Dark Chocolate Bark with Pecans & Goji Berries
Crisp, snappy dark chocolate bark loaded with buttery toasted pecans and chewy-tart goji berries. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt ties it all together. Makes a gorgeous edible gift or a quick weeknight treat in under 30 minutes.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~4 min
Toast the pecans.
1.Place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat.2.Toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned (3-4 min).3.Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.TIPWatch closely — nuts go from toasted to burnt in seconds. - prep
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Set a rimmed baking sheet on the counter and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
- temper · ~5 min
Melt the chocolate over a double boiler.
1.Bring 2 inches of water to a gentle simmer in a saucepan.2.Place chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the saucepan without touching the water.3.Stir gently until three-quarters melted, then remove bowl from heat.4.Continue stirring until completely smooth.TIPKeep the water at a bare simmer, not a boil — steam gently melts chocolate without scorching. - assemble · ~2 min
Spread the chocolate and add toppings.
1.Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.2.Spread into an even layer about ¼-inch thick using a spatula.3.Scatter toasted pecans and goji berries evenly over the surface.4.Sprinkle flaky sea salt across the top.TIPWork quickly before the chocolate begins to set. - rest · ~20 min
Chill until completely set.
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the bark set until firm and snappy, about 15-20 minutes.
TIPDon't rush — if the chocolate is still soft, it will melt on your fingers when handled. - serve · ~1 min
Break into pieces and serve.
1.Remove the bark from the refrigerator.2.Lift the parchment paper off the baking sheet.3.Break the chocolate into 8 rustic pieces by hand.4.Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.TIPFor clean edges, score the chocolate with a sharp knife before breaking.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toast the pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3–4 minutes, then cool completely before adding to the melted chocolate.
- 2Use a digital kitchen scale to weigh your chocolate for precise melting and consistent bark thickness.
- 3Keep the double boiler water at a bare simmer — steam that's too hot can seize the chocolate.
- 4Spread the melted chocolate to an even ¼-inch thickness for a snappy, professional-looking bark.
- 5Work quickly when scattering toppings; once the chocolate starts setting, they won't stick as well.
- 6Chill the bark for at least 20 minutes until it's completely firm and snaps cleanly when broken.
- 7Store bark in an airtight container between layers of wax paper in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the dark chocolate with a vegan-certified brand (many 70%+ dark chocolates are already vegan) and skip the flaky salt if it's non-vegan. Perfect for those avoiding all animal products.
High ProteinHigh-Protein
Add 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds or crushed pumpkin seeds along with the pecans for an extra protein boost. Ideal for a post-workout snack.
Low SugarLow-Sugar
Use a 90% cocoa dark chocolate and reduce goji berries to 2 tablespoons. The higher cacao content drops sugar while keeping the antioxidant benefits.
SpicedSpiced
Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the melted chocolate before spreading. A touch of heat pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart goji berries.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Replace pecans with an equal volume of roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. This variation is safe for those with nut allergies while retaining crunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Antioxidants
Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) is rich in flavonoids, and goji berries provide additional antioxidants like zeaxanthin and vitamin C.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Pecans offer monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.
Good Source of Fiber
Both dark chocolate and pecans contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
Mineral-Rich
Dark chocolate provides magnesium and iron; pecans add manganese and copper, all essential for energy and bone health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but chips often contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting. Use high-quality chips (70% cocoa) and melt gently over the double boiler.
