This Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark is a rich, glossy, and indulgent no-bake chocolate treat that is super delicious and incredibly easy to make at home.
It is a simple no-bake chocolate bark recipe made with 70% dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, and instant coffee for that deep espresso flavor.
With an optional vegan caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of kosher salt, this easy no-bake dessert goes next level.
Roast veggies in a single layer to avoid steaming. This encourages caramelization and deep natural sweetness.
Table of contents
This recipe is perfect for the times when you want a quick no-bake dessert, something elegant to serve to your guests, or a homemade treat that looks like it came straight from a chocolate boutique.
Whether you are making it as a homemade chocolate bark gift, a weekend treat, or a festive dessert, this is a fail-proof recipe you will come back to again and again.
About Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark
This Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark is an easy no-bake dessert recipe that requires no oven, no complicated equipment, and almost no prep time. It needs only 5 minutes of your effective time when made from start to finish.
The combination of dark chocolate and hazelnut flavors with espresso notes makes a bold and satisfying espresso chocolate dessert. This easy method makes one of the best chocolate bark recipes for beginners and experienced home cooks alike.
I love coffee and I love chocolate, and this recipe brings both together in the easiest and most comforting way. This espresso hazelnut dark chocolate bark is inspired by cozy coffee moments and a love for simple desserts that feel special without being complicated.
This espresso hazelnut dark chocolate bark balances bitter, nutty, and sweet flavors beautifully while staying easily customizable.
It is naturally gluten-free and a fully vegan chocolate bark, and works well as a plant-based chocolate bark or no-bake vegan dessert.
It’s the kind of simple chocolate dessert I love to make when I want something homemade that feels indulgent and familiar at the same time.
Whether you are making it for a celebration, holiday gifting, or everyday snacking, this recipe is reliable and always impressive.
Just make it a treat you make for yourself, share with loved ones, and come back to whenever you need a little comfort.
Why You’ll Love the Recipe
This Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark
✔ is quick and easy to make
✔ is a 5-minute chocolate recipe
✔ is a no-bake treat
✔ has rich and bold espresso flavor
✔ is a lovely hazelnut recipe
✔ is easily customizable
✔ is gluten-free, vegan-friendly
✔ makes a great homemade chocolate bark gift
✔ has a perfect balance of coffee, chocolate, & nuts
✔ looks gourmet
✔ tastes like restaurant-quality chocolate bark
Ingredients
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Dark Chocolate: To form the base of this bark recipe, I used 70% dark chocolate. It adds richness along with well-known dark chocolate health benefits. You can use up to 84% dark chocolate. Sugar-free chocolate can also be used in this recipe to create a sugar-free bark.
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Instant Coffee: To give this bark its signature espresso flavor, I have used instant coffee. The addition of coffee turns it into a true coffee and chocolate fusion dessert. You can also use espresso powder in this recipe.
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Roasted Hazelnuts: To add crunch and nutty depth, and a Ferrero Rocher-like taste, I used whole roasted hazelnuts. They make this a classic hazelnut chocolate bark or coffee hazelnut dessert. You can also use coarsely chopped hazelnuts for a different texture.
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Coconut Oil: A tad bit of coconut oil is added to help the chocolate melt smoothly and to give this bark a glossy finish.
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Caramel Syrup (Optional): It is an optional ingredient, but highly recommended as it adds sweetness and makes it a visually appealing chocolate bark with caramel drizzle.
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Kosher Salt (Optional): It is also an optional ingredient, but it enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
How to Make Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark**
Making this hazelnut chocolate bark is very simple and easy to make. This Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark proves that you do not need complicated steps to create a memorable dessert.
To make this bark, break the dark chocolate into pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl.
After that, add coconut oil and microwave for about one minute total, using 20 to 30 second intervals and stirring between each round. You can also use a double boiler for melting the chocolate.
Once fully melted, stir in instant coffee until completely dissolved. Then add roasted hazelnuts and mix well.
Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray and spread evenly.
Drizzle caramel syrup on top if using and gently swirl with a toothpick. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
Chill until fully set, then break or slice into desired shapes and serve.
Variations
Gluten Chocolate Bark Recipe
To make sure that this bark is gluten-free, make sure there are no traces of gluten in the hazelnuts, dark chocolate, and caramel syrup.
Caramel Free Bark
To make this recipe caramel-free, simply omit the caramel drizzle.
Refined Sugar-Free Bark
For a refined sugar-free option, use refined sugar-free chocolate and skip the caramel drizzle.
Festive Version
When making this for holiday gifting, add dried berries and dried apricots to turn it into a holiday chocolate bark recipe.
Extra Coffee Flavor
Add more instant coffee for a stronger espresso dark chocolate bark.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy this with hot coffee, Caramel Chai, iced caramel latte, espresso, Hazelnut Affogato, or a glass of milk. Or serve it as a fancy dark chocolate bark recipe dessert with a scoop of Eggless Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream, and Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Balls, and Hazelnut Affogato.
This bark works beautifully as a gourmet hazelnut dessert for parties and gifting. Just pair it with other chocolate treats like Chocolate Pomegranate Bites, Chocolate Banana Bark, Viral Dubai Chocolate, Chocolate Covered Kiwi, and Chocolate Covered Oranges.
You can also add it to dessert platters for gatherings, or simply wrap pieces individually for a thoughtful chocolate gift recipe.
Storage Suggestions
Store this chocolate bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, which makes it perfect to prepare ahead of time.
You can also freeze it for longer storage. To freeze, wrap each bark in cling wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw it for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark
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Dark Chocolate: For the best-tasting bark, use good-quality dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa to achieve a rich flavor, as it adds to a smooth texture and noticeable dark chocolate health benefits.
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Melting the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate slowly in short microwave intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overheating and keep it smooth and glossy. You can also use the double boiler method for melting the chocolate.
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Instant Coffee: Remember to always add instant coffee to warm melted chocolate so it dissolves evenly and gives a balanced espresso flavor. Don’t add it to the chocolate before melting it in the microwave, or it might burn.
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Hazelnuts: Lightly roast the hazelnuts to enhance their nutty aroma and add extra crunch to the bark.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sparingly and swirl gently so it complements the chocolate without overpowering the espresso notes. However, adding caramel is totally optional.
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Salt: Sprinkling a small pinch of kosher salt balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor. Just remember to sprinkle it while the chocolate is still soft.
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Setting the Bark: For that perfect snap, let the bark chill completely before breaking or slicing to get clean pieces.
FAQ
Is This a Healthy Chocolate Treat?
Well, it is not exactly a diet dessert, as it has a caramel drizzle, but it can become a diet dessert if you skip adding the caramel sauce.
With the right chocolate choices, this can also be adapted into a refined sugar-free chocolate bark.
As it has all the other ingredients like dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants, and hazelnuts, which provide healthy fats and fiber, making it at home allows full control over ingredients and sweetness. So yes, it is a healthy no-bake chocolate dessert when enjoyed in moderation.
Is this a vegan chocolate bark recipe?
Yes, this can be a fully vegan chocolate bark recipe if you use vegan dark chocolate and vegan caramel syrup, like I did. The caramel drizzle is optional and can be skipped if needed.
Can I make this refined sugar-free?
Yes, you can absolutely make a refined sugar-free chocolate bark by swapping regular dark chocolate with refined sugar-free dark chocolate and skipping the caramel drizzle.
Can I skip the coffee in this recipe?
Yes, instant coffee is totally optional in this recipe. Skipping the coffee will turn this into a simple dark chocolate hazelnut bark without espresso flavor.
How long does homemade chocolate bark last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this homemade chocolate bark stays fresh for up to one week and up to 2 months in the freezer.
Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Yes, you can use other nuts like almonds, pistachios, pecans, cashews, or walnuts.
Is this a gluten-free chocolate bark?
Yes, this recipe is a naturally gluten-free chocolate bark, as it contains no flour or grain-based ingredients.
Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to Make Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark
- Break the dark chocolate into pieces and add them to a microwave safe bowl. Then add the coconut oil and microwave in 20 to 30 second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Alternatively, you can also use a double boiler to melt the chocolate.
- Then mix in 1 teaspoon instant coffee. Stir well until it fully dissolves. Taste and adjust the coffee intensity if needed.
- After that, stir in the roasted hazelnuts and mix until well combined.
- Line a flat tray or plate with parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture onto the lined tray and spread evenly.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the chocolate bark in thin lines or zigzags, and use a toothpick to blend it into the chocolate.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt.Refrigerate for 30 to 40 minutes or freeze for 10 to 15 minutes until fully set.
- Dust the bark with unsweetened cocoa glitter, optionally.
- Break into rustic bark pieces or slice into desired sizes.
- Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or milk, or store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Recipe Card
Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 7 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 45 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Desserts | International | 6 large or 12 small pieces |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 165 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark
- 200 grams dark chocolate (vegan or regular, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee (mild) or up to 2 teaspoons (strong)
- 1.5 cups whole roasted hazelnuts (or roughly chopped)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to Make Espresso Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bark
- Break the dark chocolate into pieces and add them to a microwave safe bowl. Then add the coconut oil and microwave in 20 to 30 second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Alternatively, you can also use a double boiler to melt the chocolate.
- Then mix in 1 teaspoon instant coffee. Stir well until it fully dissolves. Taste and adjust the coffee intensity if needed.
- After that, stir in the roasted hazelnuts and mix until well combined.
- Line a flat tray or plate with parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture onto the lined tray and spread evenly.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the chocolate bark in thin lines or zigzags, and use a toothpick to blend it into the chocolate.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt.Refrigerate for 30 to 40 minutes or freeze for 10 to 15 minutes until fully set.
- Dust the bark with unsweetened cocoa glitter, optionally.
- Break into rustic bark pieces or slice into desired sizes.
- Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or milk, or store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Watch Full Recipe Video:
NOTES:
- For the best-tasting bark, use good-quality dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa to achieve a rich flavor, as it adds to a smooth texture and noticeable dark chocolate health benefits.
- Sprinkling a small pinch of kosher salt balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/espresso-hazelnut-dark-chocolate-bark/
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