Indulge in the irresistible combination of richness and crunch with this Toasted Almond Cherry Chocolate Bark recipe. Crafted from velvety dark chocolate, this easy-to-make treat is studded with perfectly toasted almonds and chewy dried cherries, creating a delightful balance of sweet and nutty flavors. A sprinkle of optional sea salt elevates each bite with a hint of savory finesse. Ready in just 30 minutes, this homemade chocolate bark is a crowd-pleaser for gifting, snacking, or adding a gourmet touch to your dessert table. Simple to prepare yet decadently delicious, this recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers looking to elevate their culinary creations.
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread the raw almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 7-9 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before chopping roughly.
3. While the almonds are cooling, line another baking sheet or flat tray with parchment paper for the chocolate bark assembly.
4. Chop the dark chocolate into small, even pieces to ensure smooth melting. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
5. Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place the bowl of chocolate over the saucepan, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate constantly until fully melted, smooth, and glossy.
6. Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and let it cool slightly (about 2 minutes). This ensures the toppings don't immediately sink into the chocolate.
7. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared parchment-lined tray. Spread it into an even layer using a spatula, aiming for about 1/8-inch thickness.
8. Quickly sprinkle the toasted almonds, dried cherries, and a pinch of sea salt (if using) evenly over the chocolate while it's still warm and pliable. Gently press the toppings into the chocolate to help them adhere.
9. Allow the chocolate bark to set at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or place it in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes to speed up the process.
10. Once fully hardened, break the chocolate bark into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for longer storage.
Calories |
2863 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 176.9 g | 227% | |
| Saturated Fat | 74.3 g | 372% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 28 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 1173 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 284.7 g | 104% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.7 g | 145% | |
| Total Sugars | 224.4 g | ||
| Protein | 49.4 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 553 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 50.6 mg | 281% | |
| Potassium | 3608 mg | 77% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.