Crispy Pistachio Cranberry Bark Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Treat

Sweet and savory collide in this delectable pistachio cranberry bark that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The combination of rich, buttery pistachios and tart, vibrant cranberries creates a symphony of flavors.

Chocolate forms the perfect canvas for this delightful treat, melting smoothly and binding the ingredients together.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch with bursts of fruity brightness.

The elegant simplicity of this recipe belies its impressive appearance, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet moments of indulgence.

With just a few quality ingredients, you can craft a gourmet-style dessert that looks professionally made.

Let this irresistible bark become your new go-to sweet treat that never fails to impress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 202 kcal

Servings: 12

Cranberry Bark Ingredient Snapshot

• White Chocolate: Smooth, creamy foundation that holds the bark together, selecting high-quality chocolate ensures rich flavor and smooth texture.

• Pistachios, Cranberries: Vibrant green nuts and ruby-red berries add delightful contrast, crispness, and bursts of natural sweetness, choosing unsalted pistachios and dried cranberries without added sugars.

• Sea Salt: Subtle mineral enhancement that elevates chocolate's sweetness, providing unexpected depth and complexity, selecting fine-grain sea salt for even distribution.

Tools for Melting, Mixing, and Setting

• Double boiler or microwave: Essential for gently melting white chocolate without burning.
• Baking sheet: Large, flat surface for spreading and setting the chocolate bark.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes removal easy.
• Spatula or spoon: Perfect for spreading chocolate evenly and smoothly.
• Sharp knife or hands: Great for breaking the bark into delicious, rustic pieces.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning ingredients.

How to Make Pistachio Cranberry Bark Easily

• Prep Your Workspace

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper for a smooth, clean surface perfect for creating your delightful treat.

• Melt the White Chocolate

Gently transform white chocolate into a silky pool using a double boiler or microwave, stirring carefully to prevent burning and ensure a glossy finish.

• Create the Mix

Toss most of your crunchy pistachios and tangy cranberries into the molten white chocolate, stirring until they’re beautifully coated and distributed.

• Design Your Bark

Pour the colorful mixture onto the prepared sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a tempting canvas of sweet and tart flavors.

• Add Final Flourishes

Sprinkle the remaining nuts and berries across the surface, pressing them lightly to ensure they nestle into the creamy chocolate.

• Chill and Set

Slide your creation into the refrigerator for about 25 minutes, letting the chocolate firm up and the flavors meld together.

• Break and Enjoy

Once set, crack the bark into rustic, irregular pieces that showcase the beautiful combination of white chocolate, pistachios, and cranberries.

Tips for Better Texture and Snap

• Melt white chocolate slowly and carefully to prevent seizing or burning, which can ruin the smooth texture.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch that elevates the sweet-tart flavor profile and creates delightful taste complexity.
• Replace white chocolate with dairy-free dark chocolate for vegan versions, or use sugar-free chocolate for low-carb alternatives.
• Experiment with different nut combinations like almonds or pecans, or swap cranberries for dried cherries or chopped dried apricots to create unique flavor variations.
• Keep bark in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent chocolate from becoming soft or developing bloom.

Serve in Holiday Bags or Candy Trays

• Sweet Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap individual bark pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for charming homemade presents that sparkle with personal touch.
• Dessert Platter Centerpiece: Arrange bark pieces artfully on a rustic wooden board, creating an elegant display perfect for entertaining guests during special gatherings or wine nights.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve bark alongside hot tea or coffee, offering a delightful sweet treat that complements warm beverages and provides a delicate crunch between sips.
• Yogurt and Ice Cream Topping: Crumble bark pieces over vanilla yogurt or premium vanilla ice cream, transforming simple desserts into gourmet experiences with bursts of nutty and tart flavors.

Store Bark in a Cool, Dry Spot

• Refrigerate bark on a flat surface to maintain its crisp texture and prevent potential warping or uneven setting.
• Store bark in an airtight glass container with parchment paper between layers to prevent pieces from sticking together and preserve crunchiness.
• Keep bark away from direct sunlight and warm areas. Room temperature storage works best, maintaining chocolate's smooth consistency around 65-70°F.
• Package bark in clear cellophane bags or decorative tins with a ribbon for a beautiful homemade gift. Will stay delicious for 10-14 days when sealed properly.

FAQs

• Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate. Just ensure the chocolate is high-quality and melts smoothly.

• Do I need special equipment to make this bark?

No, you only need a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a spatula. A microwave or double boiler works for melting chocolate.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids can help mix ingredients and sprinkle toppings. It’s a simple, fun recipe that doesn’t require complex cooking skills.

• Can I customize the toppings?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different nuts like almonds or pecans, and swap cranberries for dried cherries or other dried fruits you enjoy.

Irresistible Pistachio Cranberry Bark

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Creamy Pistachio Cranberry Bark combines rich chocolate with tangy dried fruit and nutty crunch. Chocolate enthusiasts will adore this simple yet elegant dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or personal indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz / 450 g white chocolate or white chocolate chips
• ½ cup / 60 g shelled pistachios
• ½ cup / 60 g dried cranberries
• ¼ tsp sea salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Chocolate Preparation: Melt white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring gently to prevent scorching and achieve a silky smooth consistency.
2. Ingredient Infusion: Incorporate most of the pistachios and cranberries into the molten chocolate, creating a vibrant and textured mixture that distributes ingredients evenly.
3. Sheet Arrangement: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then pour the chocolate mixture, spreading it into a uniform layer approximately 1/4 inch thick using a spatula.
4. Decorative Topping: Artfully scatter the reserved pistachios and cranberries across the surface, pressing them lightly to ensure they adhere to the soft chocolate base, and optionally sprinkle a delicate layer of sea salt for a gourmet flavor enhancement.
5. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the bark for 20-30 minutes until completely solidified, allowing the chocolate to develop a crisp, clean texture.
6. Serving Preparation: Remove from refrigerator and break or cut into rustic, irregular pieces that showcase the beautiful ingredient combination, ready to be served immediately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

• Prevent Chocolate Burning: Melt chocolate slowly and gently using short, controlled intervals, stirring consistently to maintain smooth texture and avoid scorching.
• Temperature Control: Ensure refrigeration time is precise (20-30 minutes) to achieve perfect chocolate set without over-hardening or developing unwanted moisture condensation.
• Even Spreading Technique: Use a flat, offset spatula to distribute chocolate mixture uniformly, creating consistent thickness for balanced flavor and professional appearance.
• Ingredient Adhesion Trick: Gently press garnishing pistachios and cranberries into soft chocolate surface to guarantee strong attachment and prevent ingredient separation during serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg