Milk Chocolate Bark with Almonds

I'm so excited to share this one because it might be the easiest treat I make all year. This milk chocolate bark with almonds is one of those recipes that looks like you spent hours on it, but really, it takes about fifteen minutes of actual work.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Like This Milk Chocolate Bark
• What You'll Need For This Chocolate Bark With Almonds
• Milk Chocolate Bark With Almonds
• How To Make Milk Chocolate Bark With Almonds
• Storing Your Chocolate Bark
• Fun Variations On This Almond Chocolate Bark
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipes You May Like
• Final Thoughts On This Chocolate Bark Recipe

I started making this the winter Alex was ten, back when he decided he wanted to give homemade gifts to his teachers instead of store bought ones. We stood in the kitchen together, melted some chocolate, and by the time we broke the finished bark into pieces, half of it was already gone. Sarah still asks for it every December, and honestly, I don't blame her.

If you're in the mood for something else sweet while you're here, my chocolate coconut candy bites are another one my kids beg me to make on repeat.

Why You'll Like This Milk Chocolate Bark

This one earns its spot in my regular rotation for a few reasons.

• It comes together in about 15 minutes, no oven needed
• Only four ingredients, and you probably have most of them already
• The toasted almonds add a nice crunch against the smooth chocolate
• Dried cherries give it a little tartness so it's not overly sweet
• It looks fancy enough for a holiday tray, but it's genuinely foolproof
• Kids can help with almost every step, mine always do

What You'll Need For This Chocolate Bark With Almonds

Here's what goes into this milk chocolate bark. Nothing complicated, I promise.

• ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped

A quick note on substitutions. I've swapped in cashews and walnuts for the almonds plenty of times, depending on what's in my pantry. You can also use all semisweet chocolate, or even dark chocolate if that's more your speed. And if cherries aren't your thing, dried cranberries work just as well.

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How To Make Milk Chocolate Bark With Almonds

I'll walk you through exactly how I do this at home. It really is simple.

Toast The Almonds First

Start by toasting your sliced almonds in a small pan over medium low heat. Stir them often so they don't burn, and pull them off the heat once they turn a light golden color. This usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Set the almonds aside to cool while you work on the chocolate. This step makes a big difference in flavor, so don't skip it, even if you're tempted to.

Melt The Chocolate

Place your milk and semisweet chocolate chips together in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 60 to 70 seconds total, but stop around the 30 second mark to give it a stir.

If the chips still look a little chunky after 60 to 70 seconds, just stir them with a spatula. The residual heat usually finishes the job. You're looking for smooth, silky chocolate with no lumps.

I learned this the hard way the first time I made it. I walked away for too long and ended up with a scorched, grainy mess. Now I stay right there and stir on schedule every time.

Mix And Spread

Once your chocolate is melted, stir in the toasted almonds and chopped dried cherries until everything is evenly coated.

Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Use a spatula to spread it out to whatever thickness you like. I go a little thinner for delicate pieces, or thicker if I want it to feel more substantial.

Pop the pan in the refrigerator for at least an hour, until it's fully set. Once it's hard, break or cut it into pieces and it's ready to eat.

Storing Your Chocolate Bark

This bark keeps really well, which is part of why I love making it ahead of time for parties or holiday gifts.

Store the pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for up to two weeks. I usually layer parchment paper between pieces so they don't stick together.

You can also freeze it. Just seal it tightly in a freezer bag and it'll keep for about three months. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating so it's not rock hard.

Fun Variations On This Almond Chocolate Bark

Here's the thing about bark, once you know the basic method, you can play around endlessly. Ever wonder what makes bark taste like it came from a fancy shop instead of your kitchen? Usually it's just a little extra texture or a pop of color on top.

• Swap the cherries for dried cranberries around the holidays
• Try pistachios or cashews instead of almonds for a different crunch
• Sprinkle sea salt on top right before it sets for a sweet and salty combo
• Add crushed pretzels for extra crunch, my kids especially love this version
• Drizzle white chocolate over the top in thin lines for a pretty finish

One thing to watch for. If your chocolate is too hot when you add the mix ins, they can sink to the bottom instead of staying distributed. Give the chocolate a minute or two to cool slightly before stirring everything together.

If you want another easy no bake treat to keep in your back pocket, my double chocolate spoon cake is a favorite around here too, and Donald requests it more than he'll admit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does milk chocolate bark take to set?

It typically needs about an hour in the refrigerator to firm up completely. If your kitchen runs warm, you might want to give it closer to 90 minutes just to be safe.

How do you store milk chocolate bark with almonds?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for up to two weeks. I like separating layers with parchment paper so the pieces don't stick.

Can you freeze homemade chocolate bark?

Yes, and it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly or seal it in a freezer bag, and it'll keep for around three months. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

What other nuts and dried fruits can you add to chocolate bark?

Almost anything works. I've used pecans, cashews, and pistachios in place of almonds, and dried cranberries or raisins instead of cherries. Use whatever you already have on hand.

Recipes You May Like

• Rich Homemade Christmas Fudge: another no bake treat that's perfect for gifting or snacking during the holidays
• White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge: if you love the sweet and simple vibe of bark, this fudge hits the same note with a peppermint twist
• Creamy Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls: a great next treat to try if chocolate and a little crunch are your thing

Final Thoughts On This Chocolate Bark Recipe

This milk chocolate bark with almonds has become one of my go to treats whenever I need something sweet without much effort. It's simple, it's quick, and it always disappears fast in my house.

I hope this becomes one of your family favorites too. Let me know how it turns out for you!