Imagine a luxurious chocolate treat that combines the rich, velvety smoothness of dark chocolate with the vibrant crunch of pistachios and the sweet-tart burst of dried cherries. This Chocolate Bark with Cherries and Pistachios is not just a dessert—it's a gourmet experience that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress guests, treat yourself to a moment of pure bliss, or create a stunning homemade gift, this recipe is your ticket to chocolate heaven.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring the surface is smooth and flat.
- Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of barely simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate to the glass bowl and stir gently with a rubber spatula until completely melted and smooth, taking care not to introduce any water into the chocolate.
- Remove the melted chocolate from heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes to slightly lower the temperature.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, using an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Immediately sprinkle the dried cherries and shelled pistachios evenly across the surface of the melted chocolate, gently pressing them down to ensure they adhere.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the chocolate set for 10-15 minutes until completely firm.
- Once set, break or cut the bark into irregular pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.
- Store the chocolate bark in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to one week.
Tips
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture. Aim for 70% cocoa content or higher.
- Be extremely careful when melting chocolate - even a tiny drop of water can cause it to seize and become grainy.
- Allow the chocolate to cool slightly before adding toppings to prevent them from sinking into the chocolate.
- For a more professional look, use a bench scraper or ruler to create more uniform pieces when breaking the bark.
- Experiment with different nut and dried fruit combinations to create your own unique variations.
- Store the bark in a cool, dry place, and avoid refrigerating for extended periods to prevent condensation.
- For a more gourmet touch, try using tempered chocolate to give your bark a professional shine and crisp snap.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
