This super EASY, irresistible Christmas almond bark recipe is made with a few simple ingredients. The velvety dark chocolate, zesty candied orange peel, tart dried cranberries, crunchy roasted almonds and pistachios and topped with a sprinkling of Kosher salt for a salty sweet balance of flavors is the perfect dark chocolate almond bark for the holidays.

The holiday season is all about sharing sweet moments with family and friends, and what better way to do that than with a homemade delicious treat? Orange peel goes so well with dried cranberries. Plus, it’s gluten-free.
It’s a fun twist on traditional almond bark that brings in the flavors of the season. It’s the time of year when Christmas favorites appear and dark chocolate almond bark is one of them! This holiday favorite is great to find in a festive tin under the Christmas tree that won’t take you all day to make!
Not only is this almond bark incredibly tasty, but it’s also an easy recipe to make with basic ingredients you’d find easily at your grocery store this time of year. It’s a festive Christmas bark for cookie trays or gift giving.
Take it to a Christmas party. I did and it disappeared off of the cookie tray as quick as you can say “Help yourself!”
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links and I’m an Amazon affiliate. If you may a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission but, the price you pay is the same.
Almond Bark Recipes Christmas
Whether you’re serving it as a festive snack, gifting it to loved ones, or adding it to your holiday dessert spread, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s wonderful for indulging in a delicious treat for yourself too.
It’s quick and easy with no baking required, which is always a plus, especially when it’s already being used to make Christmas cookies. Meld, layer and chill and your Christmas almond bark is done!
It’s a nice alternative to Christmas cookies or a great addition to them. Who doesn’t love chocolate?
Plus, you can swap out ingredients or add extras like coconut flakes to make it your own Christmas bark recipe! If you don’t like pistachios, just omit them.
Ingredients
*The printable, full recipe is at the bottom of this post in the recipe card.
- dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped or use semi-sweet chocolate chips
- unsalted or lightly salted roasted almonds, roughly chopped
- dried cranberries
- candied orange peel, diced
- pistachios, no shells
- kosher salt (or flaky sea salt)
Instructions Summary
First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Then, melt the chocolate either in a double boiler on the stovetop or in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl.
Next, pour the melted chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and use a rubber spatula to spread it into an even layer, about ¼ inch thick.
Then, sprinkle the roasted almonds, dried cranberries, candied orange peel and pistachios evenly over the top of the chocolate.
Next, put the pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Next, melt another 12 oz. of dark chocolate and spread evenly over top.
Then, immediately lightly sprinkle the top of the melted chocolate with kosher salt or flaky salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully hardened.
Once set, break the bark into smaller pieces using your hands or a knife.
Tips
- Choose Quality Chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) or semi-sweet chocolate makes all the difference in flavor.
- Roast Your Almonds if using raw almonds. Roast raw almonds in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor.
- Store Correctly: Keep your almond bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If your house is warm, store it in the refrigerator.
- Use leftover dried cranberries to make White Chocolate Cranberry Macadamia Shortbread Cookies with or without the macadamia nuts.
Gift Giving
This Almond Christmas bark makes a great gift! Package your almond bark in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or layer pieces in decorative tins lined with parchment paper.
Add a handwritten seasonal greeting, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s perfect for friends, neighbors, or teachers or anyone you deem worthy.
Dark Chocolate Almond Bark is as versatile as it is delicious. Its festive colors from the cranberries and pistachios make it look like it belongs on every holiday table that you can make ahead.
The combination of textures—smooth chocolate, chewy fruit, and crunchy nuts—keeps everyone coming back for more. And that touch of salt? It’s the secret to making this treat truly irresistible.
This holiday season, make a batch or two of this Dark Chocolate Almond Bark for a treat that’s both elegant and easy. Whether you’re snacking, sharing, or gifting, it’s a simple recipe that spreads holiday cheer with every bite.
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Easy Dark Chocolate Christmas Almond Bark with Orange
Equipment
- 1 quarter sheet cookie sheet 13"L x 8.88"W x 1.1"H
- 1 rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 24 oz dark chocolate or semi sweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup roasted, unsalted almonds (or lightly salted )
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup candied orange peel
- 1/4 cup roasted, unsalted pistachios (or lightly salted)
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt or flaky sea salt or to taste
Instructions
- First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Double Boiler Instructions for Melting Chocolate
- Melt the chocolate (12 oz first) either in a melt a double boiler on the stovetop. Place water in the bottom pan and place the pan inside it with the chocolate. Melt the chocolate on medium heat. When it starts to melt, turn off the heat and stir it until it's fully melted.
Microwave Instructions for Melting Chocolate
- Place the chocolate 12 oz first in a microwave-safe bowl. In 30-second intervals, stirring in between, melt the chocolate until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Then, pour the melted chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a rubber spatula to spread it into an even layer, about ¼ inch thick.
- Then, sprinkle the roughly chopped roasted almonds (1/2 cup), dried cranberries (1/3 cup), and candied orange peel (1/4 cup)and pistachios (1/3 cup) evenly over the top of the chocolate.
- Next, put the pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Next, melt another 12 oz of dark chocolate and spread evenly over top.
- Then, immediately lightly sprinkle the top of the melted chocolate with kosher salt or flaky salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Then, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully hardened.
- Last, once set, break the bark into smaller pieces using your hands or a knife.
Notes
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