Mix-and-Match Chocolate Bark

Customize some candy for a friend: Food Network Magazine's DIY recipe leads to 129,600 possibilities!

Related To:

Chocolate Bark

View More Photos

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line a baking sheet with foil, shiny-side up; smooth out the creases.

Step 2: Pick Your Ingredients

Chocolate: 1 pound

  • Bittersweet chocolate
  • Semisweet chocolate
  • White chocolate
  • Half bittersweet and half white chocolate (for swirled bark)

Crunchy Toppings: 1/2 cup, chopped

  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Pecans
  • Peanuts
  • Pistachios
  • Cashews
  • Pine nuts

Chewy Toppings: 1/2 cup, chopped

  • Dried figs
  • Dried apricots
  • Dried cherries
  • Dried cranberries
  • Dried mangoes
  • Raisins
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Candied orange peel
  • Crystallized ginger

Spices (optional):

  • Red pepper flakes
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Crushed cardamom seeds
  • Toasted fennel seeds
  • Crushed pink peppercorns
  • Hazelnuts
  • Peppermints
  • Toffee
  • Nut brittle
  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • Peanut butter chips
  • Banana chips

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

A. Make sure all your tools are dry. Chop the chocolate into 1/2-inch pieces with a large knife. Place all but 1 cup of the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. (For swirled bark, put all but 1/2 cup of each chocolate in 2 separate bowls.)

B. Microwave 30 seconds, then stir with a rubber spatula. Continue microwaving and stirring at 30-second intervals until melted, 3 to 5 minutes total. (For swirled bark, microwave each chocolate separately at 15-second intervals.)

C. Immediately add the reserved chopped chocolate to the bowl(s); stir vigorously until melted and shiny. Don’t worry if there are a few small unmelted pieces.

Step 4: Spread It Out

Pour the chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet; use the rubber spatula to spread it into a 10-to-12-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick.

(For swirled bark, pour the 2 chocolates side by side on the baking sheet; use the spatula to swirl them together.)

Step 5: Add Your Toppings

Press your crunchy and chewy toppings into the chocolate, arranging them so each bite has a mix of flavors and textures. Sprinkle with spices, if desired. Let the bark harden completely at room temperature, about 1 hour. (If the room is warm, you may need to freeze the bark for a few minutes.) Break into pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks.

Design your own bark, or try one of our ideas:

Next Up

25 Best Gifts for Cheese Lovers

Whether you love a sharp cheddar or creamy Brie, we found the best gifts for every kind of cheese lover.

32 Best Gifts for Wine Lovers

Whether they prefer a bottle of red or a sip of sparkling, these are the best gifts for wine lovers.

23 Best Whiskey Gifts, According to a Spirits Expert

We found the best whiskey gifts for everyone from the casual sipper to the serious connoisseur.

50 Holiday Gifts You Can Buy on Amazon for $25 or Less

Give all the food lovers on your list something special without breaking the bank.

44 White Elephant Gifts Everyone Will Want to Trade For

Be the MVP of your gift exchange with these fun, food-themed gifts!

30 Personalized Gifts for the Kitchen Home Cooks Will Love

Go the extra mile this holiday season with a personal touch.

25 Best Gifts for Your Co-Workers

Be your work team's MVP with these thoughtful ideas.

35 Gifts for Serious Home Cooks

Tear-open-the-box worthy gadgets, appliances, ingredients, and cookware? Yes, chef!

21 Best Holiday Gifts for the Host

The most delicious, tasteful and thoughtful presents for your fave foodie host.

29 Unique Gifts for the Beer Enthusiast

Win the holidays with presents that could inspire Santa Claus to pour himself a brew.

More from:

Holiday Gift Guide

Latest Stories