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!

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