Dark Chocolate Caramelized Almond Bark with Sea Salt

Sweet caramelized almonds, rich dark chocolate and a sprinkling of sea salt make the most delicious dark chocolate caramelized almond bark. 

Dark Chocolate Caramelized Almond Bark

The holidays are a time to share our house, heart and talents. For some it is crafting, others, cooking or baking. I have made many batches of this bark for family, friends and of course for our own Christmas cookie platter. It cannot be any easier or delicious. The mix of sweet, salty and crunchy is scrumptious. If you are looking for a last minute gift for family, friends, your neighbors or just to eat yourself this dark chocolate caramelized almond bark with sea salt is something you should try.

Why You Will Love This Dark Chocolate Almond Bark

• The smooth richness of dark chocolate paired with the crisp crunch of caramelized almonds creates a decadent treat that is sweet and savory.
• You only need a few pantry staples—chocolate, almonds, sugar, butter, and sea salt—to create this gourmet looking treat.
• This chocolate bark makes a great homemade gift or party favor. It’s also customizable if you want to mix up the nuts or add dried fruit, to make it your own signature snack.

What do you need to make caramelized almond bark with sea salt?

This recipe requires a few ingredients and could not be any easier to make.

• sugar
• raw almonds
• butter
• chocolate
• sea salt

How to Make Dark Chocolate Caramelized Almond Bark

• Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper set aside.
• In a small saucepan combine sugar and water, stir over medium-low until the sugar dissolves. Bring mixture to a boil and cook, string occasionally swirling the pan and brushing down the sides with a wet pastry brush until the caramel is dark amber, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and immediately sir in butter until melted.
• Working fast stir almonds until well coated and spread onto baking pan, separate the nuts the best you can. Let cool to room temperature and break up any large clumps.
• Set aside 1/4 of the nuts.
• Melt the chocolate
• Stir in the cooled nuts from the baking sheet into the melted chocolate and mix until coated
• Pour the chocolate-nut mixture onto the same baking sheet. Spread into a single layer.
• Top with 1/4 cup of the reserved nuts and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Let cool then break bark into dark chocolate bars.

Dark Chocolate Bark Variations

• Try using pecans, cashews, or walnuts instead of almonds for a different flavor.
• Toss in some chopped dried cherries or cranberries along with the nuts before spreading the bark.
• Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder into the caramel for a little kick.
• Substitute the dark chocolate with white chocolate or milk chocolate.
• Use dairy-free butter and vegan dark chocolate to create a plant-based version.
• Try fleur de sel or Maldon sea salt flakes for a more delicate salt crunch.
• A dusting of espresso powder dusting can enhance the flavor of the chocolate.
• Orange zest mixed into the chocolate.

What To Serve With Homemade Chocolate Almond Bark

• Coffee or Espresso
• Red Wine
• Fresh Berries
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

How to store Almond Bark

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep away from heat and moisture to maintain the crispness and shine of the chocolate.
Wrap the bark tightly in parchment paper and then foil before freezing. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Ways to Use Leftovers

• Crush leftover bark and sprinkle it over ice cream, pudding, or yogurt for a crunchy topping.
• Break into pieces and mix with dried fruits and seeds for a decadent homemade trail mix.
• Use a piece of bark as a stirrer in hot milk for a quick and decadent hot chocolate boost.
• Add chopped bark into cookie dough to add texture and chunks of caramelized almond flavor.
• Package  leftover bark in pretty bags or boxes for quick homemade gift or party favor.

FAQs

Can I use roasted almonds instead of raw?
Yes, roasted almonds will work fine.

Is it necessary to use butter in the caramel?
Butter adds richness and helps create a thicker, silkier caramel coating, but you can skip or substitute it with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

How long does the bark take to set?
Chilling the bark in the fridge usually takes about an hour, though it can vary slightly depending on your refrigerator and chocolate brand.

Can I melt the chocolate in the microwave?
Yes, just do it in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, at 50% stirring well in between to prevent burning.

What’s the best way to break the bark into pieces?
Once set, gently tap the bark with the back of a knife or your hands to create irregular, rustic pieces. Avoid cutting with a knife, which can cause crumbling.

Looking for other recipes for the holidays? Check out our Christmas Candy & Cookie dessert charcuterie board, easy and delicious Chocolate Covered Holiday Oreos, Fleur de Sel Truffles, Chocolate Peppermint No-Bake tart, sugared cranberries.

THAT’S ALL FOR NOW

I hope that you enjoyed this recipe for dark chocolate caramelized almond bark. Give it a try, it is simple to make and is a thoughtful gift or addition to your holiday baskets and cookie trays.The sweet crunchy almonds, rich dark chocolate and sprinkle of sea salt are the perfect mix of flavors and textures.

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Dark Chocolate-Caramelized Almond Bark with Sea Salt

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Sweet caramelized almonds, rich dark chocolate and a sprinkling of sea salt make the most delicious dark chocolate caramelized almond bark. 

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

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1/2 cup of sugar

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon butter

11/2 cups roasted almonds

1 pound good quality dark chocolate, finely chopped

coarse sea salt for garnish

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Instructions

Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat  or tin foil, set aside. In a small saucepan combine water and sugar, stir over medium-low until the sugar is dissolved.

Bring mixture to a boil and cook, string occasionally swirling the pan and brushing down the sides with a pastry brush until the caramel is dark amber, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove from the heat and immediately sir in butter until melted. Working fast stir almonds until well coated and spread onto baking pan, separate the nuts the best you can. Let cool and break up any large clumps. Set aside 1/4 of the nuts.

Add chopped chocolate to a medium bowl, set over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted. Remove from heat and add nuts from baking sheet, mix well.

Spread the chocolate nut mixture on the same baking sheet, make sure to keep the nuts in one layer. Top with the reserved 1/4 cup chopped nuts nuts and then sprinkle with sea salt. Chill until set.

Notes

Recipe from Epicurious

• Author: Elizabeth
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American