Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dessert recipe? Look no further! This coffee bean chocolate bark is the perfect treat for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a fantastic homemade cooking project, ideal for gifting or simply enjoying a delightful and sophisticated snack. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something decadent but don't have a lot of time. It's a simple recipe even beginner cooks can master, resulting in a truly impressive and delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces good quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher recommended), chopped
- 1/4 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (freshly roasted is best!)
- 1/4 cup flaky sea salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts work well)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon dried cranberries or cherries
Instructions:
- Prepare your workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
- Melt the chocolate: Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.
- Assemble the bark: Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly to create a thin, rectangular layer.
- Add your toppings: Sprinkle the coarsely ground coffee beans, sea salt, and any optional ingredients (nuts, dried fruit) evenly over the melted chocolate. Gently press them into the chocolate.
- Chill and break: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and firm. Once firm, break the chocolate into irregular pieces.
Tips for the Best Coffee Bean Chocolate Bark:
- Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the bark will taste. Look for dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Don't overheat the chocolate: Overheating can cause the chocolate to become grainy or seize. Use a double boiler or microwave carefully.
- Coarsely ground coffee beans are key: Finely ground coffee beans can get lost in the chocolate; coarsely ground beans provide better texture and visual appeal.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon or chili flakes to create your own unique variations.
Variations:
- Milk Chocolate Bark: Substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate.
- White Chocolate Bark: Use white chocolate for a sweeter, lighter version.
- Spiced Bark: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to the melted chocolate.
- Espresso Bark: Use finely ground espresso powder instead of coffee beans (or in addition to them).
Nutritional Information (per serving – approximate, varies based on ingredients):
This will vary depending on the specific chocolate and added ingredients used, but a rough estimate for a 1-ounce serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
This Coffee Bean Chocolate Bark is the perfect easy recipe, a quick dinner idea, a healthy treat (in moderation!), and a delicious addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. Enjoy!