Chocolate Date Goji Berry Bark Recipe
Glossy dark chocolate studded with sweet dates and jewel-like goji berries creates an irresistible treat that's both nourishing and indulgent. The bittersweet chocolate balances perfectly with the caramel notes of dates whilst the goji berries add a delightful tartness. Learn how to make this quick and easy recipe that requires no baking and.
Ingredients
- For the chocolate bark:
- 150g dark chocolate, 70% cocoa solids - roughly chopped into even pieces for smooth melting
- 4 large Medjool dates, pitted and chopped into roughly 1cm pieces
- 2 tablespoons dried goji berries, gently rinsed and patted completely dry with paper towel
- 1 tablespoon honey, at room temperature for easy drizzling
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
- Kitchen equipment:
- Baking tray lined with baking parchment or reusable silicone mat
- Heatproof bowl for melting chocolate
- Small saucepan for water bath
- Spatula for spreading
Directions
Step 1
Prepare your workspace by lining a small baking tray (roughly 20cm x 15cm) with baking parchment, ensuring it lies completely flat without wrinkles, as this creates a smooth base for your chocolate bark. Place your chopped dates and dried goji berries on a clean plate nearby so they're ready to scatter. This is crucial for working quickly once your chocolate is melted, as tempered chocolate begins to set rapidly and you want to embed your toppings whilst the surface is still glossy and workable.
Step 2
Create a gentle water bath by filling a small saucepan with about 5cm of water and bringing it to a bare simmer over low heat on your hob. Place your heatproof bowl on top, ensuring the bottom doesn't touch the water, then add your chopped dark chocolate. Stir occasionally with a spatula for 4-5 minutes until the chocolate is completely melted and silky smooth with no lumps remaining. The consistency should be fluid and glossy, similar to thick double cream. Don't be shy about stirring, as this helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents any scorching.
Step 3
Once your chocolate is perfectly melted, carefully remove the bowl from the heat using a tea towel, as it will be hot. Working quickly but calmly, pour the melted chocolate onto your prepared baking tray and use your spatula to spread it into an even layer roughly 3-4mm thick. Don't worry about creating a perfect rectangle, as the rustic, organic shape adds to the artisanal charm of homemade bark. The chocolate should spread easily and create a smooth, glossy surface that reflects light beautifully.
Step 4
Immediately scatter your chopped dates evenly across the chocolate surface, pressing them very gently with your fingertips so they nestle into the chocolate without sinking completely. Follow with the goji berries, distributing them in a random pattern that looks natural and appealing. This is where the magic happens, as the contrast between the golden dates and ruby berries against the dark chocolate creates a stunning visual effect. Work confidently but swiftly, as the chocolate begins setting within 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
Drizzle the honey over the entire surface in a gentle back-and-forth motion, creating delicate threads that add both sweetness and visual interest. If you're using the optional flaky sea salt, sprinkle just a pinch over the bark now, as this enhances the chocolate's depth and creates a sophisticated sweet-salty balance. The salt crystals should sparkle like tiny diamonds against the dark chocolate.
Step 6
Transfer your baking tray to the refrigerator and allow the bark to set completely for 20-25 minutes until firm and snappable. Don't be tempted to move or touch it during this time, as disturbing the chocolate whilst it's setting can create streaks or dull patches on the surface. The chocolate should feel cool and solid to the touch when properly set, with no give when you press gently.
Step 7
Once fully set, remove the bark from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to take the chill off. Using your hands, break the bark into irregular shards of varying sizes, creating an artisanal, rustic appearance. The chocolate should snap cleanly with a satisfying crack, which indicates proper tempering and setting. If the chocolate bends rather than snaps, it needs a few more minutes in the refrigerator.
Step 8
Serve your chocolate date goji bark immediately on a beautiful plate, or store it in an airtight container between layers of baking parchment in the refrigerator for up to one week. The bark is best enjoyed at cool room temperature rather than straight from the fridge, as this allows the flavours to fully develop and the dates to soften slightly. Each piece delivers a perfect balance of rich chocolate, sweet dates, and tangy goji berries that's absolutely irresistible.
Nutrition per serving
Sunnah
Learn simple practices and etiquettes found in the tradition that transform every meal into an act of worship, increase you in beneficial knowledge and add barakah into every bite.
Sacred Guidance
Dates
In it are fruit, palm trees with date stalks.
Honey
A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, 'My brother has some abdominal trouble.' The Prophet ﷺ said to him 'Let him drink honey.' The man came for the second time and the Prophet ﷺ said to him, 'Let him drink honey.' He came for the third time and the Prophet ﷺ said, 'Let him drink honey.' He returned again and said, 'I have done that.' The Prophet ﷺ then said, 'Allah has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey.' So he made him drink honey and he was cured.
Water
When drinking Zamzam, face the Qiblah, mention Allah's name, drink in three sips, and praise Allah afterward.
Prophetic Etiquette
Sit down to eat, rather than eating while standing or walking.
Eat from what is nearest to you on the plate, and do not reach across for food that is distant.
Take small morsels of food, and chew your food well.
Do not blow on hot food or drinks; allow them to cool naturally.
Do not eat or drink from gold or silver utensils.
Lick your fingers clean before wiping them, as there may be barakah in what remains on them. Then wash your hands.
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