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This blog was updated in January 2025.
Howdy, friends! Lauren from LaurenKelp.com here & today I am sharing my absolute favorite sweet treat for the holidays. Perfect for the man in the red hat, for teacher’s presents, to give as last minute gifts to the girlfriends, or to bring to as a hostess gift. Really though, if we are being honest, there is no wrong way to give this and I think, once you’ve seen the Christmas chocolate bark recipe, you will totally agree!
There is really nothing like the last few days before Christmas, am I right? Everyone is bustling around, people are humming Christmas carols, presents are being wrapped, wreaths are being hung, and if you are like me… trees are getting decorated (whoops!). There is something happy in the air that just gets me in the holiday spirit!
I love making this dark chocolate sugared cranberry bark by the truckload because it’s relatively easy & it’s fun to assemble. You pour yourself a good glass of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Merlot, put on a few Christmas movies, and spend the afternoon playing Mrs. Claus & whipping up some goodies.
Grab a few boxes from your local organizing store, some tissue paper & ribbons, and you’ve got yourself a really delicious & thoughtful gift for everyone on your list! Make life easier, Kendall-Jackson offers a wide-range of the best wine gifts for all of the wine lovers in your life.
Okay, enough talking already Lauren, let’s get to the chocolate bark recipe! Alright, alright, here you go my little elves…
Sugared Cranberry & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark
Recipe Type:
Dessert
Prep Time:
45 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
55 minutes
Servings:
12
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of high quality dark chocolate chips
- 2 cup of cranberries
- 1 cup of pistachios (finely crushed)
- 2 cups of sugar & a dash more for rolling
- 2 cups of water
Instructions
- Pour yourself a glass of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Merlot (I recommend this bottle when baking the bark & I’ll tell you why in a minute)
- Combine sugar and water in a small pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat & stir until sugar dissolves. Add in your fresh cranberries & cook for about 2-3 minutes (the water will turn a light pink). Remove from heat
- Drain cranberries and set aside. In a lipped cookie sheet, pour sugar down and gently put the cranberries in the sugar, rolling them around to get nice & coated. Let them stand to dry for 20-30 minutes (do not refrigerate until cooled & hardened)
- Once the cranberries are ready, put your dark chocolate chips in a microwave bowl & microwave on high for 20-seconds. Stir & repeat, pulling out every 20-seconds to stir, until chocolate is fully melted
- Spray a lipped cookie sheet with cooking spray (this helps hold down the parchment paper) and cut a piece of parchment paper so it hangs just a bit over the edges of the sheet.
- Spread melted chocolate on top of the parchment paper. Depending on how tick you want your bark, you can either play with the container size (a glass bread Pyrex is great for thicker bark) or you can double (triple!) the amount of chocolate chips. This is good to keep in mind if you are making a lot at once.
- Drizzle your finely chopped pistachios & sugared cranberries on top of the melted chocolate. Sprinkle as much or as little as you want – that is kind of the fun part!
- Place in the fridge for 30 minutes for the bark to set. Once ready, break into small piece, package, deliver & enjoy!
The Best Types of Chocolate for Making Bark
When choosing chocolate for your bark, the type you use can really affect the flavor and texture.
- Dark Chocolate: Rich and slightly bitter, dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) is a classic choice that balances well with sweet toppings like cranberries. It melts smoothly and creates a glossy finish.
- Milk Chocolate: Creamier and sweeter than dark chocolate, milk chocolate is perfect for those with a sweeter tooth. It pairs well with mild toppings but can be overly sweet with tart fruits.
- White Chocolate: For a buttery, sweet flavor, white chocolate is a great option. It’s perfect for tropical fruits like dried pineapple or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Just be mindful—it can be a bit trickier to melt.
Tip: Opt for high-quality chocolate (bars or couverture) for the best texture and flavor—avoid baking chips, which often contain stabilizers.
How to Customize Your Chocolate Bark with Holiday Flavors
Making your chocolate bark your own is easy with a few festive swaps.
- Dried Fruit: Swap cranberries for dried cherries, apricots, or pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Nuts: Try almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts instead of pistachios for added crunch and flavor.
- Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, cozy vibe. A touch of pumpkin pie spice works well with dark chocolate.
- Peppermint: Crushed candy canes or a hint of peppermint extract adds a festive, minty touch.
- Citrus: Brighten things up with orange zest or lemon zest for a fresh, aromatic contrast.
- Caramel: Drizzle some caramel sauce or sprinkle salted toffee for a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Decorations: Add sprinkles, gold leaf, or even mini gingerbread for a festive touch.
Pairing Chocolate Bark with Wine
What do you think? Ready to whip up a batch? I am telling you, this bark is so fun to make & when combined with the Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Merlot – it’s magic. I love drinking this specific Merlot with the bark because the notes of black cherry & wild berry blend perfectly with the sweetness of the sugared cranberries & the savory from the pistachios. It’s the perfect indulgence to end a day of baking in the kitchen.
Merlot not your thing? Kendall-Jackson offers a wide portfolio of top-rated California wine sure to please any wine lover! Happy hosting!
FAQs
1. Can I use milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly bitter flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cranberries, you can easily substitute milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter bark. Just keep in mind that milk and white chocolates will melt a bit differently, so be sure to stir gently as you melt them.
2. How can I make this bark gluten-free?
Great news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients you use—especially the pistachios and sugar—are free of gluten. Always double-check the labels to ensure everything is certified gluten-free, particularly for the chocolate chips and any store-bought ingredients.
3. How long does Christmas chocolate bark last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the chocolate bark will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. If you want it to last even longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 weeks, though this may cause it to harden a bit. Just make sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
4. Can I make this Christmas chocolate bark recipe ahead of time?
Yes! One of the best parts of this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, it’s a great make-ahead treat. Just store it in an airtight container in a cool place or the fridge until you’re ready to serve or give it as a gift.
5. How do I prevent my chocolate from seizing when melting?
To avoid seizing, make sure to melt the chocolate in short intervals (20 seconds at a time) and stir between each interval. Use a microwave-safe bowl and avoid any moisture in the chocolate, as even a tiny amount of water can cause it to seize. If it does seize, you can try adding a small splash of vegetable oil to smooth it out.
6. Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Definitely! While pistachios add a lovely texture and color to the bark, you can swap them out for other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Just make sure they’re finely chopped or crushed to fit the size of the bark pieces.
7. How do I package this bark as a gift?
Chocolate bark makes for an excellent homemade gift! To package it, break it into irregular pieces and arrange them in a decorative tin, mason jar, or clear treat bags. You can also add a festive touch by tying the packaging with a holiday ribbon or adding a personalized gift tag.
8. Can I add other toppings to customize my bark?
Absolutely! The beauty of chocolate bark is that it’s highly customizable. You can add dried fruits like apricots or raisins, candy canes for a minty twist, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast. Let your imagination run wild!
