Description
Spicy chocolate bark with chipotle and almonds blends Mexican chocolate traditions with modern culinary creativity. Layers of rich dark chocolate combine with smoky chipotle heat and crunchy almond pieces for a complex flavor experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), chopped
- ½ cup (75 g) roasted almonds, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup (25 g) dried cranberries or cherries (optional)
- ½ tsp chipotle chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for chocolate spreading. Finely chop chocolate to ensure uniform melting.
- Melting Technique: Establish a double boiler by positioning a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Continuously stir chocolate until it achieves a glossy, liquid state. Alternatively, use microwave method with brief 20-second bursts, stirring between intervals to prevent burning.
- Flavor Infusion: Blend chipotle chili powder and ground cinnamon into molten chocolate, ensuring even distribution of spicy undertones. Adjust heat level to personal taste preferences.
- Assembly and Topping: Transfer chocolate mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading with a silicone spatula to create a uniform 1/4-inch layer. Artfully scatter chopped almonds and dried cranberries across the surface, gently pressing to secure toppings.
- Setting and Breaking: Refrigerate the baking sheet for 30 minutes until chocolate sets completely. Once firm, fracture bark into rustic, irregular pieces using hands or a sharp knife.
- Serving and Storage: Arrange bark fragments on a serving platter, garnishing with a light sprinkle of sea salt to enhance flavor complexity. Serve immediately or preserve in a cool, dry location for future enjoyment.
Notes
- Chocolate Melting Mastery: Control heat carefully to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing, using low, gentle temperatures and constant stirring for smooth, glossy results.
- Spice Balance Technique: Add chili powder incrementally, tasting between additions to achieve perfect heat level without overwhelming the chocolate’s rich flavor profile.
- Topping Adhesion Strategy: Press nuts and dried fruit gently but firmly into warm chocolate to ensure they stick securely, creating a visually appealing and texturally interesting bark.
- Storage Smart Approach: Keep bark in an airtight container at cool room temperature or refrigerate to maintain crisp texture and prevent chocolate from developing white streaks or bloom.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg