Description
Spicy chocolate bark with chipotle and almonds delivers a fiery twist on classic dessert indulgence. Mexican-inspired chocolate combines rich cocoa, smoky chipotle heat, and crunchy almond textures for a bold sensory experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Chocolate Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), chopped
Nuts and Dried Fruits:
- ½ cup (75 grams) roasted almonds, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup (25 grams) dried cranberries or cherries (optional, for sweetness)
Spices and Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, flat surface for chocolate spreading. Finely chop chocolate into uniform pieces to guarantee seamless melting.
- Create a makeshift double boiler by positioning a heatproof bowl over gently simmering water. Stir chocolate continuously until it transforms into a glossy, liquid consistency. Alternatively, use microwave technique with short 20-second pulses, mixing between intervals to prevent scorching.
- Incorporate chipotle chili powder and ground cinnamon into melted chocolate, carefully blending to distribute spicy notes evenly. Taste and adjust heat level according to personal preference.
- Pour chocolate mixture onto prepared baking sheet, using a silicone spatula to craft an elegant, uniform layer approximately 1/4-inch thick. Generously scatter chopped almonds and dried cranberries across surface, gently pressing toppings to ensure they adhere.
- Carefully slide baking sheet into refrigerator, allowing chocolate to solidify completely for approximately 30 minutes. Once firm, fracture bark into rustic, irregular fragments using hands or a sharp knife, creating artisanal-style pieces.
- Transfer bark pieces to a serving platter or storage container, sprinkling additional sea salt for enhanced flavor complexity. Enjoy immediately or store in cool, dry environment for future indulgence.
Notes
- Chocolate Quality Matters: Choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich, intense flavor that balances perfectly with the spicy chipotle kick.
- Customize Spice Levels: Start with a small amount of chipotle powder and gradually increase to find your ideal heat level without overwhelming the chocolate’s complexity.
- Toasting Transforms Almonds: Lightly toast almonds in a dry skillet before adding to the bark to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more aromatic chocolate experience.
- Storage Secrets: Keep the bark in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg