This Dark Chocolate Bark is spiked with pomegranate arils and chopped pistachios for a festive treat.
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Today I have an easy holiday treat that’s full of healthy antioxidants! It doesn’t get any easier than this recipe and when you combine dark chocolate, pomegranate arils, and pistachios, you are getting anti-inflammatory powerhouses that can actually improve your health. You can’t say that about many treats this time of year, can you? Let’s make this Dark Chocolate Bark with Pomegranate and Pistachios!
Recipe Ingredients–What You Need
This recipe calls for 3 simple ingredients. There’s no special equipment required, no complicated steps. The best part is that these ingredients are filled with health benefits. Let’s take a look at what you need and why it’s good for you.
Dark Chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
Nutritional highlights:
Rich in flavonoids (especially epicatechin), magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and small amounts of fiber.
Benefits:
Dark chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and support heart health by improving blood vessel function and circulation. Its magnesium content supports muscle function, mood regulation, and sleep quality, while its polyphenols may help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. Higher-cacao dark chocolate also tends to be lower in sugar than milk chocolate, making it a more nutrient-dense choice.
What kind to get:
Look for high quality dark chocolate bars. Using a higher quality of chocolate will result in the best tasting bark, as well as the highest health benefits.
Pomegranate Arils
Nutritional highlights:
High in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and polyphenol antioxidants (notably punicalagins and anthocyanins).
Benefits:
Pomegranate arils are especially known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which support heart health and healthy aging. They may help reduce LDL oxidation, support healthy blood pressure, and promote good circulation. The vitamin C supports immune health and collagen production, while the fiber contributes to digestion and gut health.
What kind to get:
You can get a fresh pomegranate and remove the arils yourself. A large pomegranate will yield more than you need, and you can use the leftovers for salads, yogurt toppers, and more. You can also purchase pomegranate arils separately for more convenience.
Pistachios
Nutritional highlights:
A good source of plant-based protein, fiber, healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.
Benefits:
Pistachios support heart health by helping improve cholesterol levels and providing anti-inflammatory fats. Their protein-fiber-fat combination helps promote satiety and stable blood sugar, making them a smart snack or recipe addition. Vitamin B6 supports energy metabolism and hormone balance, while lutein and zeaxanthin support eye health—an often overlooked benefit, especially as we age.
What kind to get:
You can get pistachios in the shell and remove the shells yourself. For a quicker option, looked for shelled pistachios.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Bark
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this easy chocolate bark recipe. You’ll love this delicious bark, and you’ll love how easy it is even more! If you have little kids, this is a great recipe to have them help you with. If you’d like printable instructions with the ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card.
1. Using a double boiler or the microwave, melt the chocolate.
2. Spread the melted chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with a piece of parchment paper. Immediately press the pomegranate arils and chopped pistachios in an even single layer throughout the chocolate. Makete sure to press them down into the chocolate so they will stay in place.
3. Place the sheet pan in the refrigerator to firm. Once the chocolate is set, use your hands to break it into smaller pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This bark can be set out at room temperature, but keep it stored in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
Topping Variations
The red pomegranate and green pistachios make this a festive chocolate bark that is perfect for Christmas and even would make great holiday gifts. There are countless variations you can use for the toppings to customize this to make it a more decadent treat, change the flavor profile, and more! Here are some different topping ideas.
- white chocolate chips
- crushed candy canes (you should also check out my homemade peppermint bark recipe)
- pretzel pieces and peanut butter drizzle
- marshmallows and graham cracker pieces for s’mores bark
- naturally colored sprinkles
- any kind of crushed tree nuts
- freeze dried strawberries (would be a good one for Valentine’s Day)
- dried cranberries and pecans
- homemade vegan caramel sauce drizzle
- flaked coconut or shredded coconut
- crushed avocado oil potato chips
- flaky sea salt
I hope you love this dark chocolate bark recipe as much as I do! If you make it, or any of my other healthy recipes, please leave a star rating and review below. It really helps others see which recipes are tried and true. Share your photo on Instagram (tag me so I see it) and I’ll feature you!
Dark Chocolate Bark with Pomegranate and Pistachios
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 pieces (approximately) 1x
Description
This Dark Chocolate Bark is spiked with pomegranate arils and chopped pistachios for a festive treat.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dark chocolate, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup pomegranate arils*
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios*
Instructions
- Using a double boiler or the microwave, melt the chocolate.
- Spread the melted chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with a piece of parchment paper. Immediately press the pomegranate arils and chopped pistachios in an even single layer throughout the chocolate. Make sure to press them down into the chocolate so they will stay in place.
- Place the sheet pan in the refrigerator to firm. Once the chocolate is set, use your hands to break it into smaller pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This bark can be set out at room temperature, but keep it stored in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
Notes
*You can use more or less pomegranate and/or pistachios, depending on how full you’d like the bark to be.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: dessert recipes
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 24
- Sugar: 7.7 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.9 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 11.4 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 1.8 grams
