Oh, let me tell you about the delightful world of Cranberry bark! This sweet, crunchy treat is like a little piece of joy, combining the rich smoothness of dark chocolate with the tartness of dried cranberries. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel good with each bite. And the best part? It’s a no-bake wonder, so you don’t have to worry about turning on the oven or dealing with complicated techniques. Just melt, mix, and chill! Trust me, this is a fantastic go-to recipe for any occasion—whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a last-minute gift, or just needing a sweet pick-me-up at home. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip up this delicious treat, and I promise you, it’ll be gone before you know it!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips: I love using high-quality dark chocolate chips for that rich flavor. They melt beautifully and create a luscious base for our bark.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: These little gems add a lovely tartness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate. Feel free to chop them a bit if you prefer smaller pieces!
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: I usually go for walnuts, but you can use any nuts you love. They add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and cranberries.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla always elevates the flavor! It adds warmth and depth that makes each bite even more delicious.
How to Prepare Cranberry Bark
Making Cranberry bark is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be snacking on it in no time! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a beautiful treat to enjoy or share. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the chocolate: Grab a microwave-safe bowl and pour in your dark chocolate chips. Heat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until they’re completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
- Add the vanilla: Once your chocolate is all melty and gorgeous, stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract. This little step makes a huge difference in flavor!
- Mix in the goodies: Now it’s time to add the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to your melted chocolate. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is nicely coated in that luscious chocolate.
- Spread it out: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and then pour the chocolate mixture onto it. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Don’t worry about making it perfect; rustic is charming!
- Chill to set: Pop the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is completely set. It’ll be worth the wait!
- Break and enjoy: Once set, take it out and break the bark into pieces. Now you can savor your delicious creation or package it up for sharing!
Tips for Success
Making Cranberry bark is super simple, but here are a few tips to ensure yours turns out perfectly every time! First, when melting your chocolate, remember to do it slowly—microwave in short bursts and stir frequently. This helps prevent any burnt bits which would ruin the texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top right before it sets for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast!
Also, don’t be shy with the mix-ins! You can adjust the amounts of cranberries and walnuts to suit your taste. If you want to jazz it up even more, sprinkle in some orange zest or use white chocolate drizzled on top. Finally, make sure to store your bark in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh and crunchy. Enjoy every bite of this delicious treat!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values for each piece of Cranberry bark. Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
So, you can enjoy this delicious treat without too much guilt—just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth!
FAQ Section
Common Questions About Cranberry Bark
You might have a few questions about making this delicious Cranberry bark, so let’s dive right in!
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give your bark a sweeter flavor, so feel free to swap it out if that’s what you prefer.
How long does Cranberry bark last?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can last up to two weeks. But trust me, it probably won’t last that long with how tasty it is!
Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely! You can mix in other dried fruits, like apricots or cherries, or even some crispy rice cereal for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Is this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, you can use dairy-free dark chocolate and ensure your nuts don’t have any additives. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat without the dairy!
Can I freeze Cranberry bark?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to whip up—just 20 minutes from start to finish!
- No baking required, making it a perfect no-fuss dessert.
- Rich chocolate combined with tart cranberries creates a delightful flavor balance.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts or add-ins for a personal touch.
- Great for sharing—perfect for parties, holidays, or gift-giving.
- It’s a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without a lot of guilt!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
When it comes to making Cranberry bark, you’ve got some flexibility with the ingredients! If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, feel free to swap it for milk or white chocolate—each will give a unique twist to the flavor. Just keep in mind that different chocolates will change the sweetness level, so adjust your taste buds accordingly!
For the dried cranberries, if you want a different flavor, try dried cherries or even raisins. They’ll add a lovely sweetness that complements the chocolate. And about those nuts—while I adore walnuts for their crunch, you can easily use almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free option. Get creative! Just make sure to keep the proportions similar so the texture and taste remain balanced. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Cranberry bark is super easy! Just place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy, and it’ll last in the fridge for up to two weeks. But let’s be honest—it probably won’t stick around that long! If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and it’ll hold up for about two months. Just thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again. There’s no need to reheat; it’s best served chilled straight from the fridge, ready for snacking!
Print
Cranberry Bark: 5 Joyful Steps to a Sweet Delight
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and crunchy treat made with melted chocolate and dried cranberries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to the melted chocolate.
- Spread the mixture onto a lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate until set, then break into pieces.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use any nuts you prefer.
- Can substitute white chocolate for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cranberry bark, chocolate bark, dessert recipes