Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Bark
A rich, crunchy dark chocolate bark infused with roasted pumpkin seeds, a touch of honey, and sea salt. Quick to prepare and perfect for a nutrient-dense, satisfying treat.
Prep
10 min
Cook
5 min
Total
45 min
Makes
6 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Mari + Lila
Mari created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
A better-fueled day
Make regular eating and hydration easier
Use this meal as an easy anchor for regular food and a glass of water—two simple things that can get lost on a busy day.
Notice: timing + hydration
Comfort before bed
Finish the evening satisfied, not stuffed
A well-portioned evening meal can help you avoid going to bed hungry. Notice which timing and portion feel most comfortable for you.
Notice: dinner timing + comfort
A steadier afternoon
Give your day a solid food foundation
Being properly fed cannot solve a hard day, but a substantial meal can remove hunger and an energy dip from the list of things you are juggling.
Notice: mood + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
5 min
Total
45 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Sheet pan · Saucepan · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Prep the vegetables and measure pantry ingredients earlier in the day to shorten cook time.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 10 steps complete
Next: Line a baking sheet or flat tray…
- 01
Line a baking sheet or flat tray…
Line a baking sheet or flat tray with parchment paper.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Toast the pumpkin seeds for 3 to…
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pumpkin seeds for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool.
Look for: lightly golden and fragrant
Tap card to mark done - 03
Chop the 90% dark chocolate and 75%…
Chop the 90% dark chocolate and 75% dark chocolate into small, uniform pieces to ensure smooth melting.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Heat 1 inch (2
Heat 1 inch (2.5cm) of water in a small saucepan over low heat until gently simmering. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
Look for: gently simmering
Tap card to mark done - 05
Add the chopped chocolates into the bowl…
Add the chopped chocolates into the bowl and stir continuously with a silicone spatula for 3 to 5 minutes until fully melted and glossy.
Look for: fully melted and glossy
Tap card to mark done - 06
Remove the bowl from the heat
Remove the bowl from the heat. Stir in the honey, sea salt, and two-thirds of the toasted pumpkin seeds until evenly combined.
Look for: evenly combined
Tap card to mark done - 07
Pour the melted chocolate mix onto the…
Pour the melted chocolate mix onto the prepared parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, approximately 0.25 inches (0.6cm) thick.
Tap card to mark done - 08
Sprinkle the remaining toasted pumpkin seeds evenly…
Sprinkle the remaining toasted pumpkin seeds evenly over the surface, pressing them down lightly into the warm chocolate.
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Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
Look for: the chocolate is completely firm
Tap card to mark done - 10
Break or slice into 6 equal portions
Break or slice into 6 equal portions. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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