New 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 layered in flat pieces like melted chocolate, banana, strawberries or even dates. Then layers of things like peanut butter, dried fruits and nuts are added to create a simple and healthy dessert of snack. 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 date bark is definitely a winner.

If you would like to try a slightly different take on the delicious viral recipe, then you have got to try this super simple dessert or snack creation. This trending recipe combines the classic flavors of chocolate, coconut butter and peppermint flavours, creating a snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious, perfect for when you are craving something sweet.

As well as being really easy to make, this bark is healthier than your average treat as they are made with wholesome REAL food ingredients. With the added protein powder it makes it more balanced than the traditional high carb recipe. Old fashioned candy recipes always had tons of sugar, carbs and fats. The new modern way it to add protein making the recipe more balanced and healthy. Eating protein-rich foods has many health and fitness benefits, including:

Speeding recovery after exercise and/or injury.
Reducing muscle loss
Building lean muscle
Helping maintain a healthy weight
Curbing hunger

A well-balanced diet with proper ratios of macro nutrients (protein, healthy carbs and fats) provides all of the: energy you need to keep active throughout the day. nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness.

When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this recipe by the addition of healthy protein.

Your body can only absorb around 25-30 grams of protein at one time and you  likely need 80-100 plus grams a day so its important to spread it over all meals and snacks throughout the day so you can meet your required amount.

The Layers of Peppermint Bark:

The bottom layer is chocolate chips, coconut oil, protein powder and peppermint extract combined – that’s it! Super simple and makes a great sturdy base.  The top layer is coconut butter, coconut oil, honey and peppermint extract. The top is crushed candy canes for the ultimate pepper-minty kick.

You have to admit, delicious, minty, pieces of chocolatey goodness are hard to resist snacking on. And oh, so popular at holiday time. Or, any time of year when there is a party happening! And because it’s simple to throw together, I happily make it. Not to mention, it’s one of my best-loved indulgences, too.

Keep your supply of healthy peppermint bark in the freezer and take it out just a few minutes before you want to enjoy it. But, I will let you know that a tray of this sweet and minty delicacy disappears very fast!

I can pretty well guarantee this exquisite treat will be quickly enjoyed by guests and family. This peppermint bark can even be frozen so you can make a few batches and freeze them to give as gifts throughout the holiday season.

I think this clean-eating, minty delight is going to become your new favorite. Hands down.

Peppermint Coconut Protein Bark

Peppermint Coconut Protein Bark is a healthy candy with a bottom layer of chocolate then creamy white coconut butter layer on top. The top is dusted with refreshing minty candy canes for a delicious contrast in texture and minty flavor in every bite!

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating candy, clean eating dessert or snack, frozen peppermint protein bark, healthy no cook peppermint candy, peppermint chocolate protein bark, peppermint protein bark, peppermint protein candy recipe

Servings 10

Ingredients

Chocolate Layer

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, your choice – white, dairy free, sugar free, semi-sweet or regular
• 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

White Layer

• 1 cup coconut butter – store bought or healthy homemade recipe below in notes
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Topping

• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

• If you intend to make your own coconut butter for the white layer, make this first so its ready to go when you wish to make the bark. Recipe link below in notes.

  Line a 8 x 8-inch baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.  

Chocolate Layer

• Melt the chocolate chips. You can do this on low heat on the stove-top, or place chocolate chips and coconut oil in 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 oil together.

  Once smooth, add in the peppermint extract and protein powder and stir well. Pour into the prepared pan and refrigerate for 10 minutes - no shorter, no longer (to ensure the bottom layer is not fully set and so the layers stick together).  

White Layer

• While the chocolate is chilling, make the white layer. If the coconut butter is hard, microwave it and stir well until it's smooth and well mixed. Or place the jar in some warm water and it will soften.

  In a bowl, combine the coconut butter, coconut oil, honey and peppermint extract. Stir until smooth.

  Once the 10 minutes is up for the chocolate layer, remove it from the fridge and top it with the white layer, spreading evenly over the chocolate.

  Crush your candy canes by placing them in a Ziplock bag and break apart with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Top the white layer with the crushed candy canes and place back in the fridge.

  Once fully hardened, at least an hour, break or cut into 10 (more or less) pieces.

  Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.

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 

Print Recipe

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