Homemade Oreo Dry Fruit Bark: Vegan & Kid-Friendly Variations

Chocolate bark is a perfect way to assemble many healthy ingredients over the backdrop of chocolate and have it anytime you crave for a sweet snack. Chocolate is an abode of antioxidants which uplifts the mood and gives you a relaxing experience. On top of that, it is extremely delicious and rich that leaves a lingering sensation in your taste buds and keeps you wanting more. When complemented with crunchy add ons like dry fruits and crushed cookies, chocolate bark becomes a satisfying treat, giving you a nutritional boost with every bite. It is a good way to curb the sweet cravings without actually consuming sugary treats.

Taking traditional chocolate barks to a whole new level, this recipe introduces the crunch of Oreo cookies along with the dry fruits. Oreo cookies, with its chocolatey dimension and crunch, gives chocolate bark a satisfying texture that is felt every time you snap it. Oreo cookies carry a homogenous chocolate flavor without any other flavor contrasting with it. The cream beneath gives a milky sweetness that balances out the bitter aftertones. Together, the chocolate and cream makes Oreo cookies so scrumptious, comforting, and versatile to be used in many desserts. The classic Oreo cookies are often used in making many desserts like cheesecake, mousse, and shakes. This time, Oreo is complemented with mixed dry fruits assembled on a chocolatey backdrop to create a decadent, no-bake bark with layers of flavor and texture. Both Oreo cookies and Bournville dark chocolate are vegan, which makes this bar a guilt-free treat for those who are on vegan diet or want to avoid dairy due to allergic concerns.

Follow the easy recipe below to make homemade Oreo dry fruit bark in simple steps.

Ingredients:

• 200g Bournville dark chocolate
• 4–5 Oreo cookies, crushed
• ½ cup mixed chopped dry fruits — almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts

Optional add-ins:

• 1 tbsp dried cranberries or raisins
• 1 tsp pumpkin seeds, chia, or sunflower seeds
• Pinch of sea salt for flavor balance

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

First off, start by lining a flat baking sheet with parchment paper or butter paper. You can also use a flat tray or a plate.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Break the Bournville dark chocolate bar into small pieces and put it in a heat proof bowl. Take a saucepan with a small opening and fill it with water. Let the water warm over the stovetop. As you see the steam coming up, place the chocolate bowl over it away from water and let the steam settle at the bottom of the bowl. The heat from steam will melt the chocolate. Stir it to dissolve the lumps.

You can also melt using a microwave in short bursts of 30 seconds and stirring in between until it melts.

Step 3: Spread & Sprinkle

Once the chocolate melts, immediately remove it from the heat and stir at room temperature for a few seconds. Then pour the melted chocolate in the prepared lined tray. Spread it to a thin even layer of about ½ cm thickness. Immediately sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies and chopped dry fruits over it. Distribute evenly. You can also add optional toppings like seeds, fruits, colorful sprinkles, and sea salt.

Step 4: Set It

Let the bark sit for 1 hour at room temperature in a cool and dry place for setting. Or if you want to speed up the process, set it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 5: Break & Serve

Once chocolate becomes firm, break it into uneven, random pieces for traditional bark appeal or cut it into neat squares of equal portions. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy for up to a week.

Variations To Try With Homemade Oreo Dry Fruit Bark:

Kid-Friendly Variations:

To make the bark kid friendly for birthdays and picnics,

• Replace nuts with crushed corn flakes, rice krispies, or dairy-free chocolate chips to make it safe for allergic reactions.
• Use sprinkles, Cadbury Gems, or candies to bring a whimsical appeal.
• Make these barks with your kids and let them choose the toppings to make it a fun activity.

Vegan Variation:

• Use a vegan-certified dark chocolate. Bournville dark chocolate is usually vegan.
• Avoid toppings that contain dairy like white chocolate or marshmallows.
• Check the label for hidden milk solids.
• Oreo cookies are vegan as they don’t contain any animal derived ingredients including milk. The cream filling is made with vegetable oils and flavorings, not actual dairy.