Festive Holiday Chocolate Bark with Nuts and Cranberries

This decadent, fudgy and crunchy Healthy Holiday Bark combines roasted pumpkin seeds, rich dark chocolate and a bright matcha swirl. It’s an easy, no-bake holiday treat that’s paleo, vegan and allergy-friendly—perfect for gifting, parties, or simply keeping in the freezer for a quick festive snack.

This recipe was created in collaboration with Enjoy Life Foods.

After a busy week of holiday baking, I wanted a simple no-oven recipe that still felt special. This Healthy Holiday Bark delivered on texture and flavor right away: creamy, fudgy chocolate set around crisp toasted pepitas, finished with a silky matcha drizzle and a sprinkle of coconut flakes.

Healthy Holiday Bark

Healthy Holiday Bark

Author photo The Movement Menu

Summary: This fudgy, crunchy bark blends dark chocolate, toasted pumpkin seeds and a creamy matcha drizzle. It’s quick to prepare, sets in the freezer, and makes a delicious paleo, vegan and allergen-friendly holiday snack.

Why this flavor combination works

The deep, slightly bitter notes of the dark chocolate balance perfectly with the nutty crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds. The matcha drizzle adds color, a subtle vegetal brightness and a silky finish that keeps each bite interesting. Flaked coconut provides an extra layer of texture and holiday flair.

When to serve

This bark is great for holiday gatherings, potlucks, cookie exchanges, or as a boxed edible gift for friends and family. Because it stores well in the freezer, you can make a batch in advance and pull pieces out as needed.

Recipe details

  • Prep time: 5 mins
  • Cook time: 20 mins (to toast seeds)
  • Chilling: 30–45 mins
  • Total time: ~1 hr 10 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Calories: 356 kcal per serving

Ingredients

Chocolate Base

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 ½ tablespoons coconut oil
  • ¼ cup canned coconut milk

Matcha Drizzle

  • ½ cup canned coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons matcha powder
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil

Pumpkin Seeds

  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil (for toasting)
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Toppings

  • ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.
  2. In a double boiler or a heatproof glass bowl in the microwave, gently melt the dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil. Stir until smooth, then whisk in the ¼ cup canned coconut milk to create a glossy chocolate base. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the matcha drizzle ingredients (½ cup canned coconut milk, matcha powder and 2 tsp coconut oil) until smooth. Taste and adjust matcha if needed. Set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tsp coconut oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and toast, stirring frequently, for 10–15 minutes until they are golden and beginning to pop. Watch them closely so they don’t burn. Remove from heat and stir the toasted pumpkin seeds into the melted chocolate.
  5. Pour the chocolate–pumpkin seed mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer with a rubber spatula.
  6. Drizzle the matcha mixture over the chocolate base. Sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes across the top. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and allow the bark to set for at least 30–45 minutes.
  7. When fully set, break or cut the bark into triangles or squares. Store in the freezer and serve chilled straight from the freezer for the best texture.

Notes

If you prefer, sunflower seeds can be substituted for the pumpkin seeds. Use high-quality matcha for the best color and flavor. Because the bark contains coconut milk and oil, keep it frozen until ready to serve so it holds its shape and texture.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 356 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated fat: 17 g
  • Sodium: 6 mg
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugar: 14 g

Tried this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a note or photo with your variations and tips. This bark freezes and ships well (if packaged in a sturdy, insulated container), making it a great homemade gift for chocolate lovers.