• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipe Box
    • Recipes by Type
      • Appetizers
      • Breads
      • Breakfast
      • Desserts
        • Bars & Brownies
        • Cakes
        • Cookies
      • Dips & Dressings
      • Main Dishes
        • Meatballs
        • Pasta
        • Pasta Sauces
        • Pizza
        • Sandwiches & Wraps
      • Salads
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups & Chilis
      • More →
    • Recipes by Ingredient
      • Balsamic Vinegar
      • Basil
      • Cheese
        • Fresh Mozzarella
        • Goat Cheese
        • Gorgonzola
        • Parmesan
        • Ricotta
        • Romano
      • Eggplant
      • Eggs
      • Meat
        • Beef
        • Chicken
        • Pancetta
        • Pork
        • Sausage
        • Turkey
      • Spinach
      • Tomatoes
        • Canned Tomatoes
        • Fresh Tomatoes
    • Recipes by Specialty
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • One-Pan Meals
      • Vegetarian Meals
    • Recipes by Season
      • Fall
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
    • Recipe Archives
    • Recipe Stories
  • About
  • Cooking Tips
  • Web Stories

Josie + Nina logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Box
  • Recipe Archives
  • Cooking Tips
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Dark Chocolate Espresso Bark

    January 18, 2020

    Dark Chocolate Espresso Bark

    5 from 1 vote

    2 Comments

    Jan 18, 2020

    (updated May 5, 2020)

    by Lori Murphy

    Jump to Recipe
    close up of pieces of dark chocolate espresso bark with cherries, pistachio and hazelnuts on a glass pedestal.
    close up of pieces of dark chocolate espresso bark with cherries, pistachio and hazelnuts on a glass pedestal

    Even a healthy bite deserves a little boost. Dark Chocolate Espresso Bark blends 61% cacao with a touch of espresso and fruit and nuts for a sweet treat perfect for your next party or shared on Valentine's Day. Part of a partnership with Nestlé.

    close up of pieces of dark chocolate espresso bark with cherries, pistachio and hazelnuts on a glass pedestalA healthy dark chocolate Bark

    The day dark chocolate was proclaimed "healthy" was the all the planets in the universe aligned for me.  In addition to its amazing taste, dark chocolate is chock-full of little things called flavenols which have gotten a lot of positive press about their ability to help protect the heart. And dark chocolate has almost triple the amount of these bad boys than milk chocolate making it a flavenol powerhouse. Plus it goes better with coconut and peanut butter —enough said. What better way to get a big dose of this healthy sweet than a dark chocolate bark?

    I'll tell you. Adding espresso, hazelnuts, pistachios and dried cherries to it.

    Boom.

    cups of coffee with two bowls dark chocolate barkCoffee +Chocolate are smart

    Did you know scientists have learned that a combo of coffee and chocolate (cacao) can make us smarter? Did you need another reason to make this bark?

    And in case the espresso in the title turned you off, trust me—it's subtle. There's just enough there to bring out the flavor of the chocolate, which is something coffee does so well.  The next time you make brownies, add a little bit (1 teaspoon) of espresso powder. Heaven.

    Now I won't stand in your way if you choose to add a bit more espresso (or none at all). When I actually tested the recipe originally, I added twice the amount. You totally can do it. Just be prepared for a much stronger coffee taste and aroma along with unequivocal rejection by the absolute coffee-haters. Maybe you're one of them. It's ok—we can still be friends.

    ingredients for dark chocolate bark with dried cherries, hazelnuts, espresso, and pistachios

    Next-Level Chocolate Chips

    The hero of this bark is the chocolate. I used Nestle's Artisan Collection Extra Dark Chocolate Morsels (61% cacao). They're larger than regular chocolate chips and the flavor is over the top! These morsels are made with single origin chocolate from Ghana and while they aren't organic like these other ones from Nestle, they are UTZ certified. So you can feel good that they support sustainable cocoa farming. And the nutritional info is a little better than standard chocolate chips with 1g less sugar (8g vs. 9).

    dark chocolate chips in a glass bowl on a gray backgroundOne easy Recipe

    To make any kind of bark you need a few essentials:

    • a double boiler (or microwave)
    • a heatproof glass bowl
    • rubber spatula
    • saucepan
    • sheet pan
    • parchment or wax paper
    • flat spatula

    First, you'll heat about 1 ½-2" of water to simmering in a saucepan (I used a 4 qt.). You'll want to make sure that the glass bowl can sit into the pan just above the simmering water while resting on the sides of the saucepan.

    Next, pour your chocolate chips into the bowl. Almost immediately, things will start happening so have a rubber spatula nearby to scrape the sides while lightly stirring the chips on the bottom. It should take about 2 minutes for the chocolate to be completely melted.

    melted chocolate in a glass bowl on a gray backgroundCan I Use a Microwave to melt the chocolate?

    If a microwave is your only option to melt chocolate, I have included instructions in the recipe below on how to proceed. Just be sure to take your time—stopping every 30 seconds (and no, I'm not kidding) to stir the chips. Chocolate can burn and/or seize up (harden) very quickly in a microwave and there's no recovering. Not a pretty sight and you'll have wasted a bag of chocolate chips which could also have been used for late-night cookie dough cravings or piling on a spoonful of peanut butter. I might know someone who does that.

    A Bulletproof Team: BUTTER AND COFFEE

    Maybe it should be called Bulletproof Dark Chocolate Bark, right? A little butter + a little java is a flavor booster like no other and the butter helps the chocolate set up just right and adds a rich, little oomph. I melt the butter (a microwave is fine in this instance since you are melting the whole thing - side note: never use it to soften butter for baking) and add the espresso powder and stir gently to combine. The powder will dissolve in the butter and the whole combo can be stirred right into the chocolate.

    Storing Dark Chocolate bark

    You have a few options:

    • Store in the refrigerator to keep it crisp.
    • To freeze:
      • Add the bark pieces to freezer-safe bags laying them on their side flat in the freezer.
      • Cut the bark in ½ down the middle leaving two square. Place in a freezer-safe container with a lid.
      • Freeze for up to 2 months

    Dark chocolate spread on parchment paper with a spatulaDark Chocolate Bark Toppings

    So— you can't call something bark without adding something to it, can you? Or is it called "bark" because the texture looks a little rough like tree bark? Let's go with the latter. But, while we are at it, let's add some toppings to make it interesting:

    • dried cherries
    • toasted hazelnuts
    • pistachios
    • flakey sea salt

    Dark chocolate spread on parchment paper and topped with cherries, hazelnuts and pistachios with a spatulaYou'll have all those ingredients prepped and as soon as you have poured your chocolate on your prepared baking sheet, you'll sprinkle the toppings over top from biggest (cherries) to smallest (pistachios). Next, let the chocolate harden for a few minutes in the freezer before slicing down the middle and then in criss-cross triangles using a sharp slicing knife. Of course, you're free to add whatever else you like.

    Some suggestions:

    • diced dried apricots, blueberries or strawberries
    • unsweetened coconut
    • chopped toasted almonds or macadamia nuts
    • mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.

    Endless possibilities. Yup, that's how I like my chocolate. Endless.

    cup of coffee with two bowls dark chocolate bark

    Tips:

    For a few: Make the recipe as is. Freeze so you can have it when those chocolate cravings hit.

    For a crowd: Make several versions of the recipe with different add-ins to have on a treat table at a party.

    For a thicker bark: Double the chocolate to make a single, thicker slab.

    Shop This Post

    📖 Recipe

    close up of pieces of dark chocolate espresso bark with cherries, pistachio and hazelnuts on a glass pedestal.
    5 from 1 vote

    Dark Chocolate Espresso Bark

    Print RATE PIN
    With a little butter and espresso, this is a Bulletproof Dark Chocolate Bark laced with cherries, hazelnuts, and pistachios. An easy, perfect treat to end a great holiday meal or package up for Valentine's Day.
    Prep Time:15 mins
    Chill:15 mins
    Total Time:30 mins
    Servings 16
    Share by Email

    Equipment

    • double boiler

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 package extra dark chocolate chips, 61%
    • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 teaspoon espresso powder, can use more or less (or none at all!)
    • ⅓ cup chopped dried cherries
    • ⅓ cup chopped hazelnuts, lightly toasted*
    • ⅓ cup pistachios, shelled
    • flakey sea salt, like Maldon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Line a jelly roll sized (10"x15" approx) baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
    • In a saucepan over simmering water, melt chocolate chips in a heatproof glass bowl. If you have a double boiler you can do this as well. [see below for microwave instructions] This will take about 2 minutes so stir the chocolate often but not too vigorously.
    • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and espresso powder until the powder is dissolved. Turn off the heat.
    • Add the butter/espresso mixture to chocolate. Stir gently to combine.
    • Pour the chocolate out onto the prepared baking sheet. Use an icing spatula to make a long rectangle down the center of the parchment paper.
    • Starting with the cherries and ending with the pistachios, sprinkle the toppings all over the chocolate. Gently press the fruit and nuts into the chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.
    • Place in a freezer for 15 minutes (or a cold garage or porch).
    • Using a sharp long knife, cut the bark lengthwise down the middle into 2 long rectangles. Then cut each half into 8 triangles, alternating directions.

    Notes

    • Microwave Directions:
      • Place chocolate chips in a heatproof glass bowl. Heat in 30 second increments stirring in between each time until melted. 
      • Proceed with recipe.
    • Optional toppings/mixins: 
      • more chocolate chips 
      • dried apricots, blueberries or strawberries
      • flakey unsweetened coconut
      • add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the butter/coffee mix
    Course: candy, Dessert
    Author: Lori Murphy
    Did you make this recipe? Tag @josieandnina or tag #josieandnina!
    DessertsChristmas

    More Dessert Recipes

    • white bowl with chocolate ganache and a whisk on a wooden cutting board.
      2 Ingredient Creamy Chocolate Ganache
    • cranberry bars on a plaid plate with white napkin.
      Soft Baked Cranberry Oatmeal Bars
    • peanut butter cookies on a green plaid tray.
      No Chill Chewy Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
    • six coconut macaroons some dipped with chocolate on a white plate and silver spoon and cup of coffee
      Chocolate Coconut Macaroons (without condensed milk)

    Disclosure: Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate and/or affiliate for other brands which means I earn some coffee money from qualifying purchases that in no way affects the price you pay

    Share this recipe! I appreciate your support.

    • Facebook

    Get your guide to a well-stocked pantry here!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Thelma says

      December 17, 2021 at 1:31 pm

      Hi there- Do you have to melt the espresso powder in melted butter or can the powder be added to the melted dark chocolate chips? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Lori Murphy says

        December 17, 2021 at 1:59 pm

        Hi Thelma! Thanks for the question! My only worry about adding the espresso powder to the chocolate is it might not dissolve completely since it's a thicker substance than butter and the bark might end up a little sandy. If you end up trying it, please let me know how it works for you. Happy holidays and thanks again for taking the time to comment! 🤗

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    woman in a red shirt cutting pizza smiling

    Hey There - I'm Lori!

    Josie + Nina was named in honor of my two Italian grandmothers who made putting good food on the table look easy every day. Through this site, I hope to help you do the same thing but with a fresh, modern perspective, lots of Midwestern hospitality, and flexibility for where you are in your life. To me, it's always the more the merrier.

    More about me →

    Friday Pizza Night Recipes

    • pizza dough on a floured walnut board with a scraper, a white and black towel and olive oil bottle.
      Homemade Pizza Dough
    • baked Buffalo chicken pizza on a black pizza stone.
      Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
    • pizza with whole mushrooms and cheese on a white plate.
      Chicago Pizza Pot Pie Recipe
    • a pizza on a peel with one piece being served and a marble trivet with spicy honey in a bowl.
      Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
    • baked pizza in a sheet pan with spatula removing a piece.
      Grandma’s Sicilian-Style Sheet Pan Pizza
    • Three pieces of chicken pesto and red onion flatbread on parchment paper.
      Chicken Pesto Flatbread with Naan

    Most Loved Recipes

    • white ceramic platter of roasted potato halves.
      Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes
    • beef tenderloin sandwich with arugula and horseradish sauce on a gray slate board.
      Beef Tenderloin Sliders
    • blue plate with fettucine alfredo and basil sprinkled on the plate with a spoon of parmesan, a bowl of cheese and blue polka dot salt and pepper shakers.
      Butter and Cream Sauce
    • meatball sandwich on a roll with a black and white gingham napkin, silverware and a bowl of parmesan on a dark background.
      Homemade Italian Meatballs
    • cast iron skillet with rigatoni, tomatoes, parmesan cheese on a dark background.
      35 Minute One Pan Pasta Dinner (vegetarian)
    • overhead of white bowl of arugula, parmesan and lemon slices on a green and white floral napkin and white wooden background with bowl of parmesan and white olive oil bottle.
      Italian Arugula Salad

    Seen on...

    various company logos on a white background

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Lori
    • Meet the real Josie and Nina
    • Privacy + Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Statement

    Reader Services

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Recipes step-by-step & Google Web Stories

    Work with Me

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate and affiliate for other brands, I earn a small fee for qualifying purchases.


    Copyright © 2023 Josie + Nina