Dark Chocolate Bark with Wild Blackberries, Toasted Almonds & Sea Salt

Paired with Elevate Cabernet Sauvignon

Save Room for Something Sweet

There is always room for chocolate.

Especially when it’s this easy.

This dark chocolate bark recipe combines semi-sweet chocolate with wild blackberries, toasted almonds, star anise, and finishing salt for a dessert that’s simple to make and beautiful enough to bring out at the end of a dinner with friends.

No complicated pastry work. No elaborate presentation. Just good ingredients, a little time to set, and something delicious to pass around.

Why This Pairing Works

Elevate Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural partner for a dark chocolate dessert.

The richness of the chocolate works with the depth of the Cabernet, while the blackberries bring a bright fruit note to the pairing. Toasted almonds add crunch, and the finishing salt keeps everything balanced.

It’s the kind of pairing that makes the last pour feel like part of the meal rather than an afterthought.

The Easiest Part of the Evening

The beauty of chocolate bark is that it can be made ahead.

Make it earlier in the day, let it set, and break it into pieces when you’re ready to serve. The blackberries are best added just before serving, so they stay fresh and beautiful.

Then pour the wine and let everyone grab a piece.

Directions

1. Toast almond slivers in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden.

2. Melt chocolate chips and shortening together gently in a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.

3. Pour onto a small parchment-lined tray and spread to about 1/4 inch thick.

4. Immediately scatter with toasted almonds, blackberries, and star anise.

5. Finish with finishing salt.

6. Refrigerate until set, then break into shards.

Make-ahead: Bark keeps up to 3 days between parchment layers in an airtight container at cool room temperature. Add blackberries just before serving.

A Little Something for the Table

This chocolate bark with blackberries is just as happy at the end of a dinner party as it is passed around while everyone is still talking.

And that’s exactly where dessert belongs, somewhere between the last course and the moment nobody wants the evening to end.

The Final Pour

The plates are cleared. The bottle is still open. Someone reaches for one more piece.

Sounds like a pretty good ending to us.

Pour the Elevate, break off another piece, and stay awhile.