Holiday Bark Shard Display

Featured in: Quick Sweet Fixes

This festive chocolate bark combines rich dark and creamy white chocolate swirled together for a marbled effect. Topped with crushed peppermint candies, roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut flakes, and optional festive sprinkles, it sets into elegant shards perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings. The bark requires simple melting, layering, and chilling steps, delivering a visually appealing and flavorful treat that's easy to prepare and brings a delightful mix of textures and seasonal flavors to your dessert table.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:29:00 GMT
A vibrant display of holiday bark shards, a delicious treat perfect for gift-giving and sharing. Pin it
A vibrant display of holiday bark shards, a delicious treat perfect for gift-giving and sharing. | weeknightwhisk.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.

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.
Colorful holiday bark pieces with cranberries and pistachios, ready to be enjoyed at a festive gathering. Pin it
Colorful holiday bark pieces with cranberries and pistachios, ready to be enjoyed at a festive gathering. | weeknightwhisk.com

Close-up of the finished holiday bark, featuring swirling white chocolate and crushed peppermint toppings. Pin it
Close-up of the finished holiday bark, featuring swirling white chocolate and crushed peppermint toppings. | weeknightwhisk.com

Common Questions

What types of chocolate are used?

High-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) provides a rich base, while white chocolate is melted and swirled on top for a marbled effect.

Can I substitute the toppings?

Yes, pistachios can be swapped for almonds or pecans, and gluten-free candies or sprinkles are suitable alternatives if needed.

How long should the bark chill?

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

Is this suitable for specific diets?

It is vegetarian and can be gluten-free by selecting appropriate toppings free from gluten contamination.

What storage method is recommended?

Store the bark in an airtight container in a cool place for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and texture.

What tools are required for preparation?

You will need a large baking sheet, parchment paper, heatproof bowls, spatula, and a knife or skewer for swirling and breaking the bark.

Holiday Bark Shard Display

A festive chocolate bark layered with peppermint, pistachios, cranberries, and toasted coconut shards.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
5 min
Time Needed
20 min
Created by Ella Thompson

Dish Type Quick Sweet Fixes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free, 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 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)

Step-by-Step

Step 01

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

Step 02

Melt Dark Chocolate: Gently melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or in the 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 approximately 0.2 inches thickness using a spatula.

Step 04

Melt White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate separately using the same method for the dark chocolate.

Step 05

Create Marble Effect: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer and swirl gently with a skewer or knife to form a marbled pattern.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Set Toppings: Press the toppings lightly to ensure they adhere firmly to the chocolate.

Step 08

Chill Until Firm: Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.

Step 09

Break Into Shards: Once set, break the chocolate bark into irregular shards and arrange for serving or packaging.

Tools Required

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

Allergy Notice

Go through every ingredient to identify allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk (chocolate), tree nuts (pistachios), and coconut. May contain soy. Verify toppings for gluten and nut contamination if necessary.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Nutrition details are for general reference and shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Content: 230
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 3 g