DUBAI CHOCOLATE BARK

The real "Dubai Chocolate"...

The difference here, is this: my take on the infamous “Dubai Chocolate” recipe is supportive of stable blood sugar levels, hormone health, with no refined sugars or ‘less favourable ingredients’, and all made in one tray. 

I’m currently in Dubai, and came on my period yesterday, so it only seemed fitting to make something chocolate-based, and Dubai-themed. 

Its flippin hot here right now (like 40’C with highs of 44’C kinda hot) as it’s their summer, so despite mostly hiding inside (early morning activity and evening walks) and occasionally subject to the ‘opening of an oven door’ feeling when heading outside to the shops or car etc., I thought I’d use this to my advantage and melt the chocolate outside!

This is your very simple, classic chocolate bark though the toppings I chose are local to here, whilst also being incredibly beneficial for the Menstrual Phase (think dark choc, dates, pomegranate) which actually also benefit hormones all cycle round! (Read the full list of hormone-healthy ingredients and how they are supportive of hormone health (below) here)

GET MORE OUT OF THIS RECIPE:

• If you’d like to extend the Best Before of this recipe, omit the pomegranate (as these will go bad in about 3-5 days) — swap for unsweetened dried cranberry, goji berries, or raisins for a similar sweet -pop. 

• Chips are best, but desiccated coconut works well too - give it a toast beforehand

• My preference is 100% (but I'm a bit of a freak), but I used 90% chocolate in this recipe and it was perfect -- the dates add extra (natural) sweetness and the pistachios and coconut give a (natural) creaminess. I'd recommend 90% for all the benefits as well as taste.

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MENSTRUAL PHASE -SPECIFIC

MACROS:

Fats: healthy fats will support hormone production as they begin to rise from their ‘rock bottom’ levels now into the late follicular phase and into ovulation. Fats are also a brilliant source of sustained energy - meaning they will provide long-lasting, (no spikes/ crashes) kinda energy - which suits the mellow, low and slow vibe of this phase. Fat sources in this recipe are the cocoa butter in the dark chocolate, the cocoa / cocoa solids themselves, the pistachio and coconut. 

Carbohydrates: sugars are important for energy, especially in this phase when oestrogen levels are low(er than the rest of the cycle - before they start climbing in a few days). Oestrogen is the usual energy-booster, so carbs provide a boost of energy of this essential macronutrient (glucose), but this recipe is careful to keep the sugar content moderate to support blood sugar levels, subsequent stress on the body and in turn; hormone balance. 

MENSTRUAL PHASE-SPECIFIC INGREDIENTS

>85% dark chocolate: Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content is one of the best sources of magnesium, a mineral that relaxes muscles, reduces cramps, and supports a calmer nervous system during menstruation. It’s also rich in iron, which is essential for replenishing what’s lost through bleeding, and flavonoid antioxidants that improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Together, these properties make it both a comfort food and a functional choice for hormone and menstrual health.

Medjool dates: Naturally high in natural sugars like glucose and fructose, dates provide a quick but stable energy lift, which is especially useful during the menstrual phase when fatigue can be more noticeable. They’re also an excellent source of potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and ease bloating, and fibre, which supports digestion and healthy blood sugar levels. Dates also contain iron and small amounts of B vitamins, both of which aid in red blood cell production and energy metabolism.

Pomegranate: This fruit is rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Its vitamin C content boosts collagen production and supports immune health, while the natural nitrates in pomegranate juice are known to improve blood flow - helpful for circulation and reducing cramps. Pomegranate also supports hormone balance, with compounds that may modulate oestrogen levels in the body.

Pistachios: small but nutrient-packed nuts - a source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, making them excellent for stabilising blood sugar and energy throughout the day. They’re particularly high in vitamin B6, which supports neurotransmitter production (including serotonin and GABA), helping to regulate mood during the menstrual phase. Pistachios also provide magnesium and potassium for muscle relaxation, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that support cellular and hormone health.

Coconut chips: Made from the dried flesh of the coconut, these chips are rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that’s quickly absorbed and used for energy without straining digestion. This makes them a gentle but effective energy source during menstruation. They also contain manganese, which supports enzyme function and bone health, and small amounts of fibre to aid digestion. The healthy fats in coconut help regulate hormones by providing raw materials for steroid hormone production, while their natural sweetness can help reduce the desire for refined sugar.

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Dubai Chocolate Bark

Ingredients:

100g >85% chocolate

3 Medjool dates (stones removes, roughly chopped)

1/4 cup pistachios (roughly chopped)

50g pomegranate arils

A handful of coconut chips (toasted)

Method:

If it’s warm and sunny enough outside, pop the chocolate slab on a lined baking tray and place in the sun to melt naturally. If not, break into pieces and place in a Bain Marie (glass bowl over hot water) and melt slowly. 

Once the chocolate has melted, pour / spread / tip the tray to distribute the melted chocolate out thinly. 

Sprinkle with the chopped dates, chopped pistachios, pomegranate arils and coconut flakes - evenly to cover the entire top of the chocolate. 

Place the tray into the fridge to set hard (about 30-60 min). 

Remove the chocolate bark by lifting the baking paper from the tray, place the paper + choc onto a chopping board and use a large knife to cut angled-pieces of bark. Alternatively, use your hands to snap the bark into abstract pieces. 

Store in the fridge, and consume within 3 days (the pomegranate arils will be best for that long).