Chocolate Hazelnut Bark

Why This Chocolate Hazelnut Bark Became My New Holiday Favorite

I’ve been making peppermint bark for years, but this holiday season I decided to try something different. This chocolate hazelnut bark came together for a guest post on Make and Takes, and it quickly became a new favorite. The secret is Nutella stirred into melted dark chocolate, then topped with crunchy chopped hazelnuts. It’s simple enough to whip up in minutes, and it makes a wonderful homemade gift.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Bark

• Only four ingredients and 15 minutes of prep, no baking required.
• The combination of dark chocolate and Nutella gives a rich, true hazelnut flavor without extra work.
• It sets in just 25 to 30 minutes, so you can go from start to finished gift in under an hour.

Key Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Bark

• Dark chocolate: Use high-quality bars or chips with at least 60% cacao. Avoid chocolate that contains vegetable oils or additives, as they can affect the melt and final texture.
• Nutella: This gives the bark its signature hazelnut flavor and a creamy consistency. You can substitute another chocolate-hazelnut spread if needed, but avoid low-fat versions.
• Hazelnuts: Toast them first for extra crunch and a deeper nutty taste. Chop them finely so they distribute evenly and stick to the chocolate.

Kitchen Tools for Chocolate Hazelnut Bark

• Double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water)
• 11-by-17-inch baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula for spreading the chocolate evenly

Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Hazelnut Bark

Use good-quality dark chocolate for the smoothest melt and deepest flavor. Chop the hazelnuts finely so they stick to the bark and don’t fall off when you break it into pieces. Line your baking sheet well with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides, that makes lifting the finished bark out much easier. When melting the chocolate in a double boiler, stir constantly and keep the heat low. If the chocolate gets too hot, it can seize or turn grainy. Once you stir in the Nutella and hazelnut extract, work quickly to spread the mixture evenly before it starts to set.

Gift Giving Tips for Chocolate Hazelnut Bark

This bark makes a thoughtful homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers. Package pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon, or layer them in a decorative tin with parchment between each layer. Attach a small tag with storage instructions, keep refrigerated and enjoy within a week. Because the recipe comes together so quickly, you can easily double it and make several batches for holiday gifting.

Variations on Chocolate Hazelnut Bark

If you prefer a sweeter bark, swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate. For a savory-sweet twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top right after you add the hazelnuts. Toasted hazelnuts bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor, just spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes before chopping. You can also fold in a handful of dried cherries or chopped dried apricots along with the hazelnuts for a fruity contrast.

Serving Ideas for Chocolate Hazelnut Bark

Break the bark into irregular pieces and arrange them on a small platter for a simple dessert or snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or hot cocoa. For a holiday dessert board, set the pieces alongside fresh berries, dried figs, and a few cheese wedges. The bark also works well as a topping for ice cream, just crumble a few pieces over vanilla or coffee ice cream.

How to Store Chocolate Hazelnut Bark

Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving so the chocolate softens slightly and the texture becomes more pleasant to bite into. If you stack pieces, separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Chocolate Hazelnut Bark FAQs