Holiday Bark Shard Display

Featured in: Sweet Little Treats

This festive treat features a smooth dark chocolate base with white chocolate swirls, topped generously with crushed peppermint candies, roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut flakes, and optional sprinkles. After setting in the fridge, the bark is broken into elegant shards, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Simple to prepare, it brightens any holiday dessert table or gift assortment.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:53:00 GMT
Vibrant shards of Holiday Bark display colorful toppings like cranberries and crushed peppermint. Save
Vibrant shards of Holiday Bark display colorful toppings like cranberries and crushed peppermint. | blipbite.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.

I love making this bark every year because it brings so much joy and festive cheer to my family gatherings.

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.
Enjoy the beautiful arrangement of festive Holiday Bark, ready for sharing on a dessert table. Save
Enjoy the beautiful arrangement of festive Holiday Bark, ready for sharing on a dessert table. | blipbite.com

This recipe always brings back warm memories of holiday celebrations and family togetherness.

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 per serving. Total Fat: 14 g. Carbohydrates: 23 g. Protein: 3 g.

See a close-up of delicious Holiday Bark, with a swirl of white chocolate and crunchy toppings. Save
See a close-up of delicious Holiday Bark, with a swirl of white chocolate and crunchy toppings. | blipbite.com

This holiday bark is a simple yet impressive treat that delights everyone who tries it.

Kitchen Guide

How do I melt the chocolate without burning it?

Use a double boiler method by placing a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring frequently until smooth. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until melted.

Can I substitute the pistachios with other nuts?

Yes, almonds or pecans work well and offer a different but complementary crunch and flavor.

How long does it take for the bark to set?

Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes or until the chocolate hardens completely for easy shard breaking.

Are gluten-free toppings necessary for dietary restrictions?

If gluten sensitivity is a concern, opt for gluten-free peppermint candies and sprinkles to keep the bark safe for all guests.

What are some ways to add extra flavor?

Try adding orange zest or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the festive flavor profile.

How should the bark be stored?

Keep in an airtight container in a cool place for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and texture.

Holiday Bark Shard Display

Festive chocolate bark layered with dark and white chocolate, topped with peppermint, pistachios, and cranberries.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
5 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Megan Lewis


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition Guidelines Meat-Free, No Gluten

Components

Chocolate Base

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

Toppings

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

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Baking Surface: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Melt Dark Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until fully smooth.

Phase 03

Form Dark Chocolate Layer: Pour melted dark chocolate onto prepared sheet; spread evenly to about 0.2 inches thickness using a spatula.

Phase 04

Melt White Chocolate: Melt white chocolate separately using the same method until smooth.

Phase 05

Create Marbled Effect: Drizzle melted white chocolate over dark chocolate layer; swirl using a skewer or knife to create marbling.

Phase 06

Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies, pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut flakes, and optional sprinkles evenly over the chocolate surface.

Phase 07

Set Toppings: Gently press toppings into the chocolate to ensure adhesion.

Phase 08

Chill Chocolate Bark: Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes until completely set.

Phase 09

Serve: Break chilled chocolate into irregular shards and arrange for serving or gifting.

Tools needed

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk (chocolate), tree nuts (pistachios), and coconut.
  • May contain soy (chocolate).
  • Check toppings for gluten and nut contamination if required.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 230
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 3 g