Decadent Chocolate Cashew Bark

Name: Decadent Chocolate Cashew Bark
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup roasted cashews, coarsely chopped; ½ teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making Decadent Chocolate Cashew Bark whenever I want a quick and delightful treat. This easy recipe combines rich chocolate with crunchy cashews, making it ideal for sharing or indulging on my own. Each mouthwatering bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness that never fails to impress. Plus, it's incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and just a bit of time, resulting in a stunning treat that rivals anything from a fancy store.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T15:14:28.237Z

When I first set out to create this Decadent Chocolate Cashew Bark, I experimented with various toppings and flavor combinations. I realized that the toasted cashews add the perfect crunch and slightly salty note, making the rich chocolate even more irresistible. I love how simple it is to customize, adding extras like sea salt or dried fruit for an extra burst of flavor.

Another tip I discovered is that tempering the chocolate slightly can elevate the texture, creating a beautiful sheen on the bark. I always make sure to spread the chocolate evenly on the parchment paper, ensuring perfect slices that look as amazing as they taste. Enjoying this treat with friends or family has definitely become one of my favorite moments!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy cashews
Quick and simple preparation for satisfying cravings
Perfect for gifting or entertaining

      

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of rich semisweet chocolate and crunchy roasted cashews in this bark creates a delightful contrast that elevates any snack time. The chocolate provides a deep, luscious sweetness, while the cashews introduce a nutty flavor and satisfying texture. This chocolate bark is neither overly sweet nor too salty, making it a well-balanced treat that you can enjoy without feeling guilty.

When selecting chocolate for this recipe, opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate chips. They melt smoothly and retain a nice sheen, giving your bark an appealing finish. If you prefer a sweeter profile, you can substitute a portion of the semisweet chocolate with milk chocolate, but keep in mind that this will change the overall flavor of the bark.

Tips for a Successful Bark

Melting the chocolate correctly is crucial for achieving a glossy finish without any graininess. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each to prevent overheating. If the chocolate becomes too hot, it may seize up, rendering it unusable. If this happens, you can try to save it by adding a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil and stirring until smooth again.

After mixing in the cashews, make sure you spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. It should be about 1/4 inch thick for optimal texture. A rubber spatula works best for this task, allowing you to push the chocolate into the corners of the sheet. If you wish to add extra flavor, consider swirling in a bit of melted dark chocolate on top for a stylish touch.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cashew Bark Ingredients

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup roasted cashews, coarsely chopped
½ teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Keep in mind that you can customize the nuts or add dried fruit for more variety!

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

Add Cashews

Stir the coarsely chopped cashews into the melted chocolate until evenly coated.

Spread and Cool

Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.

Set the Bark

Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until set. Once firm, break into pieces and serve.

Enjoy your homemade Decadent Chocolate Cashew Bark!

Pro Tips

For best results, use high-quality chocolate, and ensure the cashews are unsalted for the right balance of flavors.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Once your Decadent Chocolate Cashew Bark has set, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Just make sure that it is completely cooled and hardened before sealing it away to avoid any moisture getting in. If you live in a particularly warm environment, refrigerating the bark may help maintain its firmness, but be aware that it may lose some of its snap.

This recipe is perfect for make-ahead treats. You can prepare the bark a week in advance for parties or gift-giving. Just remember to cut it into pieces before storing, as it is easier to grab and serve when pre-portioned. If you need to transport the bark, lining it with parchment paper in the container can help prevent sticking.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize your chocolate cashew bark by adding different ingredients. For a fruity touch, consider folding in dried cranberries or cherries with the cashews. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for a tropical twist. If you're a fan of spicy flavors, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chocolate before mixing in the cashews to give it a kick.

You can also swap out cashews for other nuts such as pistachios or almonds depending on your preference. Each nut brings its own flavor and crunch, allowing you to create a variety of chocolate bark options. Just make sure whichever nuts you choose are roasted to enhance their flavor and maintain that satisfying crunch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?

Yes, milk chocolate will work but will result in a sweeter bark.

→ How should I store the chocolate bark?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

→ Can I add other nuts or toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with almonds, walnuts, or even dried fruit.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free chocolate chips, it will be gluten-free.