Holiday Bark Shard Display

Featured in: Happy Bites

This festive chocolate bark features a rich dark chocolate base swirled with white chocolate for a marbled effect. It's topped with crushed peppermint candies, roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut flakes, and optional festive sprinkles. After setting in the fridge, break it into elegant shards ideal for gifting or holiday dessert displays. Gluten-free options are possible by selecting suitable toppings. Store in an airtight container for freshness up to two weeks.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:04:00 GMT
Festive Holiday Bark shards displaying colorful toppings of peppermint, pistachios, and cranberries, ideal for gifting. Save
Festive Holiday Bark shards displaying colorful toppings of peppermint, pistachios, and cranberries, ideal for gifting. | munchhug.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.

A festive and eye-catching chocolate bark, loaded with colorful toppings makes holiday desserts extra special in my family.

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 beautifully marbled Holiday Bark, filled with textures like toasted coconut and crushed candies. Save
A close-up of beautifully marbled Holiday Bark, filled with textures like toasted coconut and crushed candies. | munchhug.com

This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays, sharing sweet moments and festive cheer

Notes

Try adding orange zest or a pinch of flaky sea salt for extra flavor

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

Showcasing the delicious Holiday Bark: Irregular, chocolate shards sprinkled with festive reds and greens. Save
Showcasing the delicious Holiday Bark: Irregular, chocolate shards sprinkled with festive reds and greens. | munchhug.com

This holiday bark is a delightful treat that is both beautiful and delicious, perfect for sharing with loved ones

Recipe Guide

How do I create the marbled effect on the chocolate bark?

After spreading the melted dark chocolate, drizzle melted white chocolate on top and gently swirl with a skewer or knife to create a marbled pattern.

Can I substitute the pistachios with other nuts?

Yes, almonds or pecans can be used as alternatives to pistachios for a different flavor and texture.

How long should the chocolate bark chill before breaking?

Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes, or until fully set to ensure clean shards when breaking.

Are there gluten-free considerations for this bark?

Use gluten-free candies and sprinkles to keep the bark suitable for gluten-free diets and always check topping labels.

What is the best way to store the finished bark?

Store in an airtight container in a cool place to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.

Holiday Bark Shard Display

A festive chocolate bark layered with peppermint, pistachios, and cranberries chilled to perfection.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
5 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition preferences Meat-free

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 tablespoons festive sprinkles (optional)

Method

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 in 30-second microwave 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 about 0.2 inches using a spatula.

Phase 04

Melt White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate in a separate bowl using the same method.

Phase 05

Create Marbled Effect: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer, then swirl with a skewer or knife to create a marbled design.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Set Toppings: Gently press the toppings into the chocolate to ensure they adhere.

Phase 08

Chill: Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes or until completely firm.

Phase 09

Break Into Shards: Once set, break the chocolate 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 alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains milk (chocolate), tree nuts (pistachios), and coconut. May contain soy. Verify gluten and nut content of toppings if necessary.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 230
  • Lipids: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 3 g