This festive Dark Chocolate Bark is not only decadent and indulgent, itās healthy too! Pistachios, cranberries and dark chocolate are loaded with antioxidants, not to mention fiber, good fats and vitamin C, so this is a sweet treat you can feel good about.
Chocolate Bark for the Holidays (Or Any Day!)
With the holidays around the corner, if baking is not your thing, making chocolate bark might just be the holiday recipe for you. (Besides, everyone makes cookiesādark chocolate bark with pistachios and cranberries is something different!) While you can use any combination of nuts and dried fruit to make this homemade chocolate bark, I love the festive colors in this pistachio-cranberry combination, and it tastes great too! Although this bark is perfect for gifting, I love it as a year-round treat too. Sometimes you just need a little something sweet after a meal and chocolate bark is a healthy way to get your fix!
Why Chocolate Bark Is the Best Homemade Treat for the Holidays
I also make snowman chocolate bark and dark chocolate nut clusters with sea salt for the holidays, where I use 5 types of nuts and present them in mini cupcake holders. I tuck them into tinsĀ and give them to friends and neighborsāitās become my holiday tradition!
- Healthier than the usual holiday fare: A lot of people get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of cookies and desserts the holidays bring. I love that this dark chocolate bark tastes rich and indulgent, but itās lighter and healthier than most other treats.
- So easy to make: With just three ingredients, the only appliance you need is a microwave to create this. But it looks so impressive!
- Customizable: I make dark chocolate bark year-round with whatever dried fruit, nuts, and seeds I have on hand. Itās even great with clusters of pumpkin granola in the fall!
Ingredients Youāll Need
The list of ingredients for this dark chocolate bark is short and sweet!
- Shelled pistachios: Using pistachios that are already shelled saves you some prep time. I like salted nuts for that sweet-and-salty contrast.
- Dried cranberries: Coarsely chop these.
- Dark chocolate bar: You can use any kind you like.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Bark With Pistachios and Cranberries
This will be the easiest holiday treat you make this season! See recipe card above for printable instructions.
- Melt the chocolate: Microwave the chocolate in a microwave-safe liquid measuring cup; I use 15-second intervals, stirring after each, and it usually takes about a minute.
- Stir in the nuts and cranberries: Combine the pistachios and cranberries with the chocolate.
- Form the bark: Spread the chocolate mixture onto a sheet pan and freeze for 1 hour.
- Break into pieces: Break the chilled chocolate bark into pieces, then serve or store.
Cranberry Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark
Ingredients
- 4.5 oz shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
- 2.5 oz dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 7 oz dark chocolate bar, calculations based on Hershey’s Special Dark
Instructions
- Place chocolate in a microwave-safe measuring cup; microwave at HIGH 1 minute or until chocolate melts, stirring every 15 seconds.
- Add melted chocolate to nut mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Spread mixture evenly on a jelly-roll pan lined with parchment or foil; freeze 1 hour.
- Break into pieces.
- Bark should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge or a cool room. It will keep for up to 3 weeks.
Last Step:
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More Chocolate Bark Ideas
- Candy cane bark: Consider this an easier version of peppermint bark! Spread the chocolate onto the pan and sprinkle chopped candy canes over the top.
- Cherry almond bark: Add dried tart cherries and roughly chopped almonds.
- Coconut pecan bark: Fold flaked unsweetened coconut and chopped pecans into the dark chocolate.
- Trail mix bark: Add your favorite trail mix to the chocolate.
- Ginger orange bark: After pouring the chocolate onto the pan and spreading it into an even layer, add crystallized ginger pieces and candied orange peel.
Proper Storage
Keep dark chocolate bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator or another cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks.
As a chocoholic, I can recommend this for a treat that tastes SO “splurgy!” This dark chocolate bark was as easy as it is delicious. What a great, healthy treat! I followed the recipe as written but used “no sugar added” dried cranberries.
What percentage of cacao would you suggest? 90% might be too high? But lower in carbs, what’s the best %
I would use what you like as far as taste. You can also use sugar free like Lily’s
Iļø had some leftover chocolate (combination of bittersweet and semisweet). Weighed for exact measurements and the combination was perfect. Used cranberries, salted pistachios (only had 2 oz.) , and roasted pecans. Threw it in my mini food processor to chop and sprinkled sea salt on top. Fabulous. The possibilities are endless! Thanks for a great recipe!
I’ve been making this for years and it’s still a family favorite! I prefer Ghirardelli 72% dark chocolate chips over Special Dark, but we’ve also used Ghir. bittersweet chips in a pinch. I like to hold back a handful of the chopped pistachios and cranberries and sprinkle them on top to show off the ingredients. Delicious every time.
Great recipe.
Sometimes I omit cranberries and increase pistachios.
Delicious! We all loved it š
We all loved this recipe. The only thing is work fast when you get the chocolate out of microwave or you won’t be able to spread it. I think I almost would spread it first and then press in the cranberry and pistachios:) Perfect though. It will be on every Christmas treat moving forward.
I would like to try this, sounds great! Could you give cup measurements instead of ounces? Thanks!
Could I substitute Lily’s dark baking bar for the Hershey’s? I have them in my pantry but not the Hershey’s.
We love chcolate bark and how can you go wrong with dark chocolate and dried cranberries. These yummy treats did not last long at our house.
Hi..making now…I'm finding the many is not enough to cove an entire jelly roll pan…what might I b doing wrong?! Yummy!
These turned out wonderful! Everybody loves the bark and I am so glad I have this healthier alternative to fudge.
This sounds wonderful- we love dark chocolate (even some of the kids). Iām definitely going to try this for my son's birthday party! Thanks Gina!
This recipe is perfect as is, and I do have two suggestions – see if you can find shelled pistachios (maybe there is a better way that I don't know about, but it took forever and my fingers are sore now!) and make a LOT of this, as it goes fast at a party! Many of my friends are health conscious, and this is delicious and not so sinful, so it was quite a hit. Thanks Gina, for your contributions to our healthier lifestyle, and happy holidays everyone!
I buy shelled pistachios from Costco and Trader Joes. I, too hate shelling that many
So good! I made this last night with almonds and cranberries to bring to work. Thanks Gina!
Great recipe but you need to double it to make very much. Thanks Gina!
Loved reading all the variations! Thanks for all your comments!
Oh my word, what an easy but delicious bark, I made it about 5 times over the holidays and gave it as gifts. On the last 3 or 4 I sprinkled coarse sea salt. Also did a batch with a lower fat trail mix we like. That was delicious. I thank you for this site, it not only has great recipes but sparks my own ideas.
Really a wonderful post to read it.
This was terrific. Would love to have more cranberry recipes…
This is SO yummy. Everyone who has tried it just raves about how good it is…and it is easy to make. Thanks, Skinnytaste!
i just made this today and it was AMAZINGLY delicious! it is so hard to just stop at 1 serving! thank you so much for all of your wonderful recipes!
I've made a couple of batches of this for Christmas carry ins at work. Instead of the pistachios, I used a 2.5 oz. sleeve of salted peanuts and 2 oz. of sunflower seeds (shelled), and then the craisens. Crazy good! Thanks for this recipe!
Just made this….but I wound up making 2 batches and they both still did not fill the entire pan. Also I added a little more chocolate to the second batch for the spread factor. In the freezer now! Taste test later!
This was so yummy! I cant wait to make it again, so easy & I dont feel guilty eating it.
Oh and I used unsalted nuts.
I'm glad you all liked it, it really is so easy and the possibilities are endless!!
I made this for a holiday party last weekend. It was really easy and everyone LOVED it! Thanks for the recipe!
Made this over the weekend and everyone loved it!!! Also made a batch with blanched almonds and dried cherries.
Please let me know if it is unsalted pistachios or salted ones.
Thanks,
Sara
This was excellent. Again, another great recipe enjoyed by my family. It also makes a great presentation at holiday time. Thank you for what you are doing for us Weight Watchers.
This was so easy and fun – the second time I made the bark, I threw in some coconut that I had from another recipe – SO great!
I made this last night – my first time making any kind of candy bark. OMG! So easy and SO good! This one is a keeper! Thank you SO much! And it's given me ideas for other versions. Next batch will be made with White Chocolate … the possibilities are endless!
It doesn't fill the entire pan, I think it spread across half of my pan but I was also sure I spread it out. If you made this exact then it makes 14 oz which makes 14 (1 oz) pieces.
I just made a batch and measured out all the ingredients but I barely had any to spread on my pan. It may be enough for 4-6 small servings…anyone else have a teeny tiny batch?
I was thinking it would spread across the whole pan but instead just filled up one corner. Any suggestions??
Thanks!
Gina, can you provide the measurements for the cranberries and pistachios in cups? I don't have a scale. Thanks!
Chill it in the refrigerator, it should break off the aluminum foil easily.
Hmmm. I'm sure this will be tasty, but I'm afraid I've had a "pretty bark" failure. Any tips on how to spread it out? I tried, but it kept sticking to whatever I was using to spread it. Right now, I have a pan with a small lump of cooling chocolate on it. š
Just made a batch and it is so good! Thanks for the great recipe. Will be great as giveaways at the office – everyone is doing Weight Watchers.
Gina – I'm so glad I saw this post because I needed a new homemade goodie for a Christmas exchange last weekend. There were a few pieces left over and hubby & I gobbled them up. Thank you!!!
Gina! These are SO amazing!! I went ahead and just made a batch this weekend for my family christmas next weekend. I'm seriously regretting that now b/c its going to take some serious will power for me to not eat it between now and then!!!
This was soooo super easy to make and DELISH. I made it to give out as holiday gifts to friends and neighbors. Why do I buy pricey gourmet chocolates when this is so easy and wonderful? Thanks, Gina! Love this website.
I'm making these this weekend for my book club as our dessert!
made these with blueberries instead of cranberries. very good
I love eating pistachios, I enjoy pistachios recipes so much especially on snacks time, I will suggest this to my wife. I am glad you make time to share this here. I don't know before that pistachios can go with chocolates.
Just made this one too (and the coconut cookies), both are awesome!
That is some really nice looking bark!
This is one of my husband's favorite treats around the holidays and it's so easy. Thanks for sharing!
Oh My Goodness! I made this last night, I am doing candy or cookies every night for the next week or so to have a bunch for gifts and for our family Christmas party. My niece and I each had a bit of this and we were in heaven! I had to put the rest in the freezer so we wouldn't continue eating it. Thanks Gina!
Just made this as a gifts for my clients. It is such a nice treat in contrast to all the traditional super sweet treats. The dark chocolate balances nicely with the tartness of the cranberries š Thank you so much!!!
Looks fabulous & just 3 ingredients wow!
Made this with dark chocolate with chile's……YUMMO!!! Add's a bit of a kick to it
I have doen this before with so many different fruit and nut combos….hazelnuts work nicely too!! As for the peppermint, try using Peppermint extract instead of the candies. To me, it would be too sugary-crunchy. Also, I put this on parchment paper. I draw an oblong shape so it doesn't get too thin (in pencil) and then I turn the paper over to pour the choc over. I have not had any prob with taking the paper off!
Oh my – just made this and I think between the 4 of use we've nearly polished off the first batch. That's embarrassing.
I'll be adding this to my holiday baking list for sure, it will be nice to have another bark to add to my standard peppermint.
Thanks Gina!
Just made this exactly as stated and it is DELICIOUS and so easy!! I plan on making it to give to family and friends. Thank you for another great recipe (I have you turkey meatballs cooking in the crockpot right now) š
Now my husband will have a Christmas treat without guilt. I love your blog – I'm making your baked potato soup today. I have recommended your site to many people who are managing heart disease.
Looks delish. I've saved this for holiday baking day.
I didn't have dried cranberries so I used dried cherries. It was delicious! I made it in a Demarle Christmas tree mold. It was beautiful!
Would you recommend tempering the chocolate first? I want to make bark for christmas gifts, but I'm terrified of it melting in the tins…!
If it's cool enough it should be fine
Super yummy!!! I poured it on a silpat!! Came off great-Melts a little in your hand while your eating it-Just another reason to lick your fingers!!!
Wow, that's a challenging and delicious combination of tastes!! Great recipe thanks, definitely going to try it!
Gina..fel stupid but what do I put as a url to not be anonymous..p.s. Love you and your site..it has saved my life..
Have just made this with Pepitas (because I had them in my house) and craisins and it is FABULOUS – Thanks Gina you have done it again.Cheryl in Marietta GA
Awesome and nice and simple
Thank you, Gina! Your blog is so helpful and creative. I can't wait to make this!
I printed off the recipe and it will be added to my Christmas baking list. I am making gift baskets and this will fit in perfectly. I love your blog.
Gina, this was my first attempt at chocolate bark and it turned out perfect. I substituted dried cherries because I already had them in my pantry. Thank you for such a simple but delicious recipe. I'm going to get super creative with this one!
Great!
Wow!Yummy.. It looks delicious and mouth watering.I can't wait to try it.
I was just thinking how delicious peppermint bark sounded and was going to make a batch this weekend (Using crushed up candy canes/peppermints in dark chocolate). Yours is so pretty and festive with the red and green. I might have to make this instead to give out, then save all of the peppermint batch for myself!
OMG-thank you!!!! I've been ogling all those really delicious bark recipes from other recipe blogs, but they're loaded with fat, calories, and all that other stuff that goes straight to your butt/hips. I've been wanting to make some, and this fits the bill perfectly. In fact, I have an xmas party to go to in a few weeks and I'm highly thinking of bringing this as my dish and not telling anyone it's low fat.
delicious! i bet this would be great with dried cherries too. yum!
On the printing, there is a box to unclick at the top of the print page. I've also figured out while in print mode, if you don't want to print every picture, click on it and it will go away.
To Gina, you are my hero!
Gina, my microwave is broken right now. Any recommendations for melting the chocolate?
Wade
and if you are allergic to dairy you can use Enjoy Life brand mini chocolate chips(top 8 allergen free) and it will taste just as good as regular chocolate!
I noticed that lately when I print your recipes there is no picture anymore. I love to see what I am going to be cooking so was wondering if its possible to put a print with photo option?
Made my first turkey this year and used your brining directions. It was AMAZING!!!! Thank you!
Chocolate bark that not only tastes good but is good for you? A real holiday miracle!
Looks delicious!
We'd love for you to come link it up to our 12 Days of Christmas Goodies! Today we are featuring…. BARK (and I think this is perfect)!
http://momscrazycooking.blogspot.com/2011/12/12-days-of-christmas-pretzel-bark.html
Would those be salted or plain pistachios?
oh YUM! I think I'm going to try it with Theo Spicy Chile dark chocolate for a little kick…
This sounds delicious! Thank you! I'm going to add it to my Christmas baking list. When I make bark I use my Pampered Chef stoneware barpan and pop it in the freezer first so it is cold when you pour the chocolate on top over parchment paper. No clean up, and it hardens a little faster in refridge!
I don't have a kitchen scale–Could you give measurements in cups for the nuts and craisins? Thx! Looks so yummy!
I've made this using chopped candied ginger too – really good addition!
What other nut can be used to keep the points plus at a minimum?
Loved this chocolate bark.
Do participate in the Desserts with Coconuts event and giveaway on my blog.
http://rakshaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/12/announcing-my-first-event-and-giveaway.html
You could make this with any combination of dried fruits and nuts, this just happens to be a favorite combination of mine. And yes, makes a great gift!!
The wonderful thing about chocolate bark is the innumerable ways to make it. I wouldn't recommend adding things like mushrooms or broccoli but fruits, nuts, candy…
This is a perfect combination and pistachios are a favorite of mine.
Sounds delish!! I am thinking of adding some orange zest…
Love this recipe! I like the calories on this one and I also like how easy it is to make! Thanks!!!
I just made this with almonds and raisins (didn't have cranberries or pistachios on hand). This next hour is going to be torture!!
Thanks so much! This was delicious! I used pecans.
I was wondering if you've made any low fat carmel or kettle corn? Thats a holiday favorite around here and I would love to make it healthier for everyone!
I totally agree with you – during my first Christmas on my own, I decided to make Christmas gifts to save money. I had originally planned on cookies, but knew nothing about baking… so I settled on making chocolates and Christmas bark. it was SO easy and was a huge hit!
oh yeh I am totally down with the peppermint bark idea, that is my FAVORITE!
This looks amazing by the way.
I would love it if you could do a peppermint bark…I can't seem to find any good recipes that I like!
Oh wow. I've never heard of these before. I have all the ingredients in the pantry, so I might give this a go tomorrow. I'm sure they would go great in my Christmas gift hampers! š Thanks Gina.
This bark is all kinds of delicious! Yum!
I'm sure anyone reading the recipe would figure this out, but – you're missing step zero: combine nuts and cranberries in a large mixing bowl. š This may be my holiday gift to coworkers, a few pieces per person wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon! (If I'm feeling really generous, maybe a few pieces of this plus a few choc chip cookies or the no-bake truffles you just posted…)
I made a very similiar recipe last year for my clients. It called for ginger. They loved it!
I bet Santa would love these instead of a plate of cookies! Yummy
Can I just say that one of my girlfriends and I are planning to make bark for gifts soon, and I am SO THRILLED that you posted this?!?!
Thanks!
I was just wondering if almonds could be used instead of pistachios. Thanks for all the wonderful recipes
This is a bark I can get behind! Usually, I'm not a bark fan, especially white chocolate ones but I love this combination.
Oh my goodness, this sounds absolutely incredible! How can you go wrong with pistachios, cranberries, and dark chocolate?! I'll have to make this for my family over the holidays!
This sounds like a delicious treat to make during the holidays. Cranberries, Chocolate and Pistachios sounds like such a great combination.
seriously? that's the best combination ever! swoon.
Oh and these are calculated with crai
A cookie sheet should work, the chocolate stays put pretty easily, just don't spread it too thin or you'll have problems removing the chocolate.
MAKING!!!
This looks so good. Will have to try for the holidays!
This looks incredible! Is there any reason using a cookie sheet instead of a jelly roll pan wouldn't work?
MMMM these look amazing!!! I want to make them now.
Such great flavor combinations, and so festive!
Looks delicious! I love cranberry and chocolate together!
Looks great! I can't wait to try it.
Sounds delish – is your NI for sweetened or unsweetened dried cranberries? I have a hard time finding unsweetened.
Have you looked at Trader Joes? They have them year-round.
I just need to give this a big "HECK YEAH!"
I love finding new bark recipes to try around the holidays and this one just topped the list!