Dessert is an afterthought for us during winter. By afterthought I mean—we think about it once it’s too late to make anything. It’s never forgotten. We usually ditch our always-at-the-ready ice cream until the weather warms, unless Talenti is on sale. In that case, we just turn up the heat. Lately though, I’ve been filling my little ice cream bowl with granola and dark chocolate chunks just before bed. I know something’s good when Kev follows suit. (He’s been following suit).
With Christmas in the air and varieties of bark on store shelves, I decided to turn this pantry dessert into its own variety. It’s easy, healthy, and you probably have everything on hand. But in case you don’t, head to Target because allll the ingredients are on sale when you use Cartwheel (more on that below). Pssst: Kev said Talenti is on sale too. Our freezer may or may not be full.
A couple things you may not know about me. #1 I’m just like every other woman out there. I LOVE Target (with a passion). #2 I HATE to buy anything full price. (I also hate to cut coupons. I’m much too unorganized for this money saving technique.) This love/hate relationship has now been resolved with Target’s Cartwheel app, my newest obsession.
Here’s how it works:
1. Download the app. 2. Create an account. 3. Scroll through offers and/or scan products you already buy from Target. 4. Add offers one at a time to your “Cartwheel” list. (You’ll get 10 spots when you begin, and can earn more, like the first time you use Cartwheel at the store.) 5. Go to Target and pick up the things on your list, then show the cashier your digital barcode at the checkout. 6. With one scan, all your savings come off your bill. Easy as that.
I like to think of this as a healthy(er) dessert or edible gift. Use this recipe as a guide. Amounts and ingredients will vary per person. Follow your heart and dig through your pantry or head to Target. Just be sure to properly temper your chocolate.
Temper desired amount of chocolate. My favorite tempering method can be found over at The Kitchn.
Pour chocolate on to prepared baking sheet and evenly spread around until chocolate is about 1/8″ thick. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, gather toppings. Sprinkle about as you please.
Allow chocolate to harden completely at room temperature before cutting, at least 1 hour. Chop with a sharp knife. Store at room temperature lightly covered, or package as gifts.
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This looks amazing. I have been looking for something to make for Christmas gifts and I think I found it. I would love some measurements though. How big is the pan in the pic and how much chocolate did you use? The rest I think I can do. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hey Maryanne! It really depends how much you want to make. I didn’t measure at all for this recipe. I probably used about a half a bag of chocolate chips (around 6 ounces) and poured onto a 9 x 13″ pan for the pictures. If I had to guess, I might have gotten 3-4 small gifts out of it. Hope this helps!
Yet ANOTHER reason to be sad there is no target near where I live! Sigh. Thank goodness I have plenty of chocolate/odds and ends in my kitchen sink to make these. Time to eat my feelings.
L O V E bark — this looks amazing!! Anytime I can throw miscellaneous together and come up with a sweet treat I’m a happy camper. Can’t wait to try this recipe!! Best wishes. xo
I love Cartwheel! I’m obsessed with finding deals. My grocery store actually has an app like this that I use religiously as well. Oh, and the bark looks fabulous.
What a neat quick-and-easy dessert idea! Your photos are stunning (as always). I’ve been hearing about this app some in the parts of the internet I hang out, I must check it out soon! XOXO
This looks amazing. I have been looking for something to make for Christmas gifts and I think I found it. I would love some measurements though. How big is the pan in the pic and how much chocolate did you use? The rest I think I can do. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hey Maryanne! It really depends how much you want to make. I didn’t measure at all for this recipe. I probably used about a half a bag of chocolate chips (around 6 ounces) and poured onto a 9 x 13″ pan for the pictures. If I had to guess, I might have gotten 3-4 small gifts out of it. Hope this helps!
Thanks so much. It definitely helps. I am going to make a bunch. So I’ll start by doubling it. 🙂
Awesome. Let me know if any questions come up!
Yet ANOTHER reason to be sad there is no target near where I live! Sigh. Thank goodness I have plenty of chocolate/odds and ends in my kitchen sink to make these. Time to eat my feelings.
Prettiest chocolate bark ever! Love the red from the cranberries and the green from the pumpkin seeds!
Oh LOVE this! So gorgeous as a Christmas gift too!
Cashews + chocolate = match made in heaven.
This sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Cartwheel is awesome- It’s only furthered my Target addiction 🙂
L O V E bark — this looks amazing!! Anytime I can throw miscellaneous together and come up with a sweet treat I’m a happy camper. Can’t wait to try this recipe!! Best wishes. xo
That GIF was too cute! 🙂 And I, of course, being a woman, love Target, too 😉
Your kitchen sink bark is waaaaay prettier than mine! haha, I just love the looks of this!
I love Cartwheel! I’m obsessed with finding deals. My grocery store actually has an app like this that I use religiously as well. Oh, and the bark looks fabulous.
Ooooh so pretty!
Holy moly, this is wonderful!
This looks great i love the first photo it’s beautiful xx
Yessss this sounds awesome, I love that first image, brilliant little cuts. And, yay for Target…I mean what girl can resist it?
What a neat quick-and-easy dessert idea! Your photos are stunning (as always). I’ve been hearing about this app some in the parts of the internet I hang out, I must check it out soon! XOXO
I love love love bark like this! An easy way to use up all the half empty bags in my pantry : )