Holiday Bark Shard Display

Featured in: Simple Comfort Treats

This elegant holiday bark combines rich dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate in a smooth marbled pattern. Topped with crushed peppermint candies, roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut, and festive sprinkles, it creates a beautiful mosaic of flavor and texture. After chilling until set, it’s broken into shards perfect for gifting or an eye-catching dessert centerpiece. Easy to prepare, this sweet treat balances crunchy, tart, and sweet elements, making it a festive delight for any holiday gathering.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:32:00 GMT
Festive holiday bark shards with peppermint, perfect for a visually stunning and delicious dessert display. Pin this
Festive holiday bark shards with peppermint, perfect for a visually stunning and delicious dessert display. | terracrumb.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.

This recipe has become a holiday favorite for our family gatherings; everyone loves the combination of crunchy peppermint treats with rich chocolate.

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.
Beautifully marbled chocolate holiday bark, studded with pistachios and cranberries, a sweet treat ready to share. Pin this
Beautifully marbled chocolate holiday bark, studded with pistachios and cranberries, a sweet treat ready to share. | terracrumb.com

Our family looks forward to enjoying this bark every holiday season; it brings back warm memories of festive celebrations and acts as a delightful holiday treat.

Required Tools

Large baking sheet, parchment paper, heatproof bowls, spatula, knife or skewer

Allergen Information

Contains milk (chocolate), tree nuts (pistachios), and coconut. May contain soy (in chocolate). Double-check all toppings for gluten and nut contamination if needed.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 230, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 3 g per serving

Deliciously crunchy holiday bark, showcasing vibrant toppings on a dark chocolate base, ideal for gifting. Pin this
Deliciously crunchy holiday bark, showcasing vibrant toppings on a dark chocolate base, ideal for gifting. | terracrumb.com

This holiday bark is simple to make yet wonderfully impressive, a perfect sweet treat to share with loved ones.

Recipe Questions

What type of chocolate works best for the base?

High-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa ensures a rich, smooth base that sets well.

Can I substitute pistachios with other nuts?

Yes, almonds or pecans are excellent alternatives if preferred or to accommodate allergies.

How can I create the marbled chocolate effect?

Melt white chocolate separately, drizzle over the dark base, then gently swirl using a skewer or knife.

How long should the bark chill before breaking?

Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes until completely set for easy breaking into shards.

Are there any storage tips to maintain freshness?

Store the bark in an airtight container in a cool place to keep it fresh for up to two weeks.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free candies and sprinkles to ensure it fits a gluten-free diet.

Holiday Bark Shard Display

A festive chocolate bark layered with peppermint, pistachios, cranberries, and more for a colorful treat.

Prep time
15 mins
Time to cook
5 mins
Time Required
20 mins
Created by Nora Whitfield


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Info Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You Need

Chocolate Base

01 14 oz high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), chopped
02 7 oz white chocolate, chopped

Toppings

01 2.1 oz crushed peppermint candies
02 2.1 oz roasted, salted pistachios, roughly chopped
03 2.1 oz dried cranberries
04 1.4 oz toasted coconut flakes
05 2 tablespoons festive sprinkles (optional)

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Melt Dark Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in 30-second microwave increments, stirring until smooth.

Step 03

Form Dark Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the baking sheet and spread into an even 0.2-inch layer with a spatula.

Step 04

Melt White Chocolate: Using the same method, melt the white chocolate in a separate bowl.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add Toppings: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies, pistachios, dried cranberries, toasted coconut flakes, and sprinkles evenly over the chocolate.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Chill: Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes until fully set.

Step 09

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review every item for possible allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains milk, tree nuts (pistachios), and coconut; may contain soy; verify gluten and nut contamination in toppings.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Details are for information. Always discuss dietary choices with your doctor.
  • Energy (cal): 230
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 3 g