Go Back

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 
Print Recipe