Homemade & Healthy Dark Chocolate Bark

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Homemade healthy dark chocolate bark is a delicious and healthy treat that perfectly balances rich, velvety dark chocolate with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

PIeces Cranberry Almond bark on parchment paper

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This dark chocolate bark is a great way to indulge your sweet cravings with this delicious cranberry almond dark chocolate bark. It’s rich, creamy, and easy to make in just a few simple steps.

If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy almond nuggets in dark chocolate, another easy and healthier sweet treat.

Why you will🤍this recipe

Homemade chocolate bark is simple to make with just five ingredients.
Dark chocolate bark is customizable and versatile; see suggestions below.

a picture of the ingredients needed to make dark chocolate bark

Here is what you will need

This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this dark chocolate bark recipe; scroll down for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions.

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🛒Ingredients

Unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder
Coconut oil
Dried cranberries
Chopped almonds
Maple syrup

🥄Equipment

Small saucepan
Parchment paper
Small-rimmed baking sheet (8X6) or ceramic dish

How to make Dark Chocolate Almond Bark

Prepare: Line an 8 X 6 Dish with parchment paper, and roughly chop the almonds.

A picture of coconut oil in a pan melting

STEP 1: Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat. Once the oil has melted, add the cocoa powder.

STEP 2: Stir in the cocoa powder and maple syrup. Turn the heat off to prevent the mixture from burning and stir the melted chocolate mixture for a minute to ensure all of the ingredients are incorporated.

a picture of cacao powder in a pan with coconut oil

a picture of chocolate in pan with almonds and cranberries added

STEP 3: Pour the chocolate mixture into the parchment-lined pan or dish and sprinkle the chocolate with cranberries and almonds. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

The complete list of ingredients to make this healthy dark chocolate bark recipe is above. Below are notes about some of the ingredients and ideas for substitutes.

Coconut oil might add a slight coconut flavor to the chocolate; if you prefer less coconut flavor, be sure to use refined coconut oil.

Maple syrup – Adds a naturally sweet flavor to the bark. Look for real maple syrup and not pancake syrup which is made with corn syrup.

Maple syrup can be substituted with an equal amount of honey.

How to store dark chocolate bark

Dark chocolate made with coconut oil will not stay completely solid when stored at room temperature, for best results, store dark chocolate bark in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Freeze dark chocolate almond bark for up to three months.

Are you too tired to cook dinner?

If you’re feeling uninspired when it’s time to cook dinner, this free guide will help you make a quick and healthy dinner with ingredients you have in your kitchen.

Serving suggestions

Enjoy dark chocolate bark as a snack or dessert. It also tastes great sprinkled on top of ice cream, or plain yogurt.

Dark chocolate cranberry bark is a popular and festive addition to a cookie tray with your favorite cookies during the holiday season.

dark chocolate almond bark broken into pieces on parchment paper

Recipe variations

This recipe is so versatile! You can make it plain with chocolate only or add any combination of ingredients. Get creative, and make your favorite chocolate bark recipe with the suggestions below.

Nuts – Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachio nuts, cashews, peanuts, macadamia nuts, and coconut flakes

Dried fruit – Raisins, cherries, figs, dates, apricots, goji berries

Fresh fruit – Raspberries, cherries, strawberries, orange zest

Seeds – Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, quinoa, chia seeds, hemp seeds, pomegranate seeds

Other additions – flaky sea salt, peppermint extract, almond extract, cacao nibs, puffed rice, mini dark chocolate chips, crumbled salty pretzels

💡Tips

The melted coconut oil and chocolate will be thin, be sure to use enough parchment paper in the pan so that it comes 1/2 to halfway up the sides to avoid the liquid from seeping under the parchment paper.
Place the chocolate bark in the freezer for 30 minutes for a quicker chill.

Can you melt coconut oil in the microwave?

Yes, you can. Place the coconut into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it at 15-second intervals and stir after each. Once the coconut oil is melted, remove it from the microwave and add the cocoa powder and syrup and stir vigorously.

What makes this chocolate recipe healthy?

Dark chocolate is healthy when it’s not loaded with sugar, saturated fats, and other additives. It’s a great source of antioxidants and can help to reduce blood pressure; see more on Healthline.
In addition, this chocolate is naturally sweetened with a little bit of maple syrup instead of refined sugar which is a healthier option.

Can I use fresh cranberries to make this dark chocolate bark?

Fresh cranberries are not recommended. They contain more moisture, which may affect the chocolate’s texture and shelf life.

What is the difference between cocoa powder and cacao powder?

The main difference is the way the bean is processed. Cacao powder is minimally processed while cocoa is more processed.

Is this chocolate bark recipe vegan?

Yes, this is a vegan dark chocolate recipe as long as it is made with maple syrup and not honey.