Try my twist on the classic date bark recipe with cherries and pink peppercorns. This easy-to-make, nutrient-packed treat is so refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.
If only I had the words to describe how much I love this cherry date bark recipe! It has been my absolute obsession for the last few weeks. I was tempted to have a bite every time I passed the fridge, but I managed to enjoy it moderately! Success!
At first, I wasn’t sure if the recipe was too simple to put on the blog, but on second thought, I had to add it—that’s how good this frozen cherry date bark is. The addition of cherries and pink peppercorns is a total game-changer. You have to try it!
If frozen treats are your thing, you should definitely try my Tofu Hazelnut Ice Pops. And if you’re looking for more energy-rich snacks, don’t miss out on my Cocoa Quinoa Energy Balls or Almond Date Energy Bars.
REASONS TO LOVE THIS CHERRY DATE BARK RECIPE?
Simple & Quick: This frozen date cherry bark is one of the easiest recipes on my blog. It comes together in no time, and after two hours in the freezer, it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Energy-rich & Nutrient-packed: It is an excellent energy-rich, nutrient-packed snack to have on hand. It is ideal for physically active individuals with higher energy requirements.
It has a good amount of protein, fibre and healthy fats while bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Want to know more? Check out “Why is this cherry date bark good for you?“.
Super convenient: Prep it in minutes and enjoy it for days. Take it out of your freezer and have a bite; it’s as simple as that. It’s the most convenient and delicious snack that you’ll never forget you have it in your freezer.
FROZEN CHERRY DATE BARK INGREDIENTS
Dates: Opt for fresh dates for this recipe. In shops, you’ll find them refrigerated next to fruits and vegetables, unlike dried dates which are stored at room temperature, usually near dried fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Peanut butter: When buying peanut butter, always check the label. Look for products made from peanuts only. Lower-quality products may contain added sugars or highly processed vegetable oils, which are best avoided. I’m using smooth peanut butter in this recipe, but you can also use the crunchy version.
Cherries: It’s cherry season! Try to find locally grown cherries if you can. Also, don’t worry if cherries aren’t available—you can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Get creative!
Dark chocolate: I’m using dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content for this recipe, but feel free to use a higher percentage if you prefer a more bitter flavour.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil isn’t essential for this recipe, but I enjoy adding it when melting dark chocolate. The added fat content prevents the chocolate from setting as firmly, resulting in a creamier mouthfeel.
Pink peppercorns: These small, round seeds have a pinkish-red colour and come from pepper trees found in Peru (Schinus molle) and Brazil (Schinus terebinthifolius). Despite their name, they’re actually berries with a flavour that mixes floral, fruity, and peppery notes.
Pink peppercorns are commonly used in gin, but they’re far more versatile in cooking as you will have the chance to see in this date bark recipe.
Salt: A pinch of salt on top helps intensify other flavours and contrasts beautifully with this dark chocolate cherry bark’s sweet and peppery notes. It is not a must, but I highly recommend adding some.
HOW TO MAKE FROZEN CHERRY DATE BARK?
First, let’s prepare all the ingredients you’ll need to make this refreshing summer treat.
- Prepare dates
As you know, dates have a pit in the middle that we need to remove. The easiest way to do it is to gently score the dates with a paring knife along the middle. Next, open up the date with your thumbs and remove the pit.
2. Prepare cherries
Then, wash and dry the cherries and remove their pits. If you have a cherry pitter, you can use it, but if not, there’s still a way.
Score the cherries with a knife along the pit, then rotate and open them up. Use a small spoon to push between the flesh and the pit on both sides and spoon out the pit.
3. Melt chocolate
In a glass or metal bowl, combine dark chocolate and coconut oil. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water to melt the chocolate. Once melted, leave the chocolate to cool down slightly while you arrange the other layers of the dark chocolate date bark.
4. Build your frozen date bark
Prepare a baking tray that fits your freezer and line it with a piece of baking paper.
Arrange the pitted dates on the baking paper, skin side down. I’m going with three rows of six dates, but you can also create your own shape.
Place another piece of baking paper on top of the dates. This will keep the dates from sticking to the glass in the next step of preparation.
Take something with a flat bottom (glass, glass jar, ramekin) to gently press down on each date. Apply even pressure to flatten the dates.
Carefully peel off the top layer of baking paper. If the dates have separated a bit, push them closer together with your hands.
IMPORTANT: The dates must be placed skin side down on the baking paper. While placing them the other way won’t completely ruin the result, it helps prevent them from sticking to the baking paper and makes the bark more manageable to eat later.
Next, spread the peanut butter evenly over the date layer. On top of the peanut butter layer, place cherry halves, skin side up, covering the entire surface.
Lastly, drizzle melted chocolate over the cherries, making sure you evenly cover the whole surface.
In a mortar, combine pink peppercorns and coarse salt. Crush them to make aromatised salt. Sprinkle the aromatised salt on top of your cherry bark.
5. Freeze the bark
Place the tray with the cherry date bark in the freezer for at least two hours. Once set, cut the bark with a chef’s knife into portions, place them in an airtight container, and keep them in the freezer until needed.
WHY IS THIS CHERRY DATE BARK GOOD FOR YOU?
Where to start?! Combining dates, peanut butter, cherries, and dark chocolate creates a delicious, nutrient-packed snack that offers various health benefits.
Nutritious: These cherry barks are energy-rich and nutrient-packed, containing a good amount of protein, fibre, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals. Beyond essential nutrition, they are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that promote overall health.
Gut friendly: The fibre content supports a healthy digestive system by promoting beneficial gut bacteria and regular bowel movements. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing digestion and the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Dates, cherries, and peanut butter are all excellent sources of fibre.
Heart Healthy: Cherries are abundant in potassium and polyphenol antioxidants, which have potent heart-protective properties. The bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve arterial blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Brain Healthy: Dark chocolate antioxidants may enhance blood flow to the brain, which may improve attention, verbal learning, and memory.
Benefits your skin: Dark chocolate’s antioxidants also benefit the skin by protecting against sun damage, enhancing blood flow, and increasing skin density and hydration.
Labour Promoting: For pregnant individuals, consuming dates in late pregnancy may help promote and ease natural labour.
