Dark and White Chocolate Pomegranate Bark

This chocolate bark is so good that my oldest (non-celiac) daughter asked me to make it for her school birthday treat, even choosing it ahead of gluten-containing cupcakes and brownies. She also suggested that it be the first recipe featured on this blog!

I’ve had peppermint bark before but thought it would be fun to add pomegranate instead. The result is a colorful bark that’s great for festive get-togethers, especially since it’s naturally gluten-free. The dark and white chocolate combination provides a yin-yang contrast. And the gems of pomegranate give a juicy burst.

Although this bilayered bark looks impressive, it’s really quite simple. Since it doesn’t require stovetop cooking, it’s a great confection to make with kids.

Indeed, the hardest part is taking the pomegranate seeds out of the fruit. So here are some tips to make that process easier and a lot less messy:

Start by cutting off the top of the pomegranate, about a half inch below the crown. You will see membranes separating four to six sections of the fruit. With a knife, score the outer rind at each section. Submerge the pomegranate in a large bowl of water to prevent spattering. Separate the sections with your hands.

With your hands still in the water, loosen the seeds from the rind and membrane. The seeds will drop to the bottom and pieces of white membrane will float. Discard membrane and drain the seeds. Please note that the whole seed is edible, including the crunchy white part.

Dark and White Chocolate Pomegranate Bark

(Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Kid-Friendly)
By Gluten-Free Nosh
Printable recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup pomegranate seeds, divided

12 ounces (2 cups) dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa)

12 ounces (2 cups) white chocolate chips

Method:

1. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.

2. Place dark chocolate chips in large microwave-safe bowl. Use half power (such as 5 out of 10) and heat 2 minutes. Stir thoroughly. If not melted, heat again at half power for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each time. It’s fine if there are a few lumps left; stir warm chocolate vigorously and the remaining lumps will melt. Pour 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds into dark chocolate, and stir to combine.

3. Pour mixture onto lined baking sheet. Place small layer of wax paper on top of chocolate, and press chocolate into a thin, even layer, about 1/4-inch thick. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, until chocolate is firm.

4. After dark chocolate has cooled, melt white chocolate. Place white chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl. Use half power (such as 5 out of 10) and heat 2 minutes. Stir thoroughly. If not melted, heat again at half power for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each time. It’s fine if there are a few lumps left; stir vigorously and the remaining lumps will melt. Pour 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds into white chocolate, and stir to combine.

5. Pour white chocolate mixture on top of cooled dark chocolate mixture. Place small layer of wax paper on top of white chocolate, and press into a thin, even layer, about 1/4-inch thick. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, until chocolate is firm.

6. Break or cut into pieces for serving. Because the chocolate bark contains fresh fruit, store it in the refrigerator and consume it within a week.

Serves 10