Holiday Chocolate Bark Shards

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

This festive chocolate bark features a rich dark chocolate base swirled with white chocolate for a marbled effect. Peppermint candies, roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, and toasted coconut flakes add bursts of flavor and texture. Spread the melted chocolate, layer the toppings, chill until firm, then break into elegant shards. The vibrant toppings and easy preparation make it perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. Variations with nuts and citrus zest provide versatile flavor options.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:15:00 GMT
Festive holiday bark shards with crushed peppermint and crunchy pistachios, ready to enjoy. Save
Festive holiday bark shards with crushed peppermint and crunchy pistachios, ready to enjoy. | bakozy.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.
A close-up of a beautiful Holiday Bark Shard Display, studded with colorful toppings, ready to break. Save
A close-up of a beautiful Holiday Bark Shard Display, studded with colorful toppings, ready to break. | bakozy.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

Indulge in this homemade Holiday Bark Shard Display featuring dark chocolate swirls and festive fixings. Save
Indulge in this homemade Holiday Bark Shard Display featuring dark chocolate swirls and festive fixings. | bakozy.com

This chocolate bark makes a stunning holiday treat that’s easy to customize and share.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of chocolate works best for this bark?

High-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa creates a rich base, complemented by creamy white chocolate swirls.

→ Can I substitute the pistachios with other nuts?

Yes, almonds or pecans make great alternatives to pistachios, adding their own distinct crunch and flavor.

→ How long should the chocolate bark chill before breaking?

Refrigerate the layered chocolate for at least 40 minutes until completely set and firm for clean shard breaks.

→ Are gluten-free toppings recommended?

Using gluten-free candies and sprinkles ensures the bark remains safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

→ Can I enhance flavors with additional ingredients?

Adding orange zest or a pinch of flaky sea salt can elevate the flavor profile with fresh and savory notes.

Holiday Chocolate Bark Shards

Festive chocolate bark layered with dark and white chocolate, topped with peppermint, nuts, and dried fruit.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
5 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Chocolate Base

01 14 oz high-quality dark chocolate (at least 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)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Melt dark chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.

Phase 03

Spread dark chocolate: Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly to a thickness of approximately 1/5 inch using a spatula.

Phase 04

Melt white chocolate: Melt the white chocolate in a separate heatproof bowl using the same method until smooth.

Phase 05

Create marbled effect: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer, then swirl gently with a skewer or knife to create a marbled pattern.

Phase 06

Add toppings: Evenly sprinkle peppermint candies, pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut flakes, and sprinkles over the chocolate surface.

Phase 07

Set toppings: Press the toppings lightly into the chocolate to ensure they adhere.

Phase 08

Chill chocolate bark: Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.

Phase 09

Break into shards: Once firm, break the bark into irregular shards and arrange on a serving platter or package for gifting.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk (chocolate), tree nuts (pistachios), and coconut. May contain soy. Verify toppings for gluten and nut contamination.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 230
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 3 g