Dessert Articles & Tips |Cadbury Desserts Corner

DIY Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut Bark: A Crunchy Delight

Written by Deepali Verma | Apr 16, 2025 4:00:00 AM

Want something sweet but simple to make? Whether a holiday season or just an informal gathering, it's wonderful to have a quick go-to chocolate dessert. Homemade Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut Bark is the perfect solution - easy to make but decadent enough to present on a special occasion.

Many of us remember those quick dessert fixes - throwing ingredients at the last minute when guests are on their way or a sudden craving strike. Chocolate bark is one such solution. It’s quick, customizable, and brings together contrasting elements in every bite. With milk chocolate as the base and hazelnuts for a rich crunch, this bark is a treat that feels indulgent yet doable. And, of course, by making it at home, you can try out various add-ins, ideal for pleasing your palate or sharing with friends and loved ones.

If you like a nutty edge, a spice kick, or a fruit punch, there's a bark type out there for you. Beginning with this Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut Bark is the best way to indulge in a sweet treat that's simple to prepare in your own kitchen.

Recipe for DIY Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut Bark

Ingredients:

  • 300g good-quality milk chocolate
  • 150g roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (for a smoother melt)

Method:

  1. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring to ensure smoothness.
  2. Once melted, spread the chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
  3. Sprinkle roughly chopped hazelnuts over the melted chocolate, pressing them lightly to help them stick.
  4. You can also sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for contrast.
  5. Allow the bark to come to room temperature or refrigerate until hard.
  6. Break into random pieces before serving.

7 Various DIY Barks to Try

Dark Chocolate & Almond Bark

For those who enjoy a deeper flavor, dark chocolate is a great foundation. Melt 400g of dark chocolate and coat thinly. Add 150g of toasted almonds and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. Almonds provide a nutty crunch, and sea salt cuts the sweetness of the chocolate. For an Indian touch, add a sprinkle of cardamom powder to the mixture.

White Chocolate & Cranberry Bark

This bark is sweet with a tangy kick. Melt 400g of milk chocolate and spread it out in an even layer. Sprinkle 100g of crushed biscuits and 100g of biscuit pieces for a combination of sweetness, crunch, and biscuity goodness. A sprinkle of orange zest adds a bright citrus flavor.

Milk Chocolate & Biscuit Bark

If you are a fan of the contrast of creamy chocolate and crunchy biscuits, this bark is ideal. Melt 400g of milk chocolate and add 150g of crushed Marie biscuits or digestive biscuits. Spread the mixture onto parchment paper and top with more biscuit crumbs for a crunchy finish. This one goes really well with a cup of coffee or tea.

Spiced Dark Chocolate Bark

Add some Indian masalas to give a twist to your bark. Melt dark chocolate, 400g, and add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder for a warm burn. Top with roasted cashews and a dash of sea salt before cooling. Warm spices and deep chocolate create an unforgettable bark.

Caramel & Cashew Bark

Pairing sweetness with the crunch of a nut, this one begins with melting 400g of milk chocolate. Squeeze caramel sauce liberally over the spread chocolate, then add 150g of toasted cashews. Add a pinch of flaky salt to balance out the sweetness and bring out the flavor.

Fruit & Nut Bark

For a balanced treat, melt 400g of milk chocolate and combine it with a selection of dried fruits and nuts. Include 75g each of raisins, chopped apricots, and almonds for an indulgent mix. The pairing of chewy fruits and crunchy nuts makes for a indulgent bite. This option is perfect for gifting at holiday times.

Coffee & Hazelnut Bark

Coffee fans may have a go at this invigorating twist. Melt 400g of milk chocolate and blend in 2 teaspoons of instant coffee powder. Stir thoroughly before spreading the mixture on parchment paper. Top with 150g of hazelnuts for a robust nutty kick and leave to cool until set. The strong coffee flavors work perfectly with the creamy milk chocolate.