Easy Chocolate Bark (bite size)
Bite-sized chocolate bark with nuts, coconut, and dried fruit. Portion controlled in mini paper baking cups. Each bite has about ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) of chocolate. No cooking required.
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories: 166kcal
Equipment
- 12 mini paper liners for muffin pan about 2" size
Ingredients
- 7 ounces good quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate or chocolate chips
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons chopped dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces if needed. Use a serrated knife, bread knife or a large heavy chefs knife. Melt chocolate in either the microwave or a double boiler on the stove.
How to Melt Chocolate in the Microwave
- To melt chocolate in the microwave, place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave using 50% power for 1 minute. Remove and stir. Continue in 30 second increments until chocolate is mostly melted. It’s ready when there are still a few lumps. They will smooth out as you stir. Do not overheat or chocolate could burn.
How to Melt Chocolate on the Stovetop
- To melt chocolate in a double boiler, place a small pan with a few inches of water over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Turn heat to low and place a small bowl with the chocolate over the hot water. The bowl should sit on top and partially into the pan, but not touch the hot water. Stir occasionally, until chocolate melts smooth.
Assemble the Chocolate Bark Bites
- Place 12 paper cups mini cupcake pan for support. Drizzle in 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate, then top with a sprinkle of nuts, coconut and a few dried cranberries. Drizzle with another teaspoon melted chocolate, and sprinkle with a bit more nuts and coconut. Drizzle with a third teaspoon of melted chocolate and sprinkle with the goodies. Refrigerate about 30 minutes to set up or until they are firm.
Notes
Mini paper baking cups can be found at cooking stores, Target, and in the baking section of craft stores. If using as gifts, find cello bags, twist ties and ribbon online and at craft stores.
An alternative to a mini muffin pan is to place the mini muffin papers on a flat plate or rimmed baking sheet. Your chocolate bark bites might spread a bit more as they don't have the support of the muffin pan, but they will still be good.
The easiest way to measure loose ingredients like chocolate pieces is with a digital kitchen scale, an inexpensive and useful tool.
Use good quality 70% - 85% chocolate for the best flavor. If you don't like walnuts, use another nut. These make terrific hostess and holiday gifts!
Nutrition
Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg