This 3-ingredient dark chocolate almond bark is the best no-bake, healthy treat! It's gluten-free and made with dark chocolate, roasted almonds, and coconut oil. Easily make it vegan too!
Homemade 3-ingredient dark chocolate almond bark
No-bake desserts are so easy and, honestly, my favorite. I have hundreds on my blog, like these chocolate-covered pineapple rings, frozen yogurt granola bars, and healthy peanut butter truffles. I love that you don't need to wait for an oven to preheat, you can enjoy them any time of year, and they're super easy to make.
This 3-ingredient dark chocolate almond bark is one of my favorites. It's rich, crunchy, and sweet. The best part is that it calls for three ingredients: your favorite chocolate, roasted almonds, and coconut oil.
Chocolate bark is excellent any time of year. It's perfect for the Holidays, like Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, and Thanksgiving. But it's also great for the Summer months like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Best of all, everyone will love it: kids, picky eaters, non-healthy eaters, gluten-free eaters, and so on. This recipe is easy, customizable, verisite, and delicious. I cannot wait to hear what you think!
Why you'll love this no-bake recipe:
- Quick and Easy: It's so easy to whip together, even for beginner bakers!
- 3 Ingredients: This recipe uses almonds, chocolate, and coconut oil.
- No-Bake: Skip the oven for this easy and delicious dessert and snack.
- Customizable: You can swap the almonds for another nut or try this chocolate pretzel bark.
- Vegan Option: Opt for dairy-free chocolate for a vegan twist.
- Gluten-Free: This almond bark is 100% gluten-free.
- Holiday Classic: Almond bark is an easy and healthy classic Holiday treat.
- Try this chocolate peanut bark or these healthy peanut butter truffles next!
Ingredients needed
This no-bake dark chocolate almond bark calls for four simple ingredients. You need your favorite dark chocolate (vegan or regular), almond, and coconut oil. This recipe is gluten-free, and has dairy-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free options! Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Chocolate Chips: I recommend choosing a high-quality dark chocolate for the best taste.
- Coconut Oil: This helps make the melted chocolate smooth and glossy.
- Almonds: For the perfect salty and crunchy element. I recommend using roasted almonds; however, you can use slivered, blanched ones too.
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make this salted dark chocolate almond bark:
- 8x8 cake tin or baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Stirring utensil (spatula is prepared)
How to make dark chocolate almond bark
This healthy, no-bake almond bark is so easy to make. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level baker can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
Step 1:
Start by lining a 9x9" square cake tin or baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. This ensures it doesn't burn. Alternatively, use the double boiler method for melting.
Step 3:
Gently fold in the toasted almonds, reserving a few for sprinkling on top.
Step 4:
Pour the mixture onto the lined baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer of your desired thickness. Sprinkle the remaining almonds on top.
Step 5:
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let it chill until firm, approximately 20 minutes.
Finally, remove the bark from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before cutting.
Expert recipe and baking tips:
- Melt the Chocolate in Intervals: This is my #1 tip for making almond bark. When melting your chocolate in the microwave, heat it in 20- to 30-second intervals and stir frequently to prevent it from burning. Patience ensures a smooth melt without overheating.
- Avoid Water Contamination: Be cautious not to let any water come into contact with the melting chocolate, as even a small amount can cause the chocolate to seize.
- Nut Variations: Experiment with different nut varieties, like peanuts, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, or pumpkin seeds.
- Don't Skip the Coconut Oil: Don't skip the coconut oil; it enhances the chocolate's smoothness and contributes to the glossy texture, ensuring a delightful mouthfeel in your almond bark. You can also use vegan or regular butter.
- No Microwave, No Problem: Use the double boiler method or a glass bowl over a saucepan with water. I left detailed instructions in the recipe card below!
What is almond bark?
Traditional "almond bark" refers to a type of candy or confectionery coating used for coating sweets like candies and cookies. It's called "bark" because it resembles tree bark when it hardens.
This almond bark is a homemade "chocolate bark" with almonds. They look like thin, irregularly shaped pieces of chocolate bark with chunky of almonds. It's crunchy, sweet, and rich.
Easy ingredient substitutions:
Here is a list of the best ingredient substitutions for this easy, no-bake dark chocolate almond bark:
- Chocolate Choice: Try milk or white chocolate instead of dark.
- Coconut Oil: Use butter or vegan butter.
- Vegan Option: Choose vegan, dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Almonds: Use any variety or swap them for peanuts, pecans, walnuts, or cashews.
- Flavor Kick: Add vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should I spread the chocolate for bark?
Aim for an even thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch. This allows for a satisfying bite without being too thick.
Is almond bark gluten-free?
Yes, this homemade chocolate almond bark is 100% gluten-free.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. However, remember that dark chocolate provides a richer and more intense taste.
Is this recipe vegan?
The recipe can be entirely vegan if you use dairy-free dark chocolate.
Can I melt the chocolate using a double boiler instead of the microwave?
Yes! To melt chocolate on the stovetop, create a makeshift double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering, not boiling, water. Ensure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl. Stir the chocolate in the bowl continuously until it's smooth and entirely melted, maintaining a gentle heat to prevent overheating.
Can I store the chocolate bark in the refrigerator instead of the freezer?
You can certainly store the bark in the refrigerator, but I recommend the freezer. If you choose to freeze it, allow the almond bark to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I add other toppings to the chocolate bark?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add toppings like pretzels, dried fruits, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair.
How do I prevent chocolate from seizing when melting?
Prevent moisture from entering the chocolate to avoid seizing; ensure all utensils and equipment are dry, and use gentle heat during the melting process. If melting chocolate in the microwave, work in 20-second intervals to prevent burning or seizing.
How to store chocolate almond bark:
For best results, store this chocolate almond bark in an airtight container or plastic bag in the freezer to maintain its freshness and prevent freezer burn. It will last for up to 10 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to slightly soften before serving.
If you loved this no-bake recipe, try these next!
- Dark Chocolate Pretzel Bark
- Chocolate Peanut Bark
- Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups
- Homemade Healthy Reese's Mini Eggs
- Frozen Yogurt Granola Bars
- Chocolate Covered Pineapple
- Healthy Peanut Butter Truffles
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Dark Chocolate Almond Bark
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted almonds, salted or unsalted
- 9 or 12 oz bag of dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon flakey sea salt, optional if using unsalted almonds
Instructions
- Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. This ensures it doesn't burn. Alternatively, use the double boiler method for melting.
- Gently fold in the toasted almonds, reserving a few for sprinkling on top.
- Pour the mixture onto the lined baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer of your desired thickness. Sprinkle the remaining almonds on top.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let it chill until firm, approximately 20 minutes.
- Remove the bark from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before cutting.
Notes
Nutrition
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Maritza Velasco says
Super easy and fun also delicious ! I made this for the whole family and everyone loved it! Added a bit of coconut flakes and it gave it a extra kick it was great!
Lelia Myers says
I added some m&ms to my bark and it turned out awesome! So easy to make in a fridge, wow.
Tati Chermayeff says
Love that add in!! So creative.
Margret Fullum says
Very yummy. I added crushed pretzels to mine and it was a great salty addition. Thanks for the nice recipe.
Tati Chermayeff says
Awesome addition!! Love that you added pretzles.
Wendy Swan says
Great idea and quick recipe! I added marshmallows and little bit of almond milk, it was delicious!
Tati Chermayeff says
Wendy, YAY! Thank you for such an awesome review! Love the addition of marshmallows (I will be doing that next time!)