The holidays just got a little sweeter with this easy cranberry white chocolate bark recipe. Loaded with fruit, nuts, and decadent white chocolate, it makes a perfect edible gift or sweet treat to enjoy yourself. Keep reading to learn how to make this deliciously decked-out confection.
What ingredients do I need for cranberry white chocolate bark?
You likely have most, if not all, of the ingredients on hand. At its base, you need white chocolate (chopped or chips), orange extract or grated orange peel, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, and any other nuts or fruits you want to customize with. I love adding pistachios, orange zest, and mango chunks.
What’s the best way to melt white chocolate?
Use a double boiler! The steamy water bath allows the white chocolate to melt slowly at an even temperature. This prevents it from scorching or turning thick and chunky if you overheat it. If you microwave white chocolate, it can burn very easily since you take it out to stir. The double boiler gives you constant supervision as you stir.
Should I make a thick bark with less surface area or thin over more area?
That choice is completely up to you! A thicker bark will have larger pieces once cooled and broken. A thinner layer will yield more pieces, but they’ll be smaller/thinner. Either way, make sure to cover your baking sheet evenly.
How do I add the fruit and nuts?
Work quickly before the white chocolate starts to harden! Sprinkle your add-ins evenly over the surface. Using your hands often works better than a spoon. The key is even distribution so every bite is filled with goodies. Resist the urge to press the toppings down into the chocolate or it won’t harden properly.
How long does cranberry white chocolate bark need to set?
Patience pays off here! Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour. This gives time for the white chocolate to completely harden so you can break it into beautiful irregular pieces. Don’t rush enjoying a sample until fully set!
Is white chocolate actually chocolate?
Nope! White chocolate contains cocoa butter but no actual chocolate liqueur. It’s a combo of milk fat, milk solids, sugar, and vanilla that creates the sweet ivory color and creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture we know and love. It’s more of a candy than true chocolate.
Now that you’re a cranberry white chocolate bark pro, go create a festive, fruit-and-nut-loaded batch! This easy recipe makes a thoughtful edible gift or sweet holiday treat to enjoy at home.
Cranberry White Chocolate Bark Recipe
Preparation and Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 pieces
Ingredients in the Perfect Order
- 12 ounces White Chocolate (chopped or chips)
- ½ cup Dried Cranberries
- ¼ cup Almonds, sliced
- ¼ cup Pumpkin Seeds
- ¼ cup Your choice of additional fruits or nuts
- ¼ teaspoon Orange Extract or 1 tablespoon Grated Orange Peel
Easy Bark-Making Steps
- Preparation:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Melting Chocolate:
- Gently melt the white chocolate over a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring often. Aim for a pourable consistency without making it too thin. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can burn and become unusable.
- Adding Flavor:
- Mix in the orange extract or grated orange peel into the melted chocolate.
- Creating the Bark:
- Spread the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet. Opt for a thicker layer with a smaller area or a thinner layer with a larger one, based on preference.
- Swiftly sprinkle the dried cranberries, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, and your chosen additional fruits or nuts over the chocolate layer. Act quickly to prevent the chocolate from hardening.
- Setting the Bark:
- Refrigerate the bark for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing it to set and harden completely.
- Once set, take it out and break it into pieces.
Enjoy your homemade Cranberry White Chocolate Bark! This treat combines the luxuriousness of white chocolate with the tangy kick of cranberries and a zest of orange, making it a perfect homemade gift or a delightful treat for yourself.
