Looking for an easy homemade chocolate treat that comes together in minutes? Ghirardelli Chocolate Almond Berry Bark is a simple no-bake dessert made with smooth milk chocolate, toasted almonds, and sweet-tart dried cranberries.
With just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of preparation, this chocolate bark is perfect for holiday treats, edible gifts, afternoon snacking, or whenever you're craving something sweet and crunchy. The combination of creamy chocolate, roasted almonds, and chewy berries gives every bite a delicious mix of flavors and textures.
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Berry Bark
- Quick and easy: Only a few simple steps are needed.
- No complicated baking: The chocolate is melted and chilled rather than baked.
- Perfectly crunchy: Toasted almonds add a satisfying texture.
- Sweet and fruity: Dried cranberries provide a pleasant contrast to the chocolate.
- Great for gifting: Break the finished bark into small pieces and package it for friends and family.
- Make-ahead friendly: Chocolate bark can be prepared in advance and stored for later.
Ingredients
You'll need just four main ingredients to make this easy chocolate bark:
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 2 cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips
- 1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Why These Ingredients Work
Milk chocolate creates a smooth, creamy base with a naturally sweet flavor.
Almonds add crunch and a delicious roasted, nutty flavor. Toasting them first makes their flavor even more pronounced.
Vegetable shortening helps the melted chocolate become smooth and easy to spread.
Dried cranberries add chewy texture and a sweet-tart fruity flavor that balances the richness of the chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Almond Berry Bark
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment covers the bottom of the pan so the finished chocolate bark can be removed easily.
Set the prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
Place the chopped almonds in a small skillet over medium heat.
Toast them for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally so they brown evenly and don't burn.
Once the almonds become golden and fragrant, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Place the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in the top of a double boiler.
Alternatively, use a heatproof bowl positioned over a saucepan containing barely simmering water.
Stir occasionally until the chocolate and shortening have completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Avoid getting water into the chocolate, as this can affect its texture.
Step 4: Add the Almonds and Cranberries
Remove the melted chocolate from the heat.
Stir in 1/4 cup of the toasted almonds and 1/2 cup of the dried cranberries.
Mix gently until they're distributed throughout the chocolate.
Step 5: Spread the Chocolate
Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking pan.
Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
Immediately sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup toasted almonds and 1/2 cup dried cranberries over the surface.
Gently press the toppings into the chocolate if needed.
Step 6: Chill and Break
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely solid.
Remove the bark from the pan and break it into small, irregular pieces.
Your homemade chocolate almond berry bark is ready to enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chocolate Bark
Toast the almonds carefully
Almonds can go from golden to burnt quickly. Keep them moving in the skillet and remove them as soon as they become lightly golden and fragrant.
Don't overheat the chocolate
Melt the chocolate gently over barely simmering water. Excessive heat can cause the chocolate to become thick or grainy.
Use parchment paper
Parchment makes removing the chilled bark much easier and keeps the chocolate from sticking to the pan.
Don't make the bark too thick
Spread the chocolate into a relatively even layer so the bark is easy to break into bite-sized pieces.
Chill completely
Give the chocolate enough time to become firm before breaking it apart. At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator should work well.
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead?
Yes. While the original recipe uses milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate can be substituted if you prefer a less-sweet and more intense chocolate flavor.
You can also experiment with semi-sweet chocolate for a middle ground between milk and dark chocolate.
Can I Use Other Nuts?
Absolutely. Almonds are a great choice, but you could experiment with:
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Hazelnuts
- Pistachios
Just make sure the nuts are chopped into manageable pieces and, when possible, lightly toasted before adding them.
Can I Substitute the Cranberries?
Yes. Dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots can provide a similar fruity element.
For a particularly festive version, try combining dried cranberries with a small amount of chopped pistachios.
How to Store Chocolate Almond Berry Bark
Store the finished bark in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating the bark can help keep it firm. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent the pieces from sticking together.
How to Serve Chocolate Berry Bark
This homemade bark is versatile enough for many occasions.
Serve it:
- With coffee or tea
- As an afternoon snack
- On a dessert platter
- At holiday gatherings
- As a homemade edible gift
- Alongside fresh fruit
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
It's also a simple dessert to prepare when you need something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does chocolate bark take to set?
The bark should take approximately 30 minutes in the refrigerator to become firm, although the exact time can vary depending on the thickness of the chocolate layer and refrigerator temperature.
Can I make chocolate bark ahead of time?
Yes. Chocolate bark is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Prepare it in advance, allow it to set completely, then store it in an airtight container until you're ready to serve.
Why add shortening to melted chocolate?
A small amount of vegetable shortening helps create a smoother melted chocolate mixture that is easier to spread.
Can children help make this recipe?
They can help with simple tasks such as measuring ingredients, adding the cranberries and almonds, and decorating the melted chocolate. An adult should handle the hot melted chocolate and double boiler.
Chocolate Almond Berry Bark Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 2 cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips
- 1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Line a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Toast chopped almonds in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
- Melt chocolate chips and shortening in the top of a double boiler over barely simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup toasted almonds and 1/2 cup dried cranberries.
- Spread the chocolate mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle with the remaining almonds and cranberries.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until completely firm.
- Remove from the pan and break into pieces.
- Serve and enjoy.