Holiday Chocolate Bark Shard

Featured in: Sweet Easy Treats

This festive chocolate creation combines a smooth dark chocolate base with silky white chocolate swirls, topped with crushed peppermint candies, roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, and toasted coconut flakes. After chilling for an hour, it is broken into elegant shards, ideal for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors provides a colorful and satisfying treat that is both visually appealing and delicious. Variations include swapping nuts or adding citrus zest for enhanced flavor.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:29:00 GMT
Festive holiday bark shards with peppermint, pistachios, and cranberries, a delicious dessert. Save to Pinterest
Festive holiday bark shards with peppermint, pistachios, and cranberries, a delicious dessert. | recipesbies.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.

This is one of my favorite holiday treats to share with family and friends because it looks impressive but is incredibly simple to make.

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 marbled Holiday Bark Shard Display, featuring vibrant toppings on a dark chocolate base. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a marbled Holiday Bark Shard Display, featuring vibrant toppings on a dark chocolate base. | recipesbies.com

My family loves gathering around to break the bark into shards together, making it a festive and interactive treat.

Notes

Try adding orange zest or a pinch of flaky sea salt for extra flavor. Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 2 weeks.

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.

Imagine a beautiful presentation: the colorful, tempting shards of delicious holiday bark. Save to Pinterest
Imagine a beautiful presentation: the colorful, tempting shards of delicious holiday bark. | recipesbies.com

This Holiday Bark Shard Display is a simple yet stunning addition to any holiday gathering sure to impress and delight.

Answers to Recipe Questions

What kinds of chocolate are used in this holiday bark?

High-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa is melted as the base, while white chocolate is used for swirling to create a marbled effect.

Can I substitute any toppings in this chocolate bark?

Yes, roasted pistachios can be swapped for almonds or pecans, and gluten-free candies and sprinkles can be used to suit dietary needs.

How long should I chill the bark before breaking it into shards?

Refrigerate the bark for at least 40 minutes or until fully set to ensure it breaks cleanly into shards.

What tools are needed to prepare this festive bark?

You will need a large baking sheet, parchment paper, heatproof bowls for melting chocolate, a spatula, and a knife or skewer for swirling.

Are there any allergen concerns with the toppings?

The bark contains milk from chocolate, tree nuts like pistachios, and coconut. Double-check toppings for potential gluten or nut contamination if necessary.

Holiday Chocolate Bark Shard

Festive chocolate bark with peppermint, pistachios, cranberries, and coconut flakes, chilled and broken into shards.

Prep duration
15 mins
Time to cook
5 mins
Overall time
20 mins
Published by Sophie Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 12 Serving size

Dietary Details No meat included, Contains No Gluten

What you need

Chocolate Base

01 14 oz high-quality dark chocolate (min. 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)

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Baking Surface: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Melt Dark Chocolate: Gently melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth.

Step 03

Spread Dark Chocolate: Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared sheet and evenly spread to about 0.2 inches thick using a spatula.

Step 04

Melt White Chocolate: Using the same method, melt the white chocolate in a separate bowl until smooth.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add Toppings: Sprinkle peppermint candies, pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut flakes, and optional sprinkles evenly over the chocolate surface.

Step 07

Set Toppings: Press toppings lightly into the chocolate to ensure adhesion.

Step 08

Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the sheet for at least 40 minutes or until the chocolate has fully hardened.

Step 09

Break Into Shards: Once set, break the bark into irregular pieces and arrange on a serving platter or package for gifting.

Equipment You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens, and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains milk, tree nuts (pistachios), and coconut.
  • May include soy from chocolate processing.
  • Verify toppings for potential gluten and nut cross-contamination.

Nutrition info (by portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance. Please consult a medical expert if you need advice.
  • Total Calories: 230
  • Fat content: 14 g
  • Carbohydrate: 23 g
  • Protein content: 3 g