12 Days of Christmas Cookies
Sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy, tart: this Holiday Bark has it ALL!
Bark is another one of those unfortunately named desserts. Am I supposed to be thinking about tree bark? Who came up with that? #redo
I’d rename it like I did with Lemon sunshine, but my branding genius is turned off for the day. Maybe I need more coffee.
No matter what you call it, people will be ecstatic to receive this bark as a gift! It is a perfect addition to a holiday dessert table or as a healthier sweet holiday snack.
Salty roasted pistachios, crunchy toasted pecans, tart cherries, sweet raisins, smooth creamy dark chocolate and crunchy flakes of fleur de sel. Canโt get enough!
Flakes of Fleur de Sel really take this bark way past addicting!
I thought about giving it away. I really did. But I just couldnโt part with it.
Chocolate with sea salt is my weakness.
And quality salt and chocolate will not go unnoticed here. These are the types of recipes that cry out for the large, irregularly shaped pyramids of fleur de sel and decadent, silky dark chocolate. Splurge. Itโs so worth it!
Instead of the lengthy process of tempering chocolate by hand, because ainโt nobody got time for that during the holidays, I do it in the microwave. So much easier and unspeakably fast!
Despite the fact that this bark would be a delightfully easy and delicious gift, my husband and I gave none of it away. We enjoyed each and every last chocolaty, salty, sweet, nutty bite. And you will too! #noregrets
Thisย Salted Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Pecan Holiday Bark is the second day of myย 12 Days of Christmas Cookies.ย You won’t want to miss yesterday’s Cherry Pecan Cookies!ย
Salty roasted pistachios, crunchy toasted pecans, tart cherries, sweet raisins, smooth creamy dark chocolate and crunchy flakes of fleur de sel make this Holiday Bark irresistible! It makes the perfect gift or just healthy holiday sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dark chocolate (at least 65%), finely chopped
- ยผ cup salted, roasted pistachios
- 2 tablespoons toasted (unsalted) pecans*, roughly chopped
- ยผ cup golden raisins
- 2 tablespoons dried tart cherries
- several pinches Maldon Fleur de Sel
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. I like to secure it with binder clips so that it wonโt slide around.
- In a medium heat proof bowl place about ยผ of the chopped chocolate. Melt on high in 20 second intervals until mostly melted. Watch it like a hawk.
- Stir another ยผ of the chopped chocolate into the melted chocolate and microwave until almost melted again. Repeat until all the chocolate has been added and the chocolate is smooth and lump free!
- Pour the hot chocolate onto the parchment lined baking sheet and spread out to about a ยผ inch thick with an offset spatula. Immediately sprinkle your toppings over the surface, trying to get a little something of everything all over! I sprinkle on the fleur de sel last so that the chocolate has cooled a little bit and it wonโt all immediately melt!
- Refrigerate for at least an hour until set. Cut or break apart. You can place them in small cello bags and tie them with ribbons for gifts or you can keep them all for yourself! No judgement from me! I store mine in the refrigerator but you donโt have to.
Notes:
*Toast whole Pecans on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer for 10 minutes in a preheated 350ยฐ oven, or until you can smell them and the light parts of the pecans have turned a light golden brown. Pre-chopped pecans will toast faster!
I stored mine in the refrigerator but you could store yours in a cool place.
More Holiday Treats to Make the Season Bright!
ย Spiced Apple Cider Cranberry Cupcakes
Soft Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies
22 Comments
Annie+@+ciaochowbambina
December 10, 2014 at 7:45 amChocolate with sea salt is my weakness too! This looks divine!
Lindsey
December 11, 2014 at 9:41 amMmmmm salted dark chocolate! Now I want that for breakfast!
Phillip
December 10, 2014 at 8:44 amSo pretty!
Lindsey
December 11, 2014 at 9:41 amThanks, Phillip!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen
December 10, 2014 at 8:50 amThere is so much deliciousness going on in this bark! As usual, you’ve combined ingredients to make something truly amazing. Sea salt + chocolate = love!
Lindsey
December 11, 2014 at 9:40 amAww thanks, Kristine!
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek
December 10, 2014 at 11:08 amI have bark on my list of stuff to make. Need a little extra time in my schedule.
I made homemade chocolate “cookies” to go with the peppermint ice cream sandwiches for my son’s birthday party this weekend and did a majorly stupid thing. In a hurry (as usual) I used my finger to wipe the chocolate off of the spatula after tempering the chocolate. Two big blisters right away. So me and tempered chocolate are at odds at this point.
Lindsey
December 11, 2014 at 9:39 amFortunately with my trick you now have no need to temper chocolate the old fashioned way! I am just too lazy!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
December 10, 2014 at 1:17 pmChocolate bark is one of my favorite desserts ever! It’s so easy to whip up and so fun to customize! And I’m with you, salted chocolate is my weakness. I love the cherry and pistachio combo, Lindsey! Sounds delicious. Pinned!
Lindsey
December 11, 2014 at 9:39 amThanks for the pin, Gayle!!!
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion
December 10, 2014 at 2:13 pmI really like chocolate barks.. and they can be perfect for gifts as well. With pistachios… they have to be delicious!
Lindsey
December 11, 2014 at 9:38 amThanks, Illona! The salted pistachios make it sensational!
marcie
December 10, 2014 at 4:33 pmI love barks, Lindsey, and this is a very delicious, holiday-worthy bark! Perfect for gift-giving…or just plain old eating. ๐
Lindsey
December 11, 2014 at 9:38 amme too! So underrated! I am partial to the eating this year ๐
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen
December 10, 2014 at 10:14 pmThis is such beautiful nut bark. And the photos are simply stunning!! ๐
Lindsey
December 11, 2014 at 9:37 amThanks, Renee!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter
December 11, 2014 at 4:57 amLove the sea salt and all the other goodies you packed into this bark! I would have a hard time giving it away too! It looks gorgeous!!
Lindsey
December 11, 2014 at 9:37 amThanks, Kelly! It makes me feel almost healthy when compared to my other cookies! ๐
David @ Spiced
December 11, 2014 at 7:43 amLindsey! I swear we are related somehow. I literally just made a similar bark earlier this week…and you may or may not see some pictures of it soon. #DontJudge #YoursIsBetter I love the flaked sea salt in your version…nice touch! If you have any leftovers, you know where to send ’em. ๐
Lindsey
December 11, 2014 at 9:37 amHaha! I have no doubt! Unfortunately I ate all of it before anyone got some! So hard to share salted dark chocolate! I can’t wait to see yours!!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen
December 11, 2014 at 9:44 pmI wouldn’t have been able to share either! Love pistachios. They are a must at Christmas time!
Lindsey
December 13, 2014 at 11:31 pmAgreed! I have been trying to resist making more!!