New amazing new food trends are being created on internet websites like TikTok and some of them go viral and get loads of attention. One of them that is making a huge buzz is around what is called “bark” – layers of yummy foods placed in flat layers on top of each other, then frozen.
Once frozen the “bark” it is broken or cut into squares and creates a guilt-free healthy delicious treat! The bottom layer is usually something that can be sliced in flat pieces like dates. Then layers of things like nut butter, nuts and a drizzle of melted chocolate is added to create a simple and healthy dessert or snack.
I have tried a few of these recipes recently and they do not disappoint. Its not every day that a food trend exceeds my expectations, but this viral date bark is definitely a winner.
This recipe for tahini date bark is a delicious sweet and salty treat to stock your freezer with. It’s made with a few pantry ingredients like medjool dates, tahini, crunchy nuts and dark chocolate. It packs in some omega-3 fats, protein and even some fiber. It’s a nourishing treat to keep around, and can be customized in so many ways.
This trending recipe combines the classic flavors of dates, tahini (sesame seed butter) and chocolate, creating a snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious, perfect for when you are craving something sweet.
The natural sweetness of the dates combined with the creamy tahini texture creates a superstar combination. Dates are true nutrient bombs and an excellent source of fibre, vitamins (especially B vitamins and vitamin K) and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron. Their natural sweetness makes them a healthy alternative to refined sugar.
Pair dates with the other nutritional powerhouse tahini and you have a match made in heaven. Tahini (aka liquid gold) is made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds. It’s smooth, nutty and rich, with a slightly bitter finish and a mouth feel similar to almond or peanut butter. It is rich in healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, lecithin and vitamin E.
Tahini is a high quality protein and also provides important nutrients such as calcium, iron, phosphorus and B vitamins. In short, you will be hard pressed to find a food that ticks as many nutritional boxes as tahini! Its truly a superfood health infusion.
This viral date bark is the ultimate lazy girl dessert. Its like peanut butter stuffed dates but is made into bark form to make the whole process that much easier. It is perfect for when that sweet craving hits and you want a treat that isn’t insanely processed but still tastes really good!
Try the easy recipe and get inspired by this delicious trend!
Tahini Date Bark (Viral Recipe)
Ingredients
- 20-24 medijool (or other soft) dates
- 1 cup almonds, raw or toasted roughly chopped – or nuts of choice
- 1/2 cup tahini butter (sesame seed butter), well stirred, or any other nut or seed butter
Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Flaky Sea salt, optional to sprinkle on top
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. Split the dates (do not cut right through) in half-length wise and arrange in a rectangle, 4 dates wide and 6 dates long (around 5×7-inches) on top of the parchment paper. Arrange dates cut side down: The dates will stick together more this way and won’t stick to your hands. Flatten the cut dates with your hand, so that they open up and are flat as possible. They should touch and overlap a little so that they stick together to create a solid base for when you add the next layers on top.Spoon the tahini over the dates and sprinkle with the chopped almonds.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave at 50% power with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the tahini layer until everything is covered. Make sure to cover all the gaps and create as smooth a layer as possible using a spoon or spatula.Garnish with a pinch of salt and leave to set in the freezer for at least an hour until firm and set. Cut or break into 16-20 or more smaller pieces to serve.Stored in an airtight container will last 1-2 weeks in the fridge or the freezer for up to 2months.
Tips For Best Results
- These helpful tips will ensure this viral date bark becomes one of your go-to healthy dessert recipes.Don’t use regular dates: They are pretty dry and won’t stick together. Fresh, soft dates will stick very well together.To spread the chocolate: You don’t have to drown your date bark in chocolate to create a solid chocolate layer. Instead, drizzle it all over and then use a small spatula to gently spread it. Some exposed nuts are fine.To make peanut butter drippy: Warm it up quickly in the microwave or on the stove in a small pot, stirring constantly. Be careful not to heat too long because it will actually start cooking and thickening.Don’t skip coconut oil: It’s the secret to giving melted chocolate a smooth, shiny finish and speeds up the hardening process. It also thins the chocolate and makes it easier to spread out.Berries on top: Create a fruit-and-nut chocolate date bark by adding dried blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, chopped dried pineapple or raisins.Other chocolate: Swap the rich taste of dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate or a mix.Other nuts for topping: Mix and match chopped almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans.Other toppings: Add another layer of flavor with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, or add a citrusy burst with orange or lemon zest.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
