What is Almond Bark?
Almond bark, as the name implies, is a type of confection that is made with almonds. It is typically made from liquified white, milk, or dark chocolate mixed with chopped almonds. The mixture is spread out and left to set into a semi-hard sheet of chocolate and nuts that can easily be broken down into pieces for serving.Some History and Disambiguation
Almonds and chocolate have been paired in delicious confections since before the United States was a nation. Almond bark, as we know it now, was first sold in stores in the early part of the 20th century. Hershey’s, for example, started adding almonds to their chocolate bars in 1908. Obviously, Hershey bars are a little thicker than what we usually think about when we hear the phrase “almond bark,” but the similarities are hard to ignore. Today, you’ll find that almond bark is still a popular treat, especially around the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It’s important to note, however, that the candy you will make with this recipe is very different from something called “almond bark,” which you may find in the baking aisle of your favorite grocery store. That almond bark contains no nuts, in fact. It is a candy coating that is called almond bark because it was originally used to cover almonds. It also does not contain any chocolate whatsoever. Instead, it is made using vegetable fats, sugar, and other artificial ingredients.Benefits of Homemade Almond Bark
Making almond bark at home will benefit you in many ways. First, it allows you to control what goes into it, thus ensuring that your almond bark is made with only the highest-quality ingredients (and, most importantly, actual chocolate). Second, it’s a fun and easy project you can complete with friends or family members to create God-honoring moments of connection. Finally, homemade almond bark makes for a thoughtful and delicious gift.Ingredients
To make almond bark, you’ll need the following:- Chocolate chips (white, dark, or milk chocolate)*
- Chopped almonds
- Optional: any additional toppings (dried fruit, candy, sprinkles, etc.)
Types of Chocolate for Almond Bark
When it comes to making almond bark, there are a few different types of chocolate you could use.- White chocolate: White chocolate is sweet and creamy, and it’s perfect for those who prefer a sweeter flavor. It’s also perfect for Christmas-themed bark, topped with red and green sprinkles or candies.
- Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate has a richer and more intense flavor. This bark is perfect for those who prefer a stronger, more bitter, chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate is my absolute favorite, and it’s pretty much the only chocolate I eat anymore because of the relatively low sugar content and the numerous health benefits.
- Milk chocolate: Milk chocolate is a happy medium between white and dark chocolate. This chocolate is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle, balanced chocolate flavor.
How to Make Almond Bark – Step by Step
Once you have all of your ingredients, it’s time to make the almond bark! Follow these step-by-step instructions for delicious homemade almond bark.- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt 2 cups of chocolate chips or chunks in a double boiler or in the microwave (about 30 seconds at a time, stirring frequently).
- Once the chocolate is melted, stir in one cup of chopped almonds.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle any desired toppings over the chocolate mixture. Make sure you use enough to cover the entire sheet of chocolate.
- Let the almond bark cool and set for at least an hour.
- Once the almond bark has set, break it into pieces and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Tips for Perfect Almond Bark
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best results.
- Make sure to stir the chocolate and almond mixture well to ensure that the almonds are evenly distributed.
- Use a spatula to spread the chocolate mixture out evenly on the baking sheet.
- Don’t overdo it with the toppings. Less is often more when it comes to almond bark. For example, you might want to use sprinkles or dried fruit, but probably not both. Presentation is everything.
Creative, Fun Variations – Extra Nutty and Salty
One of the best things about almond bark is that it’s incredibly versatile. I’ve already mentioned a few different ways you can customize this recipe to fit your individual taste, but here are a few more.Salty Almond Bark
- Follow the recipe above, but substitute one cup of crushed almonds with one cup of crushed pretzels. Alternatively, you could layer crushed pretzels on top of the chocolate-almond mixture before setting.
Extra Nutty Almond Bark
- Follow the recipe above, but try adding a mix of one cup chopped peanuts and cashews to the one cup of chopped almonds in the melted chocolate. This doesn’t have to be a one-nut show, but almonds can still receive top billing.
Sugar-Free Almond Bark
- Follow the recipe above, but use sugar-free dark chocolate chips. This would be the perfect treat for anyone you know who is careful about their sugar intake for whatever reason.
Storing and Gifting Almond Bark
If you’re gifting almond bark, consider wrapping it in clear or colored cellophane with a bow. You can also place it in a decorative box or tin lined with parchment paper.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Almond bark is a delicious treat that is perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth cravings. Making homemade almond bark is easy enough for even the least confident home cook to perfect. It’s also a great choice for the health-conscious cook because it allows you to control the ingredients. Whether you prefer classic almond bark, sugar-free, extra-salty, or nutty versions, there’s a recipe out there for you and all your favorite almond bark eaters. So, why not give it a try and make some delicious homemade almond bark today?*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you purchase something at these sites.
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