Love at first bite! This Marbled Valentine’s Bark combines rich dark chocolate with fruity ruby chocolate for the perfect Valentine’s treat.
This Marbled Valentine’s Bark brings together the rich intensity of dark chocolate and the unique, fruity elegance of ruby chocolate, all jazzed up with festive Valentine’s M&Ms and playful sprinkles. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that promises to be the star of your Valentine’s Day celebrations!
Why You’ll Love This Marbled Valentine’s Bark Recipe
- Unique blend of chocolates: The delightfully different ruby chocolate marbled with rich dark chocolate offers a unique taste experience that’s both fruity and deeply satisfying.
- Festive and fun: With Valentine-themed M&Ms and cheerful sprinkles, this bark is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- Perfect for sharing: Ideal for gifting or serving at parties, this treat is a surefire way to spread the love.
- Simple and quick: Easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for when you need a quick yet impressive sweet treat.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative and add your personal touch with different toppings or types of chocolate. It doesn’t have to be for Valentine’s Day; change the toppings and colors to suit the occasion!
What You’ll Need
- Dark chocolate – I like to use a chocolate with about 70% cacao content to contrast with the lighter, sweeter ruby chocolate.
- Ruby chocolate – The pretty pink color of ruby chocolate is a perfect visual contrast to the dark chocolate. While it’s not as commonly found as white chocolate, it’s becoming more and more prevalent. See below for more information about this unusual chocolate.
- Toppings – I love adding M&M candies in Valentine’s colors along with some sprinkles. You can, of course, get creative and use other toppings you like.
What is Ruby Chocolate?
Ruby chocolate is a relatively new addition to the chocolate family, first introduced to the world in 2017. It’s known for its striking pink color, which is naturally derived from ruby cocoa beans. Ruby chocolate offers a smooth and creamy texture, with flavor notes that are a delightful mix of berry fruitiness and luscious smoothness. It’s a true standout in the chocolate world, offering a completely new taste experience.
What Can I Substitute for Ruby Chocolate?
If you’re unable to find ruby chocolate, you can use white chocolate in this recipe. White chocolate is sweeter and creamier with a distinct vanilla and milk flavor, while ruby chocolate stands out for its natural berry flavors and a slightly tart, yet smooth and creamy profile. If you’re using white chocolate and would like a bit of that pink color, you can add a drop of red food coloring to melted white chocolate.
How to Make Valentine’s Chocolate Bark
It’s so, so easy to make this fantastic ruby chocolate bark. Let’s walk through the steps together.
- Prepare the pan. Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil, making sure the lining is smooth.
- Melt the dark chocolate. Place the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at half-power for 30 seconds at a time until the chocolate melts when you stir it. If you prefer, you can instead melt the chocolate in a double boiler.
- Melt the ruby chocolate. Place the ruby chocolate in a separate microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the same way that you melted the dark chocolate.
- Spread and marble the chocolates. Pour the melted dark chocolate on the lined pan, and spread to an even thickness. Aim for about 1/4-inch thick or just a bit less. Drizzle the melted ruby chocolate on top and use a thin icing spatula, a skewer, or a toothpick to swirl the two chocolate together gently.
- Add the toppings. Place the candies and sprinkles on top of the chocolates.
- Chill. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about an hour to let the bark set.
- Break into pieces. Use a sharp knife to cut into pieces or simply use your hands to break the bark apart.
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your Marbled Valentine’s Bark turns out perfectly? Check out these tips for a foolproof experience and stunning results. From melting to marbling, these pointers will help you craft this sweet treat like a pro!
- Take your time. Melting the chocolate slowly and stirring it frequently will help it melt more smoothly without clumping.
- Minimize marbling. To create a beautiful marbled effect, pour the melted dark chocolate onto your baking sheet first, then add dollops of melted ruby chocolate. Use an icing spatula, a toothpick, or a skewer to swirl the two chocolates together gently. Don’t over-mix, as you want to maintain distinct streaks of each chocolate.
- Add the toppings before the chocolate sets. Sprinkle the M&Ms and Valentine’s sprinkles over the chocolate while it’s still tacky, not completely set. This ensures they stick well but also allows you to adjust their placement if needed.
- Don’t chill the bark too long. Chilling it just until it’s set will prevent any condensation or bloom from forming on the surface.
Get Creative: Delicious Variations
Love to mix it up? Give a personal twist to this Marbled Valentine’s Bark with these easy and delightful variations. Whether you’re a fan of nuts, fruits, or want to dial up the chocolate, there’s a version here for everyone to fall in love with!
- Nutty delight: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts to the top of the bark for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Fruity twist: Sprinkle dried cranberries, chopped dried cherries, or freeze-dried raspberries for a burst of fruity tartness.
- White chocolate swirl: Add a swirl of melted white chocolate for a three-chocolate medley that’s visually stunning and delicious. I’d recommend using the same amount or a bit less as the ruby chocolate.
How to Store
Let your Valentine’s chocolate bark cool and set completely before storing. Store the bark in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. If your kitchen is warm, you might prefer to keep it in the refrigerator, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Can Chocolate Bark Be Frozen?
Yes! Ensure the bark is completely set and cooled to room temperature before preparing it for the freezer. This prevents any condensation from forming, which could affect the texture and appearance. Place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers of bark if you’re stacking them to help prevent the pieces from sticking together. Store the bark in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the bark in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Then, let it come to room temperature before serving. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and prevents condensation.
More Valentine’s Treats
Marbled Valentine's Chocolate Bark
Make this Valentine's Day unforgettable with this Marbled Valentine's Bark – a simple, yet stunning dessert that's sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340g) dark chocolate (about 70% cacao)
- 6 ounces (170g) ruby chocolate*
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup M&M candies
- sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil, making sure the foil is smooth.
- Place the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at half-power in the microwave in 30-second intervals until the chocolate melts when stirred. Set aside.
- Place the ruby chocolate in a separate microwave-safe bowl, and melt in the same way.
- Spread the melted dark chocolate on the lined pan, making sure to create an even layer. Aim for about 1/4-inch thick.
- Drizzle the melted ruby chocolate over the dark chocolate. Use a thin knife, a toothpick, or another implement to swirl the chocolates gently.
- Sprinkle the candies and sprinkles over the swirled chocolates. They should stick to the wet chocolates, but you can press down lightly to adhere if needed.
- Place the bark in the refrigerator until it's set. This should take about an hour.
- Break the bark into pieces and serve or store.
Notes
*You can substitute white chocolate and an optional drop of red food coloring for a similar look. The flavor will be a bit different.
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