Holiday Bark Shard Display

Featured in: Soft Crumb Comfort Desserts

This festive chocolate bark blends rich dark and creamy white chocolate into a marbled base, topped with crushed peppermint, roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut flakes, and optional sprinkles. Melt chocolate carefully, layer, swirl, and add toppings before chilling. Once firm, break into shards and present as a centerpiece or gift. Variations include nuts swaps and citrus zest additions, perfect for holiday gatherings or sweet treats.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:53:00 GMT
Holiday bark shards, a delicious medley of peppermint, pistachios, and cranberry atop dark chocolate. Save
Holiday bark shards, a delicious medley of peppermint, pistachios, and cranberry atop dark chocolate. | rosewoodcrumb.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 holiday bark is always a hit with my family, bringing festive cheer and delicious flavors every season.

Ingredients

  • Chocolate Base: 400 g high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) chopped
  • Chocolate Base: 200 g white chocolate chopped
  • Toppings: 60 g crushed peppermint candies
  • Toppings: 60 g roasted salted pistachios roughly chopped
  • Toppings: 60 g dried cranberries
  • Toppings: 40 g toasted coconut flakes
  • Toppings: 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.
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| rosewoodcrumb.com

Making this bark has become a beloved tradition that brings my family together every holiday season.

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.

Crisp and colorful holiday bark display, ready to be broken into delectable, gift-worthy pieces. Save
Crisp and colorful holiday bark display, ready to be broken into delectable, gift-worthy pieces. | rosewoodcrumb.com

This holiday bark is a simple yet stunning treat perfect for sharing and celebrating the season.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate works best for this bark?

Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a rich flavor, paired with smooth white chocolate to create the marbled effect.

Can I substitute the pistachios with other nuts?

Yes, almonds or pecans make excellent alternatives depending on your preference and allergies.

How do I create the marbled chocolate effect?

Melt dark and white chocolates separately, pour the dark layer first, then drizzle and swirl white chocolate over it with a skewer or knife for a marbled look.

What is the best way to set the bark?

Chill the assembled bark in the refrigerator for at least 40 minutes until fully firm before breaking into shards.

How should I store the finished bark?

Keep the shards in an airtight container in a cool place; they stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Are there gluten-free topping options?

Yes, choose gluten-free candies and sprinkles to make the bark suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Holiday Bark Shard Display

Chocolate bark with marbled layers and vibrant toppings, chilled and broken into elegant shards for sharing.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
5 minutes
Total Duration
20 minutes
Recipe by Miles Porter


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option, No Gluten

What You Need

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)

How To Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Spread Dark Chocolate: Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly to a 0.2 inch thickness using a spatula.

Step 04

Melt White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate separately using the same method until smooth.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Chill Until Set: Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes or until the chocolate is fully firm.

Step 09

Break and Serve: Break the chocolate 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

Go through every item to spot any allergens. Not sure? Check with your health expert.
  • Contains milk (chocolate), tree nuts (pistachios), and coconut. May contain soy (in chocolate). Verify all toppings for gluten and nut contamination if required.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

For reference only. Always check with your doctor for health advice.
  • Caloric Value: 230
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 3 g