangular chocolate pieces, each layered with whole almonds embedded inside and many dried cranberries on top. The top layer is glossy dark chocolate holding the almonds and cranberries that add a rich red and brown color contrast. The chocolate blocks are placed on white crumpled paper, with scattered dried cranberries and small chocolate crumbs around. The background is a white marbled surface with a blurred white bowl filled with more almonds in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chocolate Bark, chocolate bark with nuts and dried fruit, simple chocolate bark recipe, quick homemade chocolate treat, customizable chocolate bark

Garnishes

I like to add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate bark right after spreading the melted chocolate—it amps up all the flavors and adds a beautiful sparkle. Toasted coconut flakes also make a lovely garnish and add another layer of texture.

Side Dishes

This bark is super versatile, so I often serve it alongside coffee or tea for an afternoon indulgence. During parties, it pairs beautifully with a cheese board featuring mild cheeses, fresh fruit, and nuts for guests to snack on.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging the bark pieces in a decorative tin or cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon—instant crowd-pleaser gifts. You can also layer different nut and fruit combinations on each piece to create a “bark sampler” platter that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chocolate bark in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and it stays fresh for up to two weeks. If your kitchen is warm, just pop it in the fridge to keep it from melting but bring it back to room temp before serving for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing chocolate bark is totally doable—I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can last up to 3 months this way. When you want to enjoy it, thaw it slowly in the fridge to avoid condensation on the surface.

Reheating

For reheating, I just let the bark come to room temperature naturally—they taste best this way. If you want to soften it a bit, a few seconds in a microwave at very low power helps without melting it entirely.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark or semi-sweet chocolate in this Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate can be used if you prefer a sweeter, creamier bark. Just keep in mind that the melting point is slightly different, so watch it closely to avoid burning. You may want to reduce or omit the other sweet add-ins to balance the overall sweetness.
What’s the best way to prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?

Chocolate seizes when even a tiny bit of water gets in contact with it. Use dry bowls and utensils, melt over gentle heat (preferably a double boiler), and stir steadily. Avoid letting water steam drip into your chocolate, and if you do accidentally get water in, it’s better to start fresh.
Can I add other mix-ins to this Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe?

Yes! The beauty of chocolate bark is its flexibility. You can add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, crushed cookies, puffed rice, or even small candies. Just be mindful of texture and how the mix-ins meld with chocolate once set.
How long does homemade chocolate bark stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at a cool room temperature, chocolate bark can stay fresh for up to two weeks. Warm environments may shorten that, so refrigeration is a safe alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe is one of those kitchen wins that always leaves me feeling proud. It’s quick, versatile, and impresses everyone who tries it—even those who wouldn’t usually call themselves chocolate fans. The mix of textures and flavors makes it addictively good, plus it’s a no-bake recipe you can adapt for every season. Trust me, once you try making your own bark, you’ll keep finding excuses (and reasons) to make it again and again.