Keith’s Cacao Christmas Bark

A simple holiday ritual disguised as a treat!

This Pomegranate & Pistachio Christmas Cacao Bark is our take on a seasonal classic—easy to make, lovely to share, and quietly nourishing. With just four ingredients and no baking required, it’s a gentle way to bring cacao into your holiday kitchen without overthinking it.

This bark comes together quickly and looks far more impressive than the effort involved (we love that for you). The only real moment of attention is melting the cacao—slowly and kindly. Use a double boiler, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water, and keep the water level low so steam, not splashes, does the work.

Stir continuously with a rubber spatula, reaching into the corners as the cacao softens. When only a few small pieces remain, remove the bowl from the heat. The residual warmth will take it the rest of the way—no rushing required.

A pinch of salt deepens the cacao’s natural flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. Pomegranate arils and pistachios bring contrast in both color and texture—bright, earthy, and festive without trying too hard. Simply sprinkle them over the melted cacao and let it set.

Cacao and pomegranate are natural companions. The arils add gentle sweetness and a burst of juiciness with each bite. If you prefer a sweeter bark, feel free to add a touch of maple syrup or coconut sugar, though it’s just as lovely without.

This is a dessert that feels good to make and good to share. Thoughtful, unfussy, and naturally vegan and gluten-free. Break it into pieces, wrap it up, and pass it along or keep a few shards for quiet moments by the fridge. No judgment!