This delightful dish features crispy matzo sheets generously covered in melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate. The rich chocolate layer is enhanced with optional toppings like toasted nuts, finely chopped dried fruit, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that add texture and a balance of flavors. Simply melt the chocolate and spread it evenly on the matzo, then wait for it to set before breaking into crunchy pieces.
Quick to prepare and perfect for snacking or gifting, it can be adapted with dairy-free chocolate to suit dietary needs. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
The first time I made chocolate covered matzo, I was skeptical about how something so simple could taste so incredible. My grandmother had insisted this was the most requested treat at her Passover gatherings, and after one bite of that crisp, salty, chocolatey perfection, I understood completely. Now it's become my go-to recipe whenever I need something impressive but desperately easy.
Last year, I brought a batch to a friend's dinner party and watched them disappear within minutes. Someone actually asked if I'd been secretly taking chocolate-making classes, which still makes me laugh. The beauty of this recipe is that the humble matzo becomes something extraordinary with just a little chocolate love.
Ingredients
- 3 sheets plain matzo: The foundation of our crunch, plain matzo works best here as it lets the chocolate shine without competing flavors
- 200 g (7 oz) semi-sweet or dark chocolate: I've found that chopped bars melt more smoothly than chips, though either will work in a pinch
- 2 tbsp chopped toasted nuts: Almonds, pecans, or pistachios add a lovely earthy crunch that plays beautifully with the sweet chocolate
- 1 tbsp dried fruit: Finely chopped cranberries or apricots bring little pockets of tart sweetness throughout
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt: This is not optional, that final salty sprinkle makes the chocolate sing and balances everything perfectly
Instructions
- Prep your station:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your matzo sheets in a single layer, breaking pieces as needed to fit snugly together
- Melt the chocolate:
- Place your chocolate in a heatproof bowl and melt gently over a pot of simmering water, or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring until you have a glossy, smooth pool
- Coat the matzo:
- Pour that beautiful melted chocolate right over the matzo and spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure every corner gets covered
- Add the toppings:
- Immediately sprinkle with your nuts, dried fruit, and that crucial flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still warm and tacky
- Let it set:
- Allow the chocolate to firm up at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or speed things along by refrigerating for 30 minutes
- Break and serve:
- Once the chocolate is completely set, break the matzo into rustic pieces and arrange on a serving platter
There's something deeply satisfying about breaking the finished matzo into pieces, hearing that snap of chocolate giving way. My sister now demands I make a double batch whenever she visits, claiming the single batch never survives the car ride home.
Making It Your Own
I've discovered that drizzling white chocolate over the dark creates the most beautiful marble effect and adds another layer of flavor. Sometimes I'll sprinkle in some crushed candy canes during December, or swap the nuts for toasted coconut when I'm feeling tropical.
Storage Secrets
These actually taste better after sitting for a day, as the flavors have time to meld and the chocolate fully sets into the matzo. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and they'll stay perfectly crisp for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these alongside coffee after dinner, or wrapping them in cellophane bags tied with twine as instant gifts. They're also incredible crumbled over vanilla ice cream for an impromptu sundae situation.
- Package extras in treat bags for teachers or neighbors
- Set up a topping bar and let guests customize their own pieces
- Keep a hidden stash for emergency chocolate cravings
There's pure joy in making something so delicious from such humble ingredients. I hope these become a beloved tradition in your home too.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of chocolate works best?
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Semi-sweet or dark chocolate with good melting quality creates a smooth, rich coating that complements the crisp matzo.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
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Yes, nuts like almonds or pecans, dried fruits such as cranberries, and flaky sea salt add extra flavor and texture, but toppings are optional.
- → How do I melt the chocolate properly?
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Use a double boiler for gentle melting or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- → Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
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Choose non-dairy chocolate alternatives to make the confection suitable for dairy-free diets.
- → How should the finished pieces be stored?
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Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated to maintain crispness and freshness for up to one week.
- → Can white chocolate be used?
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White chocolate works well for drizzling over the set pieces to add a decorative touch and extra sweetness.