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- Dark chocolate (12 ounces, at least 60% cacao) - Unsalted pistachios (1 cup, shelled) - Dried cranberries (1 cup) - Sea salt (1 teaspoon) - Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) Pistachio Cranberry Bark shines with its bright colors and rich flavors. The main ingredients create a perfect balance. Dark chocolate gives a deep, rich taste. I always choose chocolate with at least 60% cacao for the best flavor. Unsalted pistachios add a crunchy texture and a slight earthiness. They are a great source of healthy fats, too. Dried cranberries provide a sweet and tangy burst. Their bright red color makes the bark look festive. For extra flavor, I add sea salt. It brings out the sweetness of the chocolate and cranberries. A splash of vanilla extract also helps enhance the overall taste. This simple recipe includes all the best flavors for a holiday treat. When you gather these ingredients, you prepare to create something special. Each bite of this bark is a bite of joy. If you're ready to make this delightful treat, check the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions. To start, you need to melt the dark chocolate. You can use a double boiler or a microwave. If you choose the microwave, heat it in 30-second bursts at 50% power. Stir often to keep it from burning. This step is key. Stirring helps the chocolate melt smoothly and evenly. Next, prepare your baking sheet. Grab parchment paper and line your sheet, which should be about 11x17 inches. Make sure it lays flat. This creates a smooth surface for your bark. A smooth sheet helps the chocolate spread nicely. Now, it’s time to mix the add-ins. In a large bowl, combine the shelled pistachios and dried cranberries. Add the vanilla extract to this mix. The vanilla adds a warm flavor that complements the nuts and fruit well. Mix everything until it is evenly spread out. Once your chocolate melts, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for about a minute. Pour the melted chocolate onto the lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. After that, sprinkle your pistachio and cranberry mix over the melted chocolate. Press them down gently so they stick well. To finish your bark, sprinkle a little sea salt on top. This brings out all the flavors. Now, let the bark cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. After that, place it in the fridge for an hour. Once set, break it into fun, irregular pieces. You can find the full recipe above for more details. To get the right chocolate consistency, melt it slowly. If you rush, chocolate may burn. Use a double boiler or microwave for best results. Stir the chocolate often. This stops it from clumping. Once melted, let it cool for a minute before spreading. This helps it set well. For an even spread, pour the chocolate onto the lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out. Move the spatula quickly and evenly. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch. Melting chocolate can take time, but there are ways to make it quick. If you use a microwave, heat it in 30-second bursts. Always check and stir in between. This keeps the heat even and saves time. Prepare your ingredients in advance. Shell the pistachios and measure the cranberries before you start. This way, you can focus on melting and mixing. The way you serve the bark matters. Arrange the pieces on a fun platter. You can use colorful paper or festive designs. This makes it look more appealing. If you want to gift it, use a clear box. Wrap it with a nice ribbon. This adds a personal touch. You can also layer it with parchment paper inside the box. This keeps it fresh and pretty. For the full recipe, check the section above! {{image_2}} You can switch up the nuts in your Pistachio Cranberry Bark. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews work great. Each nut brings a new taste and texture. For a unique touch, mix nuts together. This adds flavor complexity and a fun crunch. Want to elevate your bark? Try adding orange zest or spices. A hint of cinnamon can make it special. You can also use milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate. This changes the sweetness and richness, perfect for different tastes. If you have certain dietary needs, you can still enjoy this bark. Make it dairy-free by using dairy-free chocolate. For gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe! Always check your ingredients to avoid allergens. Substituting nuts or dried fruit can help too. To keep your pistachio cranberry bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will prevent moisture from ruining its texture. Place the container in a cool, dark place. If it's warm in your home, consider putting it in the fridge. However, avoid letting it get too cold, as this can change the bark's texture. Pistachio cranberry bark lasts about two weeks at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to a month. Check for signs of spoilage, like a dull surface or off smells. If you notice these signs, it's best to toss it. If you want to keep your bark longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the bark tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw, simply leave it in the fridge overnight. This method keeps the texture nice and smooth. Enjoy your bark even after a few months! You can easily change this recipe for dietary needs. To make it vegan, use dark chocolate that does not contain milk. For a nut-free option, try seeds like pumpkin or sunflower instead of pistachios. You can also swap dried cranberries for dried fruits like raisins or apricots. These small changes can make the bark fit different diets without losing taste. Yes, you can! While dark chocolate gives a rich flavor, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter treat. White chocolate works too, but it will change the taste. If you want a unique twist, mix different chocolates. This way, you can create a bark that fits your taste and mood. Pistachio cranberry bark shines at many events. It makes a lovely gift during holidays, like Christmas or Easter. You can also serve it at birthday parties or family gatherings. The bright colors and crunch make it festive. Pack it in a pretty box for a thoughtful gift. This bark brings joy to any celebration! This blog post covered how to make delicious pistachio cranberry bark. We explored key ingredients like dark chocolate, pistachios, and cranberries. I shared step-by-step instructions for melting chocolate, mixing in add-ins, and assembling the bark. Tips for texture and presentation were included to enhance your creation. In summary, this treat is tasty and easy to customize. Enjoy making this bark for yourself or as a gift. You’ll impress everyone with this simple treat!

Pistachio Cranberry Bark

Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Pistachio Cranberry Bark! This easy recipe combines rich dark chocolate, crunchy pistachios, and sweet dried cranberries, topped with a hint of sea salt for the perfect treat. Whether for gifts or special occasions, this bark is a crowd-pleaser. Ready in just over an hour, it's simple to make and irresistible to enjoy.
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao), chopped

1 cup unsalted pistachios, shelled

1 cup dried cranberries

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave, melt the chopped dark chocolate until smooth, stirring frequently to avoid burning. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each interval.

    Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet (approximately 11x17 inches) with parchment paper, ensuring it's smooth and flat.

      Mix the Add-Ins: In a large bowl, combine the unsalted pistachios and dried cranberries. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until evenly distributed.

        Combine: Once the chocolate is melted, remove it from heat and let it cool for a minute. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

          Top with Pistachios and Cranberries: Gently sprinkle the pistachio and cranberry mixture evenly over the melted chocolate, pressing them down lightly to ensure they stick.

            Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt over the top to enhance the flavors.

              Refrigerate: Allow the bark to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then place it in the refrigerator for an additional hour until fully set.

                Break into Pieces: Once set, remove the bark from the refrigerator and break it into irregularly shaped pieces.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Servings: 12

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the pieces in a decorative box or on a festive platter. This bark makes an excellent homemade gift or dessert for special occasions!