Roasted Hazelnut & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe

Heavenly Roasted Hazelnut & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe

Chocolate bark with roasted hazelnuts and pistachios brings decadent excitement to your dessert world.

Sweet cravings meet nutty crunch in this irresistible treat.

Rich dark chocolate serves as a glossy canvas for scattered emerald and bronze nuts.

Toasting transforms these kernels into golden, aromatic gems that whisper indulgence.

Layers of flavor dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Minimal ingredients create maximum pleasure in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Crack into this bark and let pure deliciousness sweep you away.

Why Nutty Dark Chocolate Bark Feels So Fancy

  • Quick and Easy Chocolate Craft: Whip up this delightful dark chocolate bark in under 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Texture Sensation Delight: Enjoy a mouthwatering combination of smooth dark chocolate contrasted with crunchy roasted hazelnuts and pistachios, creating an irresistible sensory experience in every bite.
  • Versatile Treat for All Occasions: Elevate your dessert game with this elegant yet simple recipe that works brilliantly as a homemade gift, party snack, or personal indulgence.
  • Nutritious Indulgence Hack: Packed with heart-healthy nuts and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, this bark offers a guilt-free treat that combines nutrition with decadent flavor.

The Must-Have Ingredients for Crunchy Goodness

Chocolate Base:
  • Dark Chocolate: Rich, smooth base for the bark with deep flavor profile. Best to use high-quality chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content.
Nuts:
  • Hazelnuts, Pistachios: Crunchy and nutty elements that provide texture and earthy taste. Raw or roasted nuts work well, with roasting enhancing their natural flavors.
Garnish and Optional Additions:
  • Dried Cranberries: Tart and sweet complement to the chocolate and nuts. Adds a fruity brightness to the bark.
  • Sea Salt Flakes: Enhances overall flavor complexity with a savory touch. Provides a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate.

Simple Instructions for Clean Breaks and Swirls

  • Prepare Roasted Nuts

Spread hazelnuts and pistachios evenly on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Let them cool completely, then roughly chop into smaller pieces.

  • Melt Chocolate Smoothly

Choose a good-quality dark chocolate and chop it into small, even pieces. To melt, use the microwave method: heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each round until smooth. Alternatively, melt gently over a double boiler if you prefer.

  • Create Chocolate Canvas

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the melted chocolate over it. Spread the chocolate into a thin, even layer—about ¼ inch thick—using an offset spatula.

  • Decorate with Nutty Goodness

Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts and pistachios evenly over the chocolate. For a touch of tartness, add dried cranberries if you like. Lightly press the toppings into the chocolate and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

  • Set and Break

Let the bark cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes for quicker setting. Once firm, break into rustic pieces by hand or cut into clean squares with a sharp knife.

  • Store and Enjoy

Store your chocolate bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate to keep it fresher longer. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or a sweet homemade gift.

Tips for Roasting and Melting Without Trouble

  • Toast Nuts to Perfection: Roast hazelnuts and pistachios carefully at 350F, stirring midway to ensure even golden color and enhance their rich, nutty flavor without burning.
  • Melt Chocolate Smoothly: Use gentle microwave intervals or double boiler technique, stirring frequently to prevent chocolate from seizing and maintain a glossy, silky texture.
  • Create Textural Contrast: Gently press nuts into melted chocolate, allowing them to partially sink for a beautiful, rustic appearance and balanced crunch in every bite.
  • Customize with Salt Accent: Sprinkle delicate sea salt flakes to elevate the dark chocolate's depth and create a sophisticated sweet-savory flavor profile.
  • Store Strategically: Keep bark in airtight container at room temperature for optimal texture, preventing moisture from compromising the chocolate's smooth finish.

Storage Tricks for Snap and Shine

  • Preserve your delectable chocolate bark by storing it in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Keep the bark at room temperature for up to two weeks, ensuring a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Refrigeration extends shelf life to about one month, maintaining the chocolate's crisp texture and preventing melting during warmer days.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper when stacking to protect the bark's delicate surface and prevent pieces from fusing together.
  • Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods, as chocolate easily absorbs surrounding aromas that could compromise its rich flavor profile.

Pair With Wine or Coffee Moments

  • Sip Sweet Wine Pairing: Moscato d'Asti or late harvest Riesling perfectly complement the dark chocolate's richness, enhancing the nutty flavors with their delicate sweetness and light effervescence.
  • Match Rich Dessert Wines: Port wine, especially a ruby or tawny variety, creates a luxurious flavor harmony with the chocolate's deep notes and the roasted nuts' warmth.
  • Elevate with Coffee Companions: Espresso or smooth cold brew coffee intensify the chocolate's complexity, cutting through the sweetness while highlighting the bark's nuanced flavors.
  • Explore Liqueur Matches: Hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico or amaretto provides a complementary nutty undertone that beautifully amplifies the chocolate bark's core ingredients.

Creative Nut and Fruit Combos

  • Tropical Paradise Bark: Swap pistachios with toasted macadamia nuts and add dried mango pieces for a vibrant, Hawaiian-inspired treat that transports your taste buds to a sunny beach.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Bark: Replace dried cranberries with chopped dried figs and sprinkle crushed rosemary for an earthy, Mediterranean-style chocolate experience that feels like a culinary journey.
  • Spiced Mocha Bark: Mix ground cinnamon and a touch of cayenne pepper into melted chocolate, then top with roasted almonds and espresso powder for a warming, complex flavor profile.
  • Berry Bliss Bark: Incorporate freeze-dried raspberry pieces and crushed pistachios for a tangy, colorful variation that adds bright fruit notes to the rich dark chocolate base.

Dark Bark FAQ for Sweet Success

  • Why roast the nuts before using them in the chocolate bark?

Roasting nuts enhances their natural flavor, creates a deeper, nuttier taste, and brings out their natural oils, making them more aromatic and crunchy in the final chocolate bark.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate for this recipe?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate works best for a rich flavor, you can experiment with milk or white chocolate. Just ensure you use high-quality chocolate that melts smoothly and has good texture.

  • Is it necessary to add sea salt to the chocolate bark?

Sea salt is optional but recommended. It adds a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate, creating a complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert and makes the nuts and chocolate taste more vibrant.

  • How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning during melting?

Always melt chocolate slowly using low heat, stirring frequently. Use 20-second microwave intervals or a double boiler, and ensure no water touches the chocolate, as moisture can cause it to become grainy or clump.

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Roasted Hazelnut & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe

Roasted Hazelnut & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delectable Roasted Hazelnut & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark beckons chocolate enthusiasts with its rich, nutty symphony of flavors. Crisp dark chocolate canvas adorned with toasted hazelnuts and pistachios promises a luxurious moment of indulgence you’ll savor completely.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Chocolate Ingredient:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)

Nuts:

  • ½ cup roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped

Optional Add-ins:

  • ¼ cup dried cranberries or dried cherries
  • Sea salt flakes (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Carefully toast the hazelnuts and pistachios in a preheated oven, ensuring an even golden-brown color and releasing their rich, nutty aromatics. Allow the nuts to cool completely before creating rustic, uneven chops to maximize texture contrast.
  2. Select high-quality dark chocolate and fragment it into small, uniform pieces. Utilize either a microwave with careful 20-second pulses or create a makeshift double boiler, gently coaxing the chocolate into a smooth, glossy liquid without introducing moisture.
  3. Prepare a flat surface with parchment paper, creating a smooth canvas for your chocolatey masterpiece. Methodically pour the molten chocolate, using a spatula to create an elegant, uniform layer approximately quarter-inch thick.
  4. Artfully distribute the roasted nut fragments across the chocolate’s surface, pressing them gently to ensure they nestle securely. Scatter dried cranberries for vibrant color and unexpected tartness, then delicately sprinkle sea salt flakes to elevate the flavor profile.
  5. Allow the chocolate to crystallize naturally at room temperature, which typically requires 1-2 hours. Alternatively, accelerate the setting process by placing the bark in the refrigerator for a shorter duration.
  6. Once completely hardened, fracture the chocolate into irregular, rustic pieces using hands or a sharp knife. Embrace the organic, uneven shapes that make each bark segment unique.
  7. Transfer the finished bark to an airtight container, preserving its crisp texture and intense flavors. When stored correctly, the bark will maintain its quality for approximately two weeks at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.

Notes

  • Roasting nuts intensifies their natural flavors and creates a deeper, richer taste profile that elevates the entire chocolate bark experience.
  • Always remove hazelnut skins by rubbing them in a clean kitchen towel after roasting to reduce bitterness and improve overall texture.
  • Choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a more sophisticated and less sweet chocolate bark that complements the nutty flavors.
  • Experiment with alternative nut combinations like almonds or pecans if pistachios and hazelnuts are unavailable, maintaining the same roasting technique for consistent results.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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