Gourmet Chocolate Bark & Mendiants: Easy DIY Recipes for Custom Treats

Transform humble chocolate bark into an exquisite gourmet experience with a diverse array of tempting toppings. From delightfully fun and spunky mixes to wholesome, health-conscious choices, and even irresistibly exotic flavor profiles, there’s a combination for every palate. Get ready to elevate your sweet treats to new culinary heights!

What is it about chocolate that grants it such universal adoration? Regardless of whether you’re feeling stressed, weary, or down, or perhaps you’re simply unwinding, joyful, or celebrating a special moment – chocolate consistently emerges as the perfect companion. Just one indulgent mouthful of this exquisitely sweet (or sublimely bitter) confection has the remarkable power to align the world, or at the very least, make your day considerably brighter. Its rich history and comforting presence have solidified its place as a staple in our lives, offering solace and celebration in equal measure.

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”
― Charles M. Schulz

The Irresistible Charm of Homemade Chocolate Bark

When searching for an effortless, no-cook dessert perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion, look no further than chocolate bark. This versatile treat is incredibly simple to prepare and offers endless possibilities for customization, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Imagine arriving at a party or barbecue with a beautifully arranged tray of colorful chocolate bark chunks – you’ll undoubtedly become everyone’s favorite guest, instantly! The beauty of homemade chocolate bark lies in its adaptability; you can tailor the toppings to perfectly match your personal preferences, cater to specific dietary needs, or simply utilize those intriguing ingredients already tucked away in your pantry.

The process couldn’t be simpler: begin by melting a quantity of high-quality chocolate, spread it thinly onto a prepared surface, and then generously sprinkle it with your chosen assortment of crispy, crunchy, nutty, or fruity embellishments. After a short period of setting, which can be done at room temperature or in the refrigerator, you simply break the hardened chocolate into delightful, nibble-sized pieces. It’s a wonderfully engaging activity, even for children, who often delight in helping with the sprinkling and breaking stages.

Making chocolate bark can be a fun family affair. For instance, Meredith enjoyed helping create several batches, and for an extra touch of whimsy, we swirled different varieties of melted chocolate together, creating beautiful marbled effects. She particularly loved assembling a “fully loaded” version of milk chocolate bark, which included a delightful medley of homemade sprinkles, crunchy pretzel bits, nutritious sunflower seeds, rich toffee pieces, and colorful mini M&M candies. The result was a vibrant, texturally exciting treat that truly captured the joy of playful baking.

Deciding on a single favorite flavor combination proved to be a delightful challenge, as everyone in our group had their own distinct preference. However, the dark chocolate bark adorned with crispy bacon bits, toasted pecans, rich butter toffee pieces, and aromatic coffee beans received a significant number of votes. Its intriguing blend of sweet, salty, bitter, and smoky notes created a truly memorable and sophisticated treat that surprised and pleased many palates.

Elegance in Every Bite: Mastering Mendiants

For those moments when you desire an even more refined and elegant presentation, consider transforming your melted chocolate into individual, delicate rounds known as mendiants. These exquisite chocolate disks are traditionally studded with a medley of dried fruits and nuts, echoing the classic French mendiants typically served during the Christmas season. However, their simple sophistication makes them a wonderful indulgence at any time of year.

Mendiants embody a timeless charm; simple and classic designs are always in season. They are also an ideal make-ahead dessert, perfect for when you wish to offer a sweet yet light conclusion to a special dinner, or even after a casual barbecue. Their delicate size and rich flavors provide just the right touch of sweetness without being overly heavy, making them a superb choice for a sophisticated end to any meal.

Expert Tips for Flawless Chocolate Treats

* * * * *

Crafting perfect chocolate bark and mendiants begins with choosing the right ingredients and following a few key techniques. Here are some essential tips to ensure your homemade chocolate treats are absolutely delicious every time:

• Start with Superior Quality Chocolate: The foundation of exceptional chocolate bark or mendiants is, without a doubt, high-quality chocolate. Whether you prefer the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate, the intense richness of dark chocolate, or the subtle vanilla notes of white chocolate, investing in good couverture or baking bars will significantly impact the final flavor and texture. Many bulk food sections or specialty stores offer wonderful Belgian chocolate, which is often a fantastic choice for its smooth melt and rich taste.
• Consider Dairy-Free Options: For those with dietary restrictions or who prefer a dairy-free treat, excellent quality dairy-free dark chocolate is readily available. Simply ensure your chosen chocolate is certified dairy-free to make both your bark and mendiants suitable for everyone to enjoy.
• Toast Your Nuts for Enhanced Flavor: To unlock the deepest, most aromatic flavors from your nuts, always make sure to toast them first. A quick 8-10 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven will transform them from bland to beautifully fragrant and crunchy. Alternatively, you can opt for pre-roasted and salted nuts. The addition of a salty element, whether from nuts, pretzels, or even salted popcorn, creates an incredibly satisfying contrast with the sweetness of chocolate.
• Prevent Melting on the Go: If you plan to transport your delicious chocolate bark pieces to an outdoor event like a picnic or barbecue, remember that chocolate is sensitive to heat. To prevent melting, place a frozen ice-pack on top of the sealed container or store the container in a cooler. This simple step will ensure your treats arrive in perfect condition.
• Understanding Chocolate Bloom: Occasionally, after storing chocolate for a while, you might notice a white or grayish film on its surface. This phenomenon, known as “bloom,” is typically cocoa butter that has separated and risen to the surface, often occurring if the chocolate wasn’t tempered perfectly or was subjected to temperature fluctuations. While it might not look as visually appealing, it is entirely harmless and does not affect the chocolate’s delicious flavor or safety for consumption. Simply enjoy it!

The Ultimate Chocolate Bark Recipe

Ingredients

• 250 gms / 9 oz of good quality milk, dark, or white chocolate (approximately 1 and ⅓ cup chocolate chips)
• Assorted whole nuts or seeds (e.g., almonds, pecans, pistachios, sunflower seeds)
• Assorted dried fruits (e.g., raisins, apricots, candied ginger, cranberries, goji berries)
• Various “extra bits” for texture and flavor (e.g., pretzels, popcorn, mini M&Ms, toffee bits, sprinkles, cacao nibs)

Instructions

1. Prepare Nuts (if using): If your recipe calls for untoasted nuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and emit a fragrant aroma. Allow them to cool completely before using. (If using roasted, salted nuts, you can skip this step.)
2. Melt the Chocolate:
   • Double Boiler Method: Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water (ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water). Stir frequently until the chocolate is just melted and smooth. Carefully lift the bowl from the saucepan and wipe any condensation from its bottom to prevent water droplets from mixing with the chocolate.
   • Microwave Method: Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe glass container. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is just melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
3. Spread the Chocolate: Line a flat baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared surface and use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly into an 8 to 9-inch (20-23 cm) circle, or divide it into two smaller circles for varied toppings.
4. Add Toppings: Immediately and generously sprinkle your chosen ingredients from one of the combinations below, or unleash your creativity to design your unique variation. Press them down gently to ensure they adhere to the chocolate.
5. Allow to Set: Let the chocolate harden at room temperature for several hours or place it in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes for quicker setting.
6. Break into Pieces: Once fully hardened, carefully lift the chocolate disk from the parchment paper. If the chocolate was refrigerated, allow it to return to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before breaking. Chocolate that is too cold can cause toppings to detach easily. At room temperature, the chocolate is slightly more pliable, giving you better control when breaking it into appealing, irregular pieces.

Makes one 8-9 inch (20-23 cm) disk of gourmet chocolate bark.

Inspiring Topping Combinations

Unleash your culinary imagination with these delightful suggestions, or craft your own signature blend:

• Tropical Crunch: Broken banana chips, perfectly salted peanuts, and playful mini Reese’s Pieces candies offer a sweet and savory delight.
• Superfood Power: Toasted salted pumpkin seeds, vibrant goji berries, and a dusting of nutrient-rich bee pollen for a wholesome treat.
• Ginger & Cacao Bliss: Finely toasted sliced almonds, spicy chopped candied ginger, and crunchy, bitter cacao nibs for sophisticated flavors.
• Savory Indulgence: Crumbled crisp-cooked bacon, earthy chopped toasted pecans, buttery toffee bits, and a sprinkle of coffee beans or cacao nibs for a bold, complex taste.
• Island Escape: Golden toasted coconut flakes, chewy snipped dried pineapple pieces, and sweet snipped dried mango transport you to paradise.
• Macadamia Mango Dream: Buttery toasted macadamia nuts, tender snipped dried mango, and crispy broken banana chips create a luscious harmony.
• Citrus Nutty Bite: Toasted walnuts, zesty candied orange peel bits, and intensely flavored cacao nibs for a balanced profile.
• Kid’s Favorite: Colorful mini M&M candy-coated chocolates, airy popcorn, and perfectly salted peanuts – a playful and satisfying mix.
• Berry Almond Poppy: Tart freeze-dried strawberries, delicate slivered almonds, and tiny, nutty poppy seeds for a subtle elegance.
• Double Berry Almond: Chewy dried cranberries, sweet dried blueberries, and flaky toasted almonds for a fruit-forward sensation.
• Pistachio Rose Delight: Bright green pistachios, aromatic crushed dried rose petals, sweet golden raisins, and rich chopped dried figs for an exotic touch.
• Classic Party Mix: A mix of chopped nuts, festive sprinkles, crunchy broken pretzels, and mini M&M’s for a universally loved bark.
• Gingerbread Fig Fantasy: Crumbled gingersnap cookies, toasted walnuts or hazelnuts, and luscious chopped dried figs create a comforting, spiced treat.
• Apricot Chia Sunshine: Toasted salted sunflower seeds, sweet chopped dried apricots, and tiny, health-boosting chia seeds.
• Salty Sweet Medley: Crunchy pretzel pieces, whole salted almonds, and chewy raisins provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Pecan Popcorn Cacao: Earthy pecans, light and crispy popcorn, and intensely flavored cacao nibs for a gourmet twist.

Have fun experimenting with these combinations, or let them inspire your own unique chocolate bark masterpieces!

Elegant Mendiants Recipe

Ingredients

• 250 gms / 9 oz of good quality dark chocolate (approximately 1 and ⅓ cup chocolate chips) – yields about 16 mendiants
• Assorted whole nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, cashews, or macadamia halves)
• Assorted dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, apricots, figs, pineapple, candied ginger, etc.)

Instructions

1. Prepare Nuts (if using): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8 to 10 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool completely.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
   • Double Boiler Method: Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water (ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Stir frequently until the chocolate is just melted and smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat and thoroughly wipe any condensation from its base.
   • Microwave Method: Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe glass container. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. Avoid overheating to maintain chocolate quality.
3. Form Mendiant Rounds: Line a flat baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop heaping teaspoons of the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper, spacing them apart. Using the back of the teaspoon, gently spread each dollop into a neat 2-inch (5 cm) round. Work in batches of about 8 rounds at a time to ensure the chocolate doesn’t set before you’ve finished decorating.
4. Decorate: While the chocolate rounds are still wet, arrange several whole nuts and small pieces of dried fruit attractively on top of each mendiant. Press them down lightly to secure them.
5. Allow to Set: Let the mendiants set at room temperature until firm, or place them in the refrigerator for a quicker set (approximately 20-30 minutes).
6. Store: Once firm, carefully peel the mendiants from the parchment paper. Store them in an airtight container with layers separated by wax paper. Keep them in a cool, dry place for several weeks to maintain freshness and texture.

This recipe yields approximately 16 elegant mendiants.

Guten Appetit!

Want to receive new Kitchen Frau recipes directly to your email? Sign up here and you’ll get a handy and useful kitchen tip along with each recipe, too. (No spam ever.)

If you like my recipes, follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook. You’d make my day!

You might also like these delectable chocolate and sweet treats:

Decadent Dairy-Free Chocolate Truffles

Irresistible Chocolate Rice Krispie Cookies

Fun-to-Make Caramel Popcorn Cake

Refreshing Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas