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I wanted to create a recipe that could simply highlight some brain super foods as well as be a delicious afternoon or nighttime treat. This Brain Boosting Chocolate Bark is full of antioxidants and anti inflammatory ingredients that promote brain health. I specifically chose to use a naturally coconut sugar sweetened dark chocolate bar, and then topped with ingredients like cashews, pumpkin seeds, dried cherries, flax seeds and more. Eat what you love, and nourish your mental health at the same time.

How to make Brain Boosting Chocolate Bark

Ingredients:

• Extra Dark Chocolate (70% or higher)
  Rich in magnesium, iron, and flavonoids. Magnesium supports stress reduction and promotes calmness, while flavonoids improve blood flow to the brain, enhancing mood and cognitive function.
• Cashews (or other tree nuts like almonds or walnuts)
  High in healthy fats, magnesium, zinc, and tryptophan. These nutrients support neurotransmitter function (like serotonin and dopamine), help regulate mood, and promote steady energy by supporting blood sugar balance.
• Pumpkin Seeds
  Excellent source of magnesium, zinc, iron, and tryptophan. Zinc is essential for brain signaling and immune health, while tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin.
• Dried Ginger
  Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It supports gut health (which influences mood via the gut-brain axis), and can help reduce fatigue and improve mental clarity by lowering inflammation.
• Flax Seeds
  High in ALA (a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid), fiber. Omega-3s are crucial for brain structure and function, supporting mood stability and reducing symptoms of depression. Fiber supports gut health, indirectly benefiting mood and energy levels.
• Dried Cherries
  Natural source of melatonin and antioxidants. Melatonin supports better sleep quality, which is critical for mood regulation and energy restoration. Their antioxidant content also helps reduce oxidative stress in the brain.
• Golden Raisins
  Contain natural sugars for quick energy, along with iron, potassium, and antioxidants. Potassium supports nervous system function and hydration—both essential for mental clarity and steady energy. Their antioxidant compounds may also help protect brain cells from oxidative stress.

Related: Simple amino acids to aid in depression recovery

Instructions:

• Prepare baking sheet with small piece of parchment paper.
• Gather all topping ingredients to make them easy to pull out a few pieces at a time to layer the bark. For example, spread out onto a cutting board or large plate.
• Chop ginger up into small pieces.
• Chop the chocolate bar up into small pieces. Melt in a double boiler, or in 30 second increments in the microwave.
• Spread chocolate out with a small spatula in a 6×6 in square.
• Starting with the largest toppings, scatter out nuts across the bark.
• Move to the next bigger ingredient (like chopped ginger)
• Continue in this pattern using up all of your ingredients, saving the smallest bits for last.
• Allow to rest at room temperature for about 2 hours.
• Remove from parchment paper and plate on a cutting board.
• Cut into 2″ squares.
• Store in a glass airtight container.

Is this chocolate bark a good snack?

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients paired with natural sweetness make it a night sweet and salty snack. This also is perfectly balanced with healthy fats, proteins and fibers making it a balanced treat that won’t be as likely to spike your blood sugar.

This is similar to a hand crafted trail mix, but the extra step of melting down the chocolate and making it into a bark, helps to connect you to the food itself and eating it afterwards tastes much more indulgent than a handful or trail mix. These little bits of connection matter. Use this as an opportunity to slow down and connect with your foods.

Related: How to romanticize cooking dinner

Can Chocolate Bark go bad?

Yes, chocolate bark can go bad over time, though it typically has a relatively long shelf life when stored properly.

Shelf Life of Chocolate Bark

Homemade chocolate bark, can last,

• At room temperature: Up to 2 weeks, provided it’s stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. 
• In the refrigerator: Approximately 2–3 weeks. 
• In the freezer: Up to 6 months, if wrapped tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.

The shelf life can vary depending on the ingredients used. For instance, bark containing dried fruits, nuts, or other perishable add-ins may have a shorter lifespan due to the potential for these ingredients to spoil or go rancid. Hungry Happenings

Signs That Chocolate Bark Has Gone Bad

To determine if your chocolate bark has spoiled, look for the following signs

• Unpleasant odor
• Visible mold
• Texture changes
• Discoloration:

Storage Tips

To maximize the shelf life of your chocolate bark:

• Use airtight containers: This prevents moisture and odors from affecting the bark.
• Store in a cool, dry place

Print Pin

5 from 3 votes

Brain Boosting Chocolate Bark

Course Dessert, Snack

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cool time 2 hours hours

Servings 6

Ingredients

• Extra dark chocolate bar 70% or higher
• 1/3 cup Cashews or some other form of tree nut- See note
• 2 Tbs Pumpkin seeds
• 4 pieces Dried Ginger
• 1 Tbs Flax seeds
• 2 Tbs Dried Cherries
• 2 Tbs Golden Raisins

Instructions

• Prepare baking sheet with small piece of parchment paper.
• Gather all topping ingredients to make them easy to pull out a few pieces at a time to layer the bark. For example, spread out onto a cutting board or large plate.
• Chop ginger up into small pieces.
• Chop the chocolate bar up into small pieces. Melt in a double boiler, or in 30 second increments in the microwave.
• Spread chocolate out with a small spatula in a 6×6 in square.
• Starting with the largest toppings, scatter out nuts across the bark.
• Move to the next bigger ingredient (like chopped ginger)
• Continue in this pattern using up all of your ingredients, saving the smallest bits for last.
• Allow to rest at room temperature for about 2 hours.
• Remove from parchment paper and plate on a cutting board.
• Cut into 2″ squares.
• Store in a glass airtight container.

Notes

If your nuts or seed are raw and unsalted, you will want to toast these at 300* for 5 minutes to bring out the natural flavor, then sprinkle some sea salt on the finished bark, before it cools

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I do not recommend products that I have not personally vetted.