Holiday Bark Chocolate Shards

Featured in: Sweet Golden Treats

This festive holiday bark features a rich dark chocolate base swirled with creamy white chocolate for a marbled effect. Topped with crushed peppermint candies, roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut flakes, and festive sprinkles, each shard offers a vibrant mix of flavors and textures. The bark sets in the refrigerator, then is broken into elegant shards perfect for gifting or presenting on your holiday table. Gluten-free toppings make it suitable for special dietary needs, and simple swaps like almonds or orange zest can customize the flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:36:00 GMT
Festive Holiday Bark shards displaying a marbled chocolate base with vibrant toppings like cranberries and pistachios. Save
Festive Holiday Bark shards displaying a marbled chocolate base with vibrant toppings like cranberries and pistachios. | amberladle.com

A festive and eye-catching chocolate bark, loaded with colorful toppings and broken into elegant shards—perfect for gifting or as a centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.

Ingredients

  • Chocolate Base: 400 g high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) chopped, 200 g white chocolate chopped
  • Toppings: 60 g crushed peppermint candies, 60 g roasted, salted pistachios, roughly chopped, 60 g dried cranberries, 40 g toasted coconut flakes, 2 tbsp festive sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler), or microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
Step 3:
Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer about 0.5 cm thick using a spatula.
Step 4:
Melt the white chocolate in a separate bowl using the same method.
Step 5:
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer, then use a skewer or knife to swirl for a marbled effect.
Step 6:
Immediately sprinkle the peppermint candies, pistachios, cranberries, coconut flakes, and sprinkles evenly over the chocolate.
Step 7:
Gently press toppings into the chocolate so they adhere.
Step 8:
Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes, or until fully set.
Step 9:
Once set, break the bark into irregular shards and arrange on a platter for serving or packaging.
Delicious Holiday Bark, showcasing a close-up of colorful peppermint, coconut, and nut-studded chocolate pieces. Save
Delicious Holiday Bark, showcasing a close-up of colorful peppermint, coconut, and nut-studded chocolate pieces. | amberladle.com

Required Tools

Large baking sheet, Parchment paper, Heatproof bowls, Spatula, Knife or skewer

Allergen Information

Contains milk (chocolate), tree nuts (pistachios), and coconut. May contain soy (in chocolate). Double-check all toppings for gluten and nut contamination if needed.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 230, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 3 g

A beautifully arranged platter of homemade Holiday Bark, perfect dessert for gifting, with glistening chocolate shards. Save
A beautifully arranged platter of homemade Holiday Bark, perfect dessert for gifting, with glistening chocolate shards. | amberladle.com

This chocolate bark brings festive joy and easy elegance to your holiday gatherings.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate is best for this bark?

Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the base and smooth white chocolate for the swirl to enhance flavor and texture.

Can I substitute the pistachios with other nuts?

Yes, almonds or pecans work well as alternatives and provide a different but complementary crunch.

How long does the bark need to chill before breaking?

It requires at least 40 minutes in the refrigerator to fully set before breaking into shards.

Are the toppings gluten-free?

Most toppings like peppermint candies, pistachios, cranberries, and coconut flakes are gluten-free, but double-check any sprinkles or candies for gluten content.

What is the best way to store the chocolate bark?

Keep the bark in an airtight container in a cool place or the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.

Holiday Bark Chocolate Shards

Festive chocolate bark layered with peppermint, pistachios, cranberries, and coconut flakes, perfect for holiday gifting or display.

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
5 min
Overall time
20 min
Created by Rachel Hayes


Skill required Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Serving size

Diet preferences Meat-free

What you need

Chocolate Base

01 14 oz high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), chopped
02 7 oz white chocolate, chopped

Toppings

01 2.1 oz crushed peppermint candies
02 2.1 oz roasted, salted pistachios, roughly chopped
03 2.1 oz dried cranberries
04 1.4 oz toasted coconut flakes
05 2 tbsp festive sprinkles (optional)

How to make it

Step 01

Prepare baking surface: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Melt dark chocolate: Gently melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until completely smooth.

Step 03

Spread dark chocolate: Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared sheet and evenly spread it to approximately 0.2 inches thickness using a spatula.

Step 04

Melt white chocolate: In a separate bowl, melt the white chocolate using the same method until smooth.

Step 05

Create marbled effect: Drizzle the white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer, then use a skewer or knife to carefully swirl for a marbled pattern.

Step 06

Add toppings: Evenly distribute crushed peppermint candies, pistachios, dried cranberries, coconut flakes, and optional sprinkles over the chocolate surface.

Step 07

Set toppings: Gently press the toppings into the chocolate to ensure they adhere firmly.

Step 08

Chill until set: Refrigerate the chocolate bark for at least 40 minutes or until completely hardened.

Step 09

Break into shards: Once set, break the chocolate into irregular pieces and arrange attractively for serving or gifting.

Equipment needed

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Heatproof bowls
  • Spatula
  • Knife or skewer

Allergy info

Always review ingredients for allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk, tree nuts (pistachios), and coconut. May contain soy. Verify gluten-free status of all toppings if required.

Nutrition details (each serving)

Nutritional details are for reference and aren't a substitute for healthcare guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 230
  • Fat content: 14 g
  • Carbohydrate: 23 g
  • Protein amount: 3 g