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!
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
