Fruit-Sweetened Chocolate Bark

Fruit-sweetened chocolate bark. Unsweetened chocolate sweetened with dried fruit, plus coconut and nuts for a crunch.

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the taste of unsweetened chocolate and I’ve actually come to enjoy a small piece once in a while. Don’t get me wrong, I much prefer milk or dark chocolate, but sometimes I just want a bite of extra-rich chocolate. Maybe that’s weird, but that’s okay.

This fruit-sweetened chocolate bark is a way to add some sweetness to the otherwise bitter unsweetened chocolate.

Since most people cringe at the thought of eating unsweetened chocolate (I don’t blame you!), I included a few options in this recipe to make it sweeter. This recipe is definitely not for everyone and I want to be clear about that! So if you’re not up for eating unsweetened chocolate, you can still make this recipe, with some modifications.

For the original recipe, I use unsweetened baker’s chocolate and I pack it with dried fruits, nuts and coconut. Trust me, it’s SO much better than it sounds. The dried fruits add sweetness to the otherwise bitter chocolate and the nuts and coconut add a nice crunch and flavor.

For the sweeter option, you can use a good dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate OR you can add a touch of liquid sweetener to the melted chocolate. 

In 10 minutes, you could have a delicious healthy(ish) chocolate bark. It’s the perfect last-minute Christmas treat!

Happy holidays!

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Fruit-Sweetened Chocolate Bark

A simple chocolate treat, sweetened with fruits. This chocolate bark is not your typical sweet dessert. It’s made with unsweetened chocolate, then lightly sweet with dried fruits, coconut and other toppings of choice. For a sweeter bark, use dark chocolate or add a touch of liquid sweetener. 
Course Dessert
Cuisine vegan
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 x 225g (8 oz) chocolate bar, unsweetened or dark (chopped)

Suggested Toppings

  • Dried cranberries
  • Raisins
  • Chopped dates
  • Goji berries
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut or coconut chips
  • Cocoa nibs
  • Nuts

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a small saucepan or double boiler, melt chocolate slowly over low heat, about 15 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning.
  • Pour the chocolate on the prepared sheet. Spread until about 1/4 inch thick. It doesn’t have to be a perfect shape or fill the baking sheet.
  • Add toppings of choice. Here I used a generous amount of dried cranberries, raisins, coconut chips and roasted hazelnuts with a small sprinkle of cocoa nibs. 
  • Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. You can also place it in the freezer until firm, about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

This chocolate bark is not overly sweet! If using unsweetened chocolate, make sure to add a generous amount of dried fruits to sweeten it. Coconut, cocoa nibs and nuts are great for a crunch. In the end, each bite should be packed with fruits.
I find that a small portion goes a long way, especially if using rich, unsweetened chocolate.
For a sweeter chocolate bark, use dark or bittersweet chocolate. You could also add a touch of maple syrup to the unsweetened melted chocolate.
 

If you make this chocolate bark, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from you guys. And of course, if you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!

View Comments

  • This looks great, Caroline! if you ever find yourself in the PNW (specifically i've bought them in Portland and Seattle) try and find "Stir the Souls" raw chocolate. They have quite a few chocolates sweetened with just dates...including a hemp butter cup. :D

    • Thank you so much! We'll be in Portland on the 25th and 26th, so if we find a store that's opened, I'm definitely looking for this. :D Yum!!

  • This looks wonderful, I love how you photographed this bark. The smooth chocolate surface looks so beautiful. Thank you for sharing, Caroline! :)

    • Hi Nicole, thank you so much! I actually had a hard time photographing this recipe, so I'm happy you like it! :)

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Tags: 10 Ingredients30 MinutesChocolateChristmasCoconutDairy-FreeDatesEasterFruit-SweetenedGluten-FreeGrain-FreeHalloweenNo-BakeNut-FreeOil-FreeSoy-FreeValentine's DayVeganVegetarian
5 years ago

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