What better way to treat yourself over the Holidays than with a batch of homemade holiday chocolate bark? This festive treat is not only delicious, but it’s also magnesium-rich with no added sugars, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought chocolate bark that is often loaded with unhealthy additives. Whether you’re gifting it to friends, family, or colleagues, or simply enjoying it at home, it’s the perfect way to indulge in the season’s flavors while staying on track with your health goals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Festive: It’s filled with all the seasonal flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Customizable: You can make it as sweet or as nutty as you like—add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for that personal touch.
- Simple: With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a batch of this irresistible bark ready in no time.
Ingredients Used In This Recipe (clean and super nutritious):
- Dark Chocolate (70%) – rich and indulgent, dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and offers a deep, intense flavor.
- Dried Cranberries – these tangy-sweet berries add a burst of flavor and a dose of fiber and vitamins.
- Hazelnuts – crunchy, buttery hazelnuts are the perfect complement to smooth chocolate, providing a boost of healthy fats and protein.
- Pumpkin Seeds – these seeds bring a satisfying crunch and are a great source of zinc and magnesium & are antiparasitic!
DARK CHOCOLATE HOLIDAY BARK
Ingredients
- 2 cups dark chocolate (70%)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup hazelnuts
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: You can do this in a heatproof bowl over simmering water(double boiler method) or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Prepare Your Toppings: While your chocolate melts, chop your hazelnuts into smaller pieces, and set them aside. Dice your dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds as well. Set them aside in bowls, ready to be sprinkled onto your bark.
- Flavour It: Stir in a few drops of vanilla extract, a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt into the melted chocolate.
- Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it into a thin, even layer. ¼-inch thickness is ideal.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the hazelnuts, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and any other nuts, seeds, or dried fruits evenly across the surface of the chocolate. Press them down gently so they stick.
- Chill & Break: Place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set. Once it’s firm, break the bark into shards of different sizes—no need for perfection here, the irregular pieces give it a rustic, homemade look!
Notes
Tips for a Perfect Holiday Bark:
- Play with flavors: Add a touch of orange zest or pumpkin pie spice for extra holiday flair.
- Make it pretty: Use colorful dried fruits like goji berries or pomegranate arils for a bright, festive touch.
- Gifting made easy: Break the bark into pieces and package it in clear gift bags or small boxes with a holiday ribbon for an easy, homemade gift.
This easy-to-make treat is sure to bring joy and a touch of sweetness to your celebrations. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a delicious holiday tradition that everyone will love!
Give the gift of health this holiday season and get your loved one a MellyFit Nutrition Gift Card! They can use it towards Nutritional Counselling, Customized Meal Plan or my Cleanse Program.
Get a $50 Gift Card or $100 Gift Card. Or e-mail me for a custom amount order at MELISSA@MELLYFIT.COM or call 416-823-5587.
Here’s the opportunity to give a loved one the gift of health and wellness for the new year!
