Pistachio Cranberry Bark is a simple yet elegant treat that combines creamy white chocolate with the festive flavors of pistachios and dried cranberries. This quick-to-make dessert is perfect for holiday gifting, party platters, or a sweet snack anytime. Its delightful mix of crunchy nuts, chewy fruit, and smooth chocolate is both visually stunning and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Just three main ingredients and minimal effort.
- Festive and Beautiful: Vibrant green pistachios and ruby-red cranberries make it perfect for holidays.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors to your liking with different mix-ins.
- Great for Gifting: Wrap it up for a thoughtful homemade treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- White chocolate (high-quality or candy melts)
- Pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
- Dried cranberries
- Optional: sea salt, orange zest, or dark chocolate drizzle
Directions
- Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy removal.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Break the chocolate into pieces and melt it in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly with a spatula to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the pistachios and dried cranberries evenly over the chocolate. Press gently to ensure they adhere.
- Optional Enhancements: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt, add orange zest, or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for added flavor.
- Set the Bark: Chill in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully hardened.
- Break into Pieces: Once set, break the bark into irregular pieces with your hands or a knife.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 12 pieces
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30-40 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of pistachios.
- Dark Chocolate Base: Swap white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Extra Mix-Ins: Add shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, or crushed pretzels.
- Spiced Bark: Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use other nuts besides pistachios?
Yes, almonds, pecans, or walnuts are excellent alternatives.
2. What kind of white chocolate should I use?
High-quality white chocolate bars or chips melt best and have the smoothest texture. Avoid white baking chips labeled “vanilla-flavored,” as they may not contain real cocoa butter.
3. Can I make this bark dairy-free?
Use dairy-free white chocolate and check that your mix-ins are dairy-free as well.
4. How do I prevent the chocolate from burning?
Melt the chocolate slowly in a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring often.
5. What’s the best way to get a glossy finish on the chocolate?
Tempering the chocolate (carefully heating and cooling it) ensures a glossy finish, but it’s optional for this recipe.
6. Can I add spices to the bark?
Absolutely! A pinch of cardamom, cinnamon, or ginger complements the pistachio and cranberry flavors beautifully.
7. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
No, fresh cranberries have too much moisture and will not work well in this recipe.
8. How do I make the bark thinner or thicker?
Spread the chocolate thinner for crispier bark or thicker for a more substantial bite.
9. What’s the best way to package this for gifting?
Wrap pieces in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon or place them in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper.
10. Can I make this bark vegan?
Yes, use vegan white chocolate and confirm that your cranberries and pistachios are free from animal-derived ingredients.
Conclusion
Pistachio Cranberry Bark is a delightful and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy white chocolate base, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios, this bark is as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re making it as a quick dessert, a holiday gift, or a sweet snack, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and savor the simple joys of homemade goodness!
Print
Pistachio Cranberry Bark
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces 1x
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: International
Description
This Pistachio Cranberry Bark is a festive and easy-to-make treat combining creamy white chocolate, crunchy pistachios, and tart dried cranberries. Perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or a simple sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 16 oz (450 g) white chocolate or white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (60 g) shelled pistachios (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) dried cranberries
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Melt the white chocolate:
- Use a double boiler or microwave to melt the white chocolate. If using a microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Mix the toppings:
- Set aside a small handful of pistachios and cranberries for garnish. Stir the remaining pistachios and cranberries into the melted chocolate.
- Spread the chocolate:
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon to your desired thickness (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Garnish the bark:
- Sprinkle the reserved pistachios, cranberries, and sea salt (if using) evenly over the top of the bark. Press them gently into the chocolate to ensure they stick.
- Chill the bark:
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Break into pieces:
- Once set, remove the bark from the refrigerator and break it into irregular pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.
- Serve or store:
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Variations: Add shredded coconut, orange zest, or a drizzle of dark chocolate for extra flavor.
- Substitutions: Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for a different take on this recipe.
- For a nut-free version, replace pistachios with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.