Valentine Chocolate Bark Dried Fruit (Printable)
Indulge in silky chocolate bark featuring colorful dried fruits and nuts. An easy, festive treat perfect for sharing.
# What You Need:
→ Chocolate Base
01 - 10 ounces (300g) high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao), finely chopped
02 - 3.5 ounces (100g) white chocolate, finely chopped (optional, for decorative drizzle)
→ Toppings
03 - ½ cup (60g) dried cranberries
04 - ½ cup (60g) dried apricots, diced
05 - ⅓ cup (40g) pistachios, coarsely chopped
06 - ⅓ cup (40g) almonds, coarsely chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries (optional)
08 - 1 tablespoon edible rose petals or heart-shaped sprinkles (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the entire surface to prevent sticking.
02 - Gently melt the chopped dark chocolate using a double boiler method (a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water) or by microwaving in short 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until perfectly smooth.
03 - Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Using an offset spatula, uniformly spread the chocolate into a ¼-inch thick rectangle, aiming for an even layer.
04 - If utilizing white chocolate, melt it using the same method as the dark chocolate. Drizzle the melted white chocolate artistically over the dark chocolate base to create a marbled visual effect.
05 - Immediately and evenly sprinkle the dried cranberries, diced apricots, chopped pistachios, chopped almonds, freeze-dried berries, and edible rose petals or sprinkles over the still-wet chocolate surface.
06 - Gently press the various toppings into the chocolate to ensure they adhere securely as the bark sets.
07 - Allow the chocolate bark to set completely. This can be achieved by leaving it at room temperature for approximately 1 hour, or by refrigerating it for a quicker 30-minute period until firm.
08 - Once fully set, break the chocolate bark into irregular pieces suitable for serving. It can be enjoyed immediately or packaged for gifting.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's incredibly quick to pull together, leaving you more time to savor the moment (and the bark!).
- You can truly make it your own with whatever colorful dried fruits and crunchy nuts you have on hand.
02 -
- Overheating chocolate, especially white chocolate, can make it grainy and unworkable. Low and slow is always the way to go.
- Always make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry when melting chocolate. Even a tiny drop of water can cause it to seize into a clumpy mess.
03 -
- To get perfectly tempered chocolate without a thermometer, melt about two-thirds of your chocolate, then stir in the remaining third off the heat until smooth. This helps stabilize the chocolate crystals for a glossier finish.
- For the best flavor and texture, use dried fruits that are still soft and pliable, not hard or brittle.