Irresistible Roasted Hazelnut & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe

Crafting a delectable roasted hazelnut & pistachio dark chocolate bark transforms an ordinary dessert into a luxurious treat.

Nuts crackle with intense flavor when perfectly roasted and nestled against rich, glossy chocolate.

Decadent chocolate provides a smooth canvas for crunchy, golden hazelnuts and vibrant green pistachios.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Artisan chocolate makers understand the magic of combining premium ingredients with thoughtful technique.

Small batches yield stunning results that feel simultaneously rustic and elegant.

You’ll want to savor every silky, nutty morsel of this irresistible confection.

Chocolate Bark with Pistachio Perfection

• Easily personalize the bark by selecting premium dark chocolate and adjusting nut proportions to match your taste preferences, creating a signature dessert.
• Combine antioxidant-rich dark chocolate with protein-packed hazelnuts and pistachios for a deliciously healthy dessert that feels like a luxurious treat.
• Prepare this elegant chocolate bark ahead of time for gatherings, impressing guests with a sophisticated dessert that looks professionally crafted but requires minimal cooking skills.

What Goes Into This Crunchy Chocolate Treat

• Hazelnuts, Pistachios: Fresh nuts add crunch and rich, toasty flavor. Raw nuts work best, allowing you to control roasting level. Look for whole, unblemished nuts with deep color.

• Dark Chocolate: Creates smooth, rich foundation for bark. Choose high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for deep flavor. Bittersweet or semisweet varieties work well.

• Sea Salt: Enhances chocolate's complexity and balances sweetness. Flaky varieties like Maldon provide better texture and visual appeal. Adds subtle mineral note to the dessert.

How to Make Your Own Gourmet Chocolate Bark

Step 1: Prepare Nuts

Spread hazelnuts and pistachios on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, gently stirring midway to ensure even toasting. Let the nuts cool completely, then chop them into rustic, uneven pieces for maximum texture and flavor.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate

• Double boiler method: Place chocolate in the top pan
• Microwave method: Use short 15-second intervals
• Stir gently until smooth and glossy
• Avoid overheating to prevent seizing

Step 3: Create Chocolate Bark

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour melted chocolate evenly across the surface. Use a spatula to spread into a thin, uniform layer. Sprinkle chopped nuts generously over the chocolate, pressing them lightly to ensure they stick.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Place the bark in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until completely firm. Once set, break or cut into irregular, artisan-style pieces. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Tips for Roasting and Balancing Flavors

• Toast Nuts Perfectly: Stir nuts halfway through roasting to ensure even browning and prevent burning, releasing their rich, nutty flavors.
• Chop with Care: Roughly chop nuts after cooling to maintain texture and create varied sizes for interesting mouthfeel in the chocolate bark.
• Customize Chocolate Base: Use high-quality dark chocolate with 70% cocoa for intense flavor, or swap with milk chocolate for a sweeter version.
• Control Nut Ratios: Experiment with different proportions of hazelnuts and pistachios to find your ideal flavor balance and crunch.
• Store Smartly: Keep chocolate bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Store Bark Without Losing Its Snap

• Store the chocolate bark in an airtight container lined with parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep the container away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• For short-term storage, place the bark in a cool, dry place in a sealed container, lasting 3-5 days. Avoid warm or humid environments to prevent chocolate from melting.
• Wrap individual pieces or the entire bark in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Always handle the bark with clean, dry hands or use parchment paper to prevent fingerprints and maintain its glossy appearance.

Pairing Ideas for Sweet-Savory Bites

• Bold red wines like cabernet sauvignon complement the rich dark chocolate's deep flavor profile.
• Tawny port brings out the roasted hazelnut and pistachio notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Serve with strong espresso or cappuccino to balance the chocolate's sweetness and enhance the nuts' earthy undertones.
• Cold milk or creamy almond milk provides a smooth contrast to the bark's crunchy texture and intense chocolate intensity.

Flavor Variations to Try with Bark

• Nut-Free Alternative: Replace hazelnuts and pistachios with pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds for an allergy-friendly version that maintains a satisfying crunch.
• Vegan Chocolate Bark: Use dairy-free dark chocolate chips and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a completely vegan-friendly dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular dark chocolate with stevia-sweetened dark chocolate and add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance flavor while reducing sugar content.
• Paleo-Friendly Adaptation: Choose 100% cacao chocolate, use raw nuts, and add a drizzle of almond butter for a grain-free and refined sugar-free alternative that fits paleo dietary guidelines.

Chocolate Bark Q&A

• Why roast nuts before adding to chocolate bark?

Roasting intensifies the nuts’ natural oils and brings out a deeper, richer flavor profile, making the chocolate bark more complex and delicious.

• Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work great as substitutes, offering similar textures and complementary flavors to the chocolate bark.

• How finely should I chop the nuts?

Roughly chop the nuts into uneven pieces, which creates a more interesting texture and allows for varied crunch in each bite of the chocolate bark.

• Is it necessary to temper the chocolate for this bark?

No, this recipe is a simple, rustic bark that doesn’t require precise chocolate tempering, making it an easy and approachable dessert for home cooks.

Roasted Hazelnut & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible dark chocolate bark loaded with roasted hazelnut & pistachio creates a luxurious desert experience. Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate combined with nutty crunch delivers a sophisticated treat for chocolate enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Chocolate Ingredient:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)

Nuts:

• ½ cup roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
• ½ cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped

Optional Toppings:

• ¼ cup dried cranberries or dried cherries
• Sea salt flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring smooth coverage for easy chocolate removal.
2. Toast hazelnuts and pistachios in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 8-10 minutes, gently stirring midway to promote even roasting and prevent burning.
3. Remove nuts from oven and allow them to cool completely, then coarsely chop using a sharp knife to create varied textures and sizes.
4. Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler method, stirring gently until smooth and glossy with no lumps remaining.
5. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, using a spatula to spread it evenly into a thin, uniform layer.
6. Immediately sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts and pistachios across the surface of the melted chocolate, pressing them lightly to ensure they adhere.
7. Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the nuts to enhance the chocolate’s deep flavor profile.
8. Refrigerate the chocolate bark for 15-20 minutes or until completely hardened and firm to the touch.
9. Once set, break or cut the bark into irregular pieces using your hands or a sharp knife for a rustic presentation.
10. Store the chocolate bark in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks.

Notes

• Toasting nuts enhances their natural oils, creating a deeper, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire chocolate bark.
• Chop nuts unevenly for a rustic, artisanal texture that adds visual interest and varied crunch to each bite.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich, intense chocolate experience that complements the nutty flavors.
• Consider alternative nut options like almonds or walnuts if you want to experiment or have dietary restrictions, ensuring a similar textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 208
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg