Description
Indulge in this elegant and easy-to-make Chocolate Bark with Cherries and Pistachios. Combining rich 60% cacao dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate swirled together, this delightful treat is topped with salted roasted pistachios and sweet dried cherries for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sophisticated snack, this no-bake dessert requires simple melting techniques and minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate
- 8 oz 60% Cacao Dark Chocolate, Ghirardelli Bitter Sweet Baking Bar (2 x 4 oz bars)
- 6 oz White Chocolate, Ghirardelli Chocolate Baking Bar
Toppings
- 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped, salted and roasted
- 1/4 cup dried cherries, cut in halves
Instructions
- Prepare Workspace: Lay a large piece of parchment paper on your countertop and secure it with tape to prevent movement. Chop the pistachios roughly and halve the dried cherries, setting them aside for topping.
- Chop Chocolates: Roughly chop both the dark and white chocolates into small, even pieces to ensure they melt smoothly and evenly.
- Melt Dark Chocolate (Stovetop Method): Set up a double boiler on the stove by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Melt all of the dark chocolate over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- Melt White Chocolate (Stovetop Method): Clean the bowl, then melt the white chocolate over the double boiler using the same method as the dark chocolate, stirring until smooth.
- Alternative Microwave Melting Method: Place 1/3 of the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 30 seconds. Stir thoroughly, then repeat heating and stirring in 30-second intervals until mostly melted. For final melting, heat in 15-second bursts if necessary. Add the remaining dark chocolate pieces to the melted portion and stir vigorously to temper and achieve a smooth finish. Repeat this process for the white chocolate.
- Spread and Swirl Chocolate: Using a rubber spatula, transfer the melted dark chocolate onto the taped parchment paper. Spread evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness using an offset spatula. Dollop melted white chocolate on top and use a toothpick or chopstick to create decorative swirls by gently mixing the two chocolates together.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped pistachios and halved dried cherries evenly over the spread chocolate.
- Set and Store: Allow the chocolate bark to cool and harden at room temperature. Once firm, cut or break into chunks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Notes
- Tempering chocolate by stirring in unmelted pieces ensures a glossy finish and prevents blooming.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the bark after it hardens.
- Experiment with other nuts or dried fruits for variation.
- If melting chocolate in microwave, avoid overheating to prevent seizing.
- This bark is best served at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate bark, dark chocolate, white chocolate, pistachios, dried cherries, easy dessert, no bake, holiday treat, chocolate treat
