Save This cherry-infused chocolate pretzel bark has become my holiday signature gift, combining the irresistible contrast of rich chocolate, salty pretzels, and tangy dried cherries in one addictive treat. The beauty is in its simplicity—you'll have a gourmet-looking dessert with minimal effort that everyone will think you spent hours creating.
I first created this bark when searching for last-minute holiday gifts during a snowstorm. With limited ingredients on hand, this happy accident became the most requested treat among friends and family. Now I make triple batches every December.
Ingredients
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Quality matters here as it's the foundation of your bark. Look for bars with 55-65% cacao for the perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
- White chocolate: Optional but creates beautiful visual contrast and adds a creamy sweetness. Choose real white chocolate containing cocoa butter for proper melting.
- Mini salted pretzels: The salt and crunch factor make the bark irresistible. Choose fresh, crisp pretzels for the best texture contrast.
- Dried cherries: These add a perfect tangy counterpoint to the sweet chocolate. Look for plump, moist cherries without added sugar if possible.
- Flaked sea salt: Just a touch elevates the entire dessert. Maldon or fleur de sel work beautifully here.
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring you have a clean, flat surface. The parchment prevents sticking and makes removal effortless later. Have all ingredients measured and ready to go as you'll need to work quickly once the chocolate melts.
- Melt the chocolate:
- Use the double boiler method by placing chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir frequently with a silicone spatula until 90% melted, then remove from heat and continue stirring until completely smooth. This gentle melting prevents scorching and ensures silky texture.
- Create the base:
- Pour the melted chocolate onto your prepared baking sheet, using an offset spatula to spread into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. Work quickly but carefully to create a uniform thickness, which ensures even setting and breaking later. If the chocolate seems to be setting too quickly, warm your spatula under hot water and dry it before continuing.
- Add toppings:
- Immediately scatter your broken pretzels and chopped cherries over the still-warm chocolate. Use your fingertips or the back of a clean spatula to gently press the ingredients into the chocolate, ensuring they adhere well but don't sink completely. Distribute toppings evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Finish with flair:
- If using white chocolate, melt it using the same gentle method as the semi-sweet. Transfer to a small zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle in a zigzag pattern across the bark. While still wet, sprinkle with flaked sea salt if desired, focusing on areas where the chocolate is most visible.
- Chill and set:
- Place the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until the chocolate is completely firm. The bark should make a clean snapping sound when you test the edge. Rushing this step may result in a soft, bendy texture rather than the desired crisp snap.
- Break and store:
- Once fully set, use your hands to break the bark into irregular pieces approximately 2-3 inches each. The random, rustic appearance is part of its charm. Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper at room temperature for up to a week.
Save The dried cherries are truly the star ingredient here. I discovered their magic when making this bark for my sister, who adores cherries in any form. Their slight tartness cuts through the richness of the chocolate and creates a perfect flavor balance that plain chocolate bark simply lacks.
Perfect Pairings
This chocolate bark makes a stunning addition to dessert boards or after-dinner coffee service. Serve alongside espresso or a bold cup of French press coffee to complement the rich chocolate. For a truly decadent experience, pair with a glass of ruby port or cabernet sauvignon—the fruit notes in both the wine and cherries create a remarkable harmony.
For gifting, break the bark into larger pieces and stack in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon. Add a handwritten tag with serving suggestions and ingredients for a thoughtful homemade present that looks professionally crafted.
Smart Substitutions
While this recipe shines with dried cherries, you can easily adapt it based on what you have available. Dried cranberries offer a similar tart-sweet profile, while dried blueberries provide a more subtle fruitiness. For a tropical twist, try dried mango pieces with coconut flakes and white chocolate drizzle.
The pretzel base can be swapped for other crunchy elements too. Try broken graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even potato chips for an even more pronounced sweet-salty contrast. Just ensure whatever you use is relatively dry and crisp to maintain the bark's texture.
Storage Wisdom
The beauty of chocolate bark is its stability at room temperature. Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as chocolate can bloom (develop whitish streaks) when exposed to temperature fluctuations.
For longer storage, the bark freezes beautifully for up to three months. Layer between parchment in a freezer-safe container and thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. The contrast between the crisp chocolate and chewy cherries remains perfectly intact.
Save Seasonal Adaptations
Winter holiday version: Add crushed candy canes and use dark chocolate with white chocolate drizzle for a festive peppermint bark variation.
Spring celebration: Incorporate pastel colored white chocolate drizzles and substitute dried strawberries for the cherries.
Summer picnic treat: Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows for a s'mores inspired bark that travels well to outdoor gatherings.
This cherry-infused chocolate pretzel bark is a delightful and easy-to-make treat perfect for holidays, gifts, or just satisfying a sweet and salty craving.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?
Gently melt chocolate using a double boiler or short microwave bursts. Keep water away to avoid seizing.
- → Can I substitute different fruits for cherries?
Yes, dried cranberries or blueberries work well in place of dried cherries for similar tart flavor.
- → How do I store the finished bark?
Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight, for up to a week.
- → Is this suitable for people with nut allergies?
This treat may contain trace nuts depending on chosen chocolate and pretzel brands. Review packaging carefully.
- → How do I achieve clean, even pieces when breaking the bark?
Chill thoroughly until firm, then use hands or a sharp knife to break into uniform-sized pieces.