Spicy Cinnamon Chili Chocolate

Featured in: Sweet Heat Treats

This chocolate bark combines rich dark chocolate with warm cinnamon and a fiery chili blend for a bold, flavorful treat. Topped with crunchy pistachios, dried cranberries, and optional cacao nibs, it offers layers of texture and taste. Preparation involves melting the chocolate gently, folding in spices, spreading on a baking sheet, and chilling until set. Ideal for those seeking a unique, spicy-sweet snack that pairs well with robust drinks.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:26:00 GMT
Decadent spicy cinnamon chili chocolate bark, topped with nuts and cranberries.  Save
Decadent spicy cinnamon chili chocolate bark, topped with nuts and cranberries. | grilto.com

A bold and decadent chocolate bark featuring rich dark chocolate, warm cinnamon, and a spicy chili kick—perfect for adventurous snackers or an exciting homemade gift.

This spicy cinnamon chili chocolate bark has become my go-to gift for friends who love adventurous snacks. It's always a hit at gatherings!

Ingredients

  • Chocolate: 300 g high-quality dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa), chopped
  • Spices & Flavorings: 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste), 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat), 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
  • Toppings: 30 g roasted pistachios roughly chopped, 30 g dried cranberries chopped, 20 g cacao nibs (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Melt the dark chocolate gently in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method) stirring until smooth. Alternatively, microwave in 20-second bursts stirring between each.
Step 3:
Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon chili powder and cayenne pepper until evenly combined.
Step 4:
Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) thick.
Step 5:
Sprinkle the pistachios cranberries cacao nibs (if using) and sea salt evenly over the surface.
Step 6:
Gently press the toppings into the chocolate with the back of a spoon.
Step 7:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until completely set.
Step 8:
Break into pieces and store in an airtight container at cool room temperature or in the refrigerator.
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| grilto.com

This recipe brings my family together especially during holidays when we share snacks and stories over a cup of spiced chai tea.

Required Tools

Heatproof bowl Saucepan (for double boiler) or microwave Baking sheet Parchment paper Knife (for chopping toppings)

Allergen Information

Contains nuts (pistachios) Contains cocoa (possible cross-contamination with milk or soy—check chocolate label) Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free Always check labels for allergy warnings

Nutritional Information

Calories: 120 Total Fat: 7 g Carbohydrates: 13 g Protein: 2 g per serving

Rich dark chocolate with cinnamon and chili in a delicious bark treat.  Save
Rich dark chocolate with cinnamon and chili in a delicious bark treat. | grilto.com

This chocolate bark is a quick and impressive treat that balances sweet heat perfect for sharing.

Recipe Help & Answers

What type of chocolate works best?

Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for rich flavor and smooth texture.

Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for milder heat, or add more chili powder to increase the spice.

Are there suitable nut alternatives?

Pistachios can be swapped with almonds, hazelnuts, or pumpkin seeds based on preference.

How should this bark be stored?

Keep in an airtight container at cool room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness and texture.

What beverages pair well with this bark?

Pairs excellently with robust red wines or spiced chai teas to complement its spicy and sweet notes.

Spicy Cinnamon Chili Chocolate

Decadent dark chocolate bark blended with cinnamon, chili, pistachios, and cranberries for a spicy twist.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
10 min
Complete Time
20 min
From grilto Jake Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style Fusion

Serves 12 Portions

Diet Details Meatless, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You Need

Chocolate

01 10.5 oz high-quality dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa), chopped

Spices & Flavorings

01 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
02 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, adjust to taste
03 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for extra heat
04 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Toppings

01 1 oz roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
02 1 oz dried cranberries, chopped
03 0.7 oz cacao nibs, optional

How-To

Step 01

Prepare baking surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Melt chocolate: Gently melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, melt in microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between bursts.

Step 03

Incorporate spices: Remove chocolate from heat and stir in cinnamon, chili powder, and cayenne pepper until evenly blended.

Step 04

Spread chocolate: Pour melted chocolate onto prepared sheet and spread to an even rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 05

Add toppings: Sprinkle pistachios, cranberries, cacao nibs if using, and sea salt evenly over chocolate surface.

Step 06

Press toppings: Press toppings gently into the chocolate using the back of a spoon to ensure adhesion.

Step 07

Chill: Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes until set completely.

Step 08

Serve and store: Break into 12 pieces and store in an airtight container at cool room temperature or refrigerated.

Essentials

  • Heatproof bowl
  • Saucepan (for double boiler) or microwave
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife

Allergy Advisory

Review every component for allergens. Reach out to a health pro if you’re concerned.
  • Contains nuts (pistachios) and cocoa; potential cross-contamination with milk or soy. Gluten-free ingredients recommended.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Facts listed here are for your info, not medical advice. Always double-check if needed.
  • Energy: 120
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 2 g