I love how amazing new food trends are being created on internet social media websites and some of them go viral and get loads of attention. One of them that is making a huge buzz is around what is called “bark” – layers of yummy foods placed in flat layers on top of each other then frozen. Once frozen the “bark” is broken or cut into squares.

The bottom layer is usually something that can be sliced in flat pieces like dates, chocolate, cottage cheese, banana slices or even strawberries slices. Then layers of yummy things like dried fruit, nuts, seeds, nut butter and coconut is added to create a simple and healthy dessert or snack. Then the whole thing is frozen and broken or cut into pieces.

I have tried a few of these recipes recently and they do not disappoint. Its not every day that a food trend exceeds my expectations, but this viral pecan chocolate bark is definitely a winner. It is the unexpected dessert you will love making and eating! And bright, delicious dried fruits (always in season!) will brighten up your day! I found myself reaching for small bite after small bite of this date chocolate bark it was just so more-ish.

We’ve been down this bark road before with lots of other delicious bark recipes on this blog. Today’s bark is all the way classy made with soft, chewy Medjool dates that taste like sweet, delicate pockets of caramel.

Medjool dates are one powerhouse fruit loaded with vitamins and minerals, no wonder it’s known as the “fruit of Kings” they used to be served only to royalty and we my friends, are ROYALTY.   This sweet treat is a bark fusion layered over a bed of pecans because I love all things pecan.

This chocolaty rich and nutty and sweet and salty, and oh my GOSH, damn good bark is heaven on earth.  There’s enough texture going on between the chunky bites of Medjool dates and the crunchy pecans with the tart cherries that will surely jolt your taste buds and get your attention.  The salty-sweet combination this Medjool bark brings is downright shameless, decadent and indulgent in the best way possible delivered to you in true ‘healthified’ fashion.

If you are someone who craves chocolate candy bars but wants something a bit more wholesome, this bark recipe is a game-changer. What sets it apart is its blend of yummy ingredients that come together in the perfect balance of sweet, salty and crunchy. I’ve taken the flavors I love and turned them into something that feels like a treat but is made with nutrient-dense, clean ingredients. A sprinkle of sea salt ties it all together. And with no refined sugars or artificial ingredients, this bark feels like a healthier alternative, but it’s still satisfying like a candy bar.

Bark is pretty much the easiest sweet treat you can possibly make. Endless flavor possibilities, 3-4 ingredients, 5 minutes to put together and 20-30 minutes to chill. It’s hard to even call this a recipe. In fact, there are really no measurements needed. You can swap out the dried fruit and nuts for whatever fits the occasion or you have on hand. Truth be told, it’s a great way to use up those last little bits in your cupboard!

I will warn you, however, that this delicious bark is addictive. The little pieces just never seem to quite satisfy my cravings but you might have more will power than me!

Dangerously easy to make with endless combinations. Break into bite sizes pieces to share with friends and family, or package into bags to use as a ‘thank you’ gift. Homemade bark is a great way of lifting plain chocolate to a higher level. And the beauty of it doesn’t reside in the end product only.

Making your own healthy bark is such a fun way of being creative in the kitchen and something you can do with children. It’s not as messy as some other desserts, and your kids can let their creativity go wild.

This beautiful date chocolate bark is not only incredibly delicious, but also the perfect plant-based, no-bake dessert or treat you can snack on without a guilty conscience. Try the easy recipe and get inspired by this fabulous trend!

Pecan Date Protein Bark

This Pecan Date Bark recipe is a delicious,easy-to-make treat. Made with wholesome ingredients like pecans, dates, cherries, protein powder and coconut butter, it’s a healthier, more nutritious take on a candy bar.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chocolate date pecan bark, clean eating candy, clean eating dessert or snack, healthy date nut protein bark, pecan date protein bark, viral date bark

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups pecans
• 20 Medjool dates (remove pits)
• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
• 1/2 cup coconut butter –store bought or homemade recipe below in notes
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• Flaky salt

Chocolate Drizzle Topping

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

• Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Or you could use an 8 x 8-inch baking pan or dish.

  Spread out the pecans onto the cookie sheet (or in the bottom of the baking pan) making sure the pecans are positioned on the flat side. You want a rectangle shape with the pecans touching each other.

  Slice the dates down the middle and flatten out. Layer the dates on top of the pecans. Set aside.

  Soften the coconut butter by placing the jar in some hot water for a few minutes. Once softened scoop out ½ cup into a small dish and mix with the protein powder.

  Spoon dollops of the coconut butter/protein mixture over the pecans and dates and spread out as much as you can with a spatula or the back of a spoon, then place in the refrigerator.

Chocolate Drizzle Topping

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a pourable glass jug or small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.

  Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oiltogether.

  Drizzle the chocolate over the pecans and dates covering the entire pan throughout.

  Sprinkle on the tart cherries throughout.

  Lightly dust with flaky salt.

  Place in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes allowing time to set.

  Break apart or cut with a sharp knife, then serve.

  Store leftover bark in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, if it lasts that long.

Notes

Homemade Coconut Butter

If you are anywhere near the health food or fitness circles, you have no doubt heard of coconut oil by now. But have you ever heard of coconut butter? Oh my gosh is it good. It tastes like the most delicious, decadent, oh-so-bad-for-you treat. Except, it’s not. It’s actually good for you. In fact, coconut butter packs a boatload of benefits:

It’s rich in lauric acid, which boosts immunity and destroys harmful bacteria, viruses, and funguses. It actually boosts your metabolism, which aids in weight loss and increases energy levels.

Its a superb ingredient for protecting and replenishing the hair and skin

It’s packed with healthy fats, so you feel full longer.

It’s full of essential amino acids, calcium, and magnesium.

Basically, coconut butter is just plain awesome.

It’s so creamy, buttery, naturally sweet and full of nutrients, and it’s hard to believe that this tasty Homemade Coconut Butter from Scratch is made with one ingredient! You may not know this, but a jar of high-quality coconut butter can be expensive.

Yes, that is one of the reasons that you should make you own - it’s unbelievably easy. Besides being incredibly good for you, coconut butter greatly enhances the creamy texture of desserts, smoothies, ice creams, fudge and hot beverages. Even a spoonful out of the jar is not a bad thing.  😊

Once you start using it, you'll find many other ways to sneak it into your diet.

Go here for the recipe:  Homemade Coconut Butter 

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If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites