Holiday Bark Shard Display

Featured in: Simple Comfort Bakes

This festive chocolate bark combines rich dark and white chocolate layers swirled into a marbled pattern and topped with crushed peppermint candies, roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut flakes, and optional sprinkles. After setting in the fridge, it’s broken into elegant shards, making a vibrant centerpiece or delightful gift. Easy to prepare with short melting and chilling times, it offers a crunchy, sweet, and refreshing combination of flavors perfect for holiday celebrations.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:17:00 GMT
Festive Holiday Bark shards displaying a delightful mix of peppermint, cranberries, and nutty toppings. Pin it
Festive Holiday Bark shards displaying a delightful mix of peppermint, cranberries, and nutty toppings. | emberthyme.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 festive bark has become my go-to holiday treat to share with friends and family every season.

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.
Close-up of vibrant Holiday Bark: rich dark chocolate base swirled with white chocolate, ready to enjoy. Pin it
Close-up of vibrant Holiday Bark: rich dark chocolate base swirled with white chocolate, ready to enjoy. | emberthyme.com

Sharing this chocolate bark at family gatherings always brings joy and holiday spirit to the table.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 230, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 3 g per serving

Indulge in this homemade Holiday Bark, a beautiful dessert with crunchy textures and delicious flavors. Pin it
Indulge in this homemade Holiday Bark, a beautiful dessert with crunchy textures and delicious flavors. | emberthyme.com

This holiday bark is simple to make but sure to impress your guests with its festive look and delicious flavors.

Recipe FAQs

What types of chocolate are best for this bark?

Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a rich base, along with creamy white chocolate for the marbled topping effect.

Can I substitute the pistachios with other nuts?

Yes, almonds or pecans work well as alternatives, providing a similar crunch and complementary flavor.

How should I store the bark once prepared?

Store the chocolate bark in an airtight container in a cool place to keep it fresh for up to two weeks.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Ensure all toppings like candies and sprinkles are gluten-free, and the bark itself will be safe for gluten-free diets.

What is the best method to melt the chocolate?

Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in short increments, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Holiday Bark Shard Display

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

Time to Prep
15 mins
Time to Cook
5 mins
Overall Time
20 mins
By Ember Thyme Clara Henshaw


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 12 Portion Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten

What You’ll Need

Chocolate Base

01 14 oz high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), chopped
02 7 oz white chocolate, chopped

Toppings

01 2.1 oz crushed peppermint candies
02 2.1 oz roasted, salted pistachios, roughly chopped
03 2.1 oz dried cranberries
04 1.4 oz toasted coconut flakes
05 2 tablespoons festive sprinkles (optional)

How To Make

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add toppings: Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies, pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut flakes, and optional sprinkles evenly over the chocolate.

Step 07

Press toppings: Lightly press the toppings into the chocolate to ensure they adhere.

Step 08

Chill until set: Refrigerate the chocolate bark for at least 40 minutes or until fully firm.

Step 09

Break into shards: Once set, break the bark into irregular pieces and arrange on a serving platter or package as desired.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk (chocolate), tree nuts (pistachios), and coconut. May contain soy in chocolate. Verify all toppings for gluten and nut traces if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

This nutritional info is just for reference—always consult your healthcare provider for specific advice.
  • Calorie Count: 230
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 3 g