You might have seen mock fruit chocolates doing their rounds on the internet for a while now, it's not a new thing. So, how about trying a version of that, say, watermelon chocolate bark with Silk topping? Made entirely of chocolate with a bit of food coloring, this chocolate bark feels like summer on a plate with the trademark sweet flavor of watermelon in its center. So, you not only get to taste the chocolate, but also feel like you’re having part of the fruit too! While this recipe calls for a drizzle of the smooth and luxurious melted Cadbury Silk chocolate, you can modify that to dot the chocolate bark instead, to resemble the watermelon seeds! This dessert is perfect for parties or a fun kitchen project, and the best part is that it not only looks like a slice of watermelon but also gives your taste buds a refreshing surprise.
Watermelon Chocolate Bark with Silk Topping
Ingredients:
- 3 cups white chocolate or white chocolate chips
- A few drops of green food coloring
- A few drops of red food coloring
- 1/2 tsp watermelon extract
- Mini chocolate chips, to garnish
- Cadbury Silk Chocolate, melted, for drizzling
Instructions:
- Add 1 cup of the white chocolate or white chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Set the timer for 2-3 minutes, then every 30 seconds, pause to stir the chocolate. Tip: White chocolate is more fragile than dark or milk chocolate; be vigilant to avoid burning.
- Remove the melted chocolate from the microwave, add a few drops of the green food coloring, and stir. Add more if needed until you get a deep shade perfect to resemble a watermelon rind.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then pour the green chocolate into it. Spread the chocolate into a large circle (with the center void) about 8 inches wide. Freeze it for 5-10 minutes to set.
- Melt another 1 cup of white chocolate, using the same process. Once the green layer has solidified, pour this batch into the center of the set green layer, leaving about 1/2 inch of green border all around. Spread carefully, then freeze again for 5-10 minutes until firm.
- Melt the final cup of white chocolate. Once melted, stir in the red food coloring, just a drop or two, then add more again to achieve a watermelon-flesh color. Add the watermelon extract and mix well.
- Pour this over the set white chocolate layer, leaving about 1/2 inch of white border all around.
- Immediately sprinkle the mini chocolate chips across the top, which will mimic watermelon seeds.
- Freeze one last time for 5-10 minutes, until fully set.
- Once frozen completely, drizzle it with melted Cadbury Silk chocolate.
- Break it into irregular pieces and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- White chocolate can be a bit tricky to deal with, so make sure you handle it with care, especially while melting. So, here are some tips to get it right:
Tempering White Chocolate
- White chocolate burns easily, so microwave it in short intervals, every 30 seconds, and stir frequently. You can reduce the stirring interval as well to be on the safe side.
- If using a double boiler or double boiler method to melt the chocolate, make sure no water gets into the bowl, or it can ruin the thickness of the chocolate and cause it to clump.
- Add the food coloring after the chocolate is fully melted, preferably use an oil-based or gel food coloring.
Creating the Watermelon Look
- Use an offset spatula to spread the layers cleanly and in circular sections for the rind (green), inner flesh (white), and center (red). You can use a knife, too.
- Don't skip the freezing step between layers, otherwise, the layers won’t be separated and turn into a messy chocolate bark.
The Silk Chocolate Drizzle
- Cadbury Silk chocolate has a smooth and creamy feel, which melts well and complements the fruity watermelon flavor from the extract.
- Melt it carefully, on low heat, and use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle in a zigzag or spiral pattern after the bark has set.
- You can even drizzle a little before freezing the final layer to create a nice marbled effect.