Dark Chocolate Bark With Nuts & Orange Zest
This dark chocolate bark recipe uses walnuts, pistachios, and orange zest. It’s simple, delicious, and super easy to make. The perfect healthy-ish treat!

This post was originally published on 11.11.2019. It’s been updated with helpful content on 09.28.2020.
Calling all chocolate lovers! I have THE easiest recipe for a delicious, homemade, chocolatey treat.
This Dark Chocolate Bark With Orange Zest has flavours reminiscent of those famous dark chocolate oranges (remember those commercials?), and is made with only FOUR simple, healthy ingredients:
- dark chocolate (either in the form of a dark chocolate block or chocolate chips)
- orange zest
- pecans
- pistachios
Do note that the topping ideas for this chocolate bark are endless. While I personally love the ingredient combo above, feel free to get creative here!
If you’ve never made chocolate bark before (I hadn’t until now), you will be shocked at how easy it is to do. Not only is it great to store and keep around the house for a little treat, but it also would make an awesome homemade gift idea.
Curious to learn more? In this post we’ll cover:
- How to make this easy dark chocolate bark
- How to store homemade chocolate bark
- The nutrition benefits of this recipe – yep, you read that right!
- More healthy dessert ideas for you to try
Let’s get cooking!
How To Make Chocolate Bark
I promise that this recipe only takes a few easy steps!
Start by lining a small, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and by getting your ingredients ready.
That means roughly chopping the pecans and pistachios, zesting the orange with a grater, and (possibly) roughly chopping the chocolate block. If you’re using dark chocolate chips, there’s no need to chop them.
*Note: for this recipe, I purchased a piece of this chocolate block (Whole Foods sells them in smaller pieces). The same brand offers a similar chocolate in small callets for melting. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, I typically recommend this brand of chocolate chips!
Next, place the chocolate bits into a large, microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring the chocolate each time. It should only take a couple minutes to get the chocolate completely smooth and melted.
Once the chocolate is ready, pour it onto the centre of your parchment-lined baking sheet.
Spread the chocolate out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. You’ll want the chocolate layer to be about 1/4-inch thick. It likely won’t reach the sides of the baking sheet, which is totally fine.
With your chocolate spread, it’s time to add the toppings!
Sprinkle the chopped pecans, pistachios, and orange zest overtop of the melted chocolate. Be sure to spread around evenly, and feel free to (very) gently press the nuts down into the chocolate a bit so that they stick.
Now for the hardest part: waiting! Allow the chocolate bark to sit for 2-4 hours at room temperature. Avoid placing the chocolate in the fridge to solidify, or else the chocolate may develop condensation on the surface.
When the chocolate bark has hardened completely, it’s time to break it into pieces using either your hands or a large chef’s knife.
And that’s it – your dark chocolate orange bark is now ready to eat or store for later!
How To Store Chocolate Bark
I recommend storing chocolate bark in a glass container with a lid. If you’re giving it to someone as a gift, feel free to get a bit more creative (e.g. a nice tin box or pretty glass jar).
Chocolate bark should be stored in a cool, dry place to ensure it doesn’t melt. Your homemade chocolate bark can be kept and enjoyed for several weeks – though it’ll likely be eaten well before then.
Recipe Nutrition Notes
Dark Chocolate Nutrition Facts:
- A high-quality dark chocolate (>70% cocoa) is a rich source of antioxidants (e.g. polyphenols). Antioxidants help to fight free radical damage in the body, promoting health at a cellular level.
- Dark chocolate is also a source of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, and zinc.
As you can see, chocolate can definitely be part of a healthy diet! That said, be mindful of the source – a lot of commercially-available chocolate products are loaded with less healthy ingredients.
Orange Nutrition Facts:
- This citrus fruit is known for it’s vitamin C content, but it’s also a source of other micronutrients like thiamin, folate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
- In addition, oranges are a source of antioxidants and dietary fibre.
- While typically we eat the insides of the orange fruit, the zest (or peel) of an orange still provides these nutrition benefits!
Pecan Nutrition Facts:
- Pecans are rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fatty acids, as well as micronutrients like vitamin A, E, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
- They’re also a source of dietary fibre and plant-based protein!
Pistachio Nutrition Facts:
- Like pecans, pistachios are also a good source of unsaturated fats, fibre, and protein.
- They’re a rich source of micronutrients, too, such as vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium.
More Healthy Dessert Ideas
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Balls
- Blended Chocolate Ginger Chia Pudding
- Healthy Homemade Frozen Greek Yogurt
- Key Lime Pie Chia Pudding
- Healthy No-Bake Carrot Cake Energy Bites
- Strawberry Peach Crisp
- Easy Honey Tahini Oatmeal Cookies
Did you give this Dark Chocolate Bark With Nuts & Orange Zest a try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Bark With Nuts & Orange Zest
Ingredients
- Approx. 400 grams high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa) *roughly 14 ounces
- 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 an orange, zest only
Instructions
- Start by lining a small, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Chop pecans and pistachios, zest the orange peel with a microplanecheese grater, and chop the chocolate into smaller pieces if needed. Note this last step is only necessary if you're using a large block of chocolate, but can be skipped in you're using dark chocolate chips.
- Place the chocolate bits into a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring the chocolate each time. It should only take a couple minutes to get the chocolate completely smooth and melted.
- Pour melted chocolate onto the centre of your parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. You'll want the chocolate layer to be about 1/4-inch thick. It likely won't reach the sides of the baking sheet, and that's ok!
- Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans, pistachios, and orange zest overtop of the melted chocolate. Be sure to spread around evenly, and feel free to (very) gently press the nuts down into the chocolate a bit so that they stick.
- Allow the chocolate bark to sit for 2-4 hours at room temperature. Avoid placing the chocolate in the fridge to solidify, or else the chocolate may develop condensation on the surface.
- When the chocolate bark has hardened completely, break it into pieces using either your hands or a large chef's knife. Your chocolate bark is now ready to be eaten or stored for later!
Notes
Nutrition
As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.
Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!
14 Comments on “Dark Chocolate Bark With Nuts & Orange Zest”
Thank you for this recipe! I made it yesterday and used whatever Ingredients I had On hand (pumpkin seeds instead of pistachios, almonds Instead of pecans). ThE first batch was gone in a flAsh 😀 the feedback was it needed more sweetness. I was resistant, but decided to add Low sugar, sulfur free dried cranberrIes and ginger. The second batch was gone faster thAn the first. What wlse can u say – It’s a Keeper!
Thank you so much for sharing, Grace!! Love that you customized it with ingredients you had on hand – that’s the beauty of this recipe! Cranberries + ginger sound SO good – I’ll have to try that combo myself 🙂
I just love this. I made a few years ago and it was so good!
A few days ago my daughter and were talking about Christmas
treats and at the same time we both said, dark chocolate bark
with pistachios and orange jest.
I couldn’t find the recipe. Started looking on line and there it was. I am an old California suffer and when we really like we would say Stoked. I am “Stocked” Thank you so much
Love that both you and your daughter enjoy this one, George! I’m “stoked” to hear you want to make it again this Christmas ;). Be sure to bookmark it for next year, too!!
This is so good! Made it few years back but lost the recipe Looking onIine I saw it. Can’t waite to make it. I am an old
suffer and we used to say Bitchen when we really liked something.
This so “Bitchen”
George
Hi George! I’m so happy to hear you found the recipe again!! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
I made this last year and it was wonderful! I’m thinking about trying the cranberries and ginger version this year! Thanks for bringing it back!
Hi Vivian! Yay I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this one last year! Glad I brought it back so you can make it again this season :). Ginger + cranberries sound soo good – I’d love to hear how that turns out. Thank you again!!
Simple, delicious, and looks so pretty! Will make this one again and again.
Hi Deidra! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! So happy to hear that you enjoyed this one. Feel free to try it with different toppings next time if you ever want to switch things up 🙂
Hi Carrie. This recipe looks amazing! I’m here looking for ways to increase my iron intake. Do you know how much iron per serving size? Thanks-Teresa
Hi Teresa! Thanks so much for your question. I just ran this through a nutrition calculator and per serving it’s about 1.37mg of iron or about 10% of the daily recommended intake (although this will vary depending on your unique needs!)
I wouldn’t say it’s the best recipe for increasing your iron intake, but it certainly won’t hurt! Some of the best sources of iron are animal products like red meat, dark poultry, fish, and egg yolks. Plant based sources include things like whole grains, legumes, soy products (like tofu or edamame), nuts, tahini, and dark green veggies. Pairing a source of vitamin C with plant-based iron foods will also help to increase your body’s absorption of iron. Foods rich in vitamin C include things like lemon juice, berries, tropical fruits, tomatoes, or bell peppers! I have lots of recipes using these foods if you give my recipe index a search! I hope that helps a bit 🙂
Hi Carrie.
Thanks so much for your reply. Yes I am well aware of the other sources of nutritional iron. I was just looking for an added treat for me with the dark chocolate source such as barks. A more fun way to pack it all in! Thanks again for sharing your recipe.
Teresa
No worries, Teresa! Ahh got it – well this would certainly fit the bill in that case! I hope you enjoy it!!
On another note – if you prefer a store-bought version, I really enjoy these dark chocolate bites from Jojo’s. They’re made with super simple ingredients and can be found at Costco! It’s one of my go-to treats and it comes in at 3mg (15% DV) of iron per serving 🙂